Move over, CAT5 and CAT5e, because CAT6 wiring is here. If you're not familiar with the terminology, CAT5 and CAT6 both refer to categories (CAT is short for category) of Ethernet cables, used for computer networking purposes. CAT5 had a run of many years as the number one standard in the field, and 5e remains the most used wiring. However, increased demands on network bandwidth is causing rapid adoption of CAT6 as the newer, faster standard. This guide will show you what it does and how it's superior to what has gone before.
CAT6 and CAT5 are both standards for Gigabit Ethernet. CAT6 is popular because, among other things, it's backwards compatible with the previous categories, 5 and 3. CAT6 wiring, however, goes CAT5 a few steps better, thanks to its severe specifications for both system noise and crosstalk. Thanks to its performance at 250MHz, CAT6 is perfect for everything from 100BASETX / 10BASET to 1000BASETX / 1000BASET. It also works well with 10 gigabit Ethernet, or 10gBASET standards. There are, however, a few length restrictions with it.
Whereas there is some interference experienced between two twisted pair cables that run parallel to one another when using CAT5e wiring, CAT6 noticeably decreases this interference.
Although the specs are different from CAT5 and CAT3, CAT6 cables look nearly identical to the others. To tell it apart, however, just look for the printing on the sheath of the cable. This will say CAT6 if indeed it is.
Inside the CAT6 cable will be four copper wires, twisted together. these are normally made of 23 gauge wire, although this is not required; it can in some instances be made with either 22 or 24 AWG wire. Either way, it must, of course, meet the testing standards set for the cable.
In many instances, CAT6 is used as a patch cable for 8P8C connectors. This often leads to confusion, with people referring to them as RJ45 connectors--an incorrect identification.
Because of size constraints, there are some CAT6 cables which are too large to connect to 8P8c connectors without a specific modular piece. Also, if you mix two standards together, you don't always have the guarantee that they'll work properly. Usually the performance of the cable's signal path will be reduced to the performance of the lower wire category (For instance, combining CAT6 and CAT5 will give you the performance of the CAT5.).
CAT6 is available in many sizes; the largest currently available is a hundred meters.
A CAT6 cable terminates in either the T568B scheme or the T568A scheme. You can choose which to use according to your personal taste, since both are straight through. Indeed, the two schemes can be safely mixed together. Although there might be a small quality depreciation, it's so small that it might not even be noticeable.
If you're currently using CAT5 cable and are experiencing noticeable bottlenecks in your bandwidth, it might be time to upgrade. Eventually you'll almost certainly need to go to CAT6 wiring. And that time might be now if you're already getting the drag associated with using lots of heavy applications at once.
CAT6 and CAT5 are both standards for Gigabit Ethernet. CAT6 is popular because, among other things, it's backwards compatible with the previous categories, 5 and 3. CAT6 wiring, however, goes CAT5 a few steps better, thanks to its severe specifications for both system noise and crosstalk. Thanks to its performance at 250MHz, CAT6 is perfect for everything from 100BASETX / 10BASET to 1000BASETX / 1000BASET. It also works well with 10 gigabit Ethernet, or 10gBASET standards. There are, however, a few length restrictions with it.
Whereas there is some interference experienced between two twisted pair cables that run parallel to one another when using CAT5e wiring, CAT6 noticeably decreases this interference.
Although the specs are different from CAT5 and CAT3, CAT6 cables look nearly identical to the others. To tell it apart, however, just look for the printing on the sheath of the cable. This will say CAT6 if indeed it is.
Inside the CAT6 cable will be four copper wires, twisted together. these are normally made of 23 gauge wire, although this is not required; it can in some instances be made with either 22 or 24 AWG wire. Either way, it must, of course, meet the testing standards set for the cable.
In many instances, CAT6 is used as a patch cable for 8P8C connectors. This often leads to confusion, with people referring to them as RJ45 connectors--an incorrect identification.
Because of size constraints, there are some CAT6 cables which are too large to connect to 8P8c connectors without a specific modular piece. Also, if you mix two standards together, you don't always have the guarantee that they'll work properly. Usually the performance of the cable's signal path will be reduced to the performance of the lower wire category (For instance, combining CAT6 and CAT5 will give you the performance of the CAT5.).
CAT6 is available in many sizes; the largest currently available is a hundred meters.
A CAT6 cable terminates in either the T568B scheme or the T568A scheme. You can choose which to use according to your personal taste, since both are straight through. Indeed, the two schemes can be safely mixed together. Although there might be a small quality depreciation, it's so small that it might not even be noticeable.
If you're currently using CAT5 cable and are experiencing noticeable bottlenecks in your bandwidth, it might be time to upgrade. Eventually you'll almost certainly need to go to CAT6 wiring. And that time might be now if you're already getting the drag associated with using lots of heavy applications at once.
No comments:
Post a Comment