Cat6 (Category - 6), is a cable standard for Gigabit Ethernet and other network protocols that is backward compatible with the Category 5/5e and Category 3 cable standards. Cat-6 features more stringent specifications for crosstalk and system noise.

The cable contains four twisted copper wire pairs, just like earlier copper cable standards. When used as a patch cable, Cat-6 is normally terminated in RJ-45 electrical connectors, although some Cat-6 cable may be difficult to attach RJ-45 connectors without a special modular piece and is technically not standards compliant.

If every bit of information that your company processes is mission critical, you need the performance and reliability that is built into the Cat6. This enhanced Category 6 system was conceived to support the most demanding, ultra-high speed and multi-Gigabit protocols, providing blistering performance.

The cable standard is suitable for 10BASE-T / 100BASE-TX and 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet) connections. It provides performance of up to 250 MHz.

If you plan on running at 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps) or more. Cat6 is better if you are in areas that have lots of interference like near power lines, lights, equipment manufacturing, or a long distance 1000 Mbps (Gigabit) run. CAT 6 cables are great for "future proofing" your installation. They are rated to carry network speeds above 1000 Mbps (Gigabit).

The Cat6 cabling provides bandwidths of 250MHz. By installing Cat6 cabling costs will be significantly reduced. Analyst predictions and independent polls indicate that 80 to 90 percent of all new installations will be cabled with Cat6. The fact that category 6 link and channel requirements are backward compatible to Cat5e makes it very easy for customers to choose Cat6.

Some of the Cat6 systems exceeds all requirements of the TIA/EIA Category 6 standard specifications and delivers 250 MHz or 300 MHz bandwidth, a 25% or 50% increase over the 200 MHz bandwidth of typical Category 6 compliant channels. They provide the performance, throughput and reliability necessary to keep your critical applications operating at peak performance.

For more information on Cat6 cables, please log onto www.mayflex.com

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