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A Category 6 cable (Cat 6 cable) is a type of twisted pair cable standard used specifically in gigabit (Gb) Ethernet-based computer networks. In 2002, it was jointly defined and specified by the Electronics Industries Association and Telecommunication Industries Association (EIA/TIA).
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The Cat 6 cable is fully backward compatible with previous versions, such as the Category 5/5e and Category 3 cabling standards.
Techopedia Explains Category 6 Cable
A Cat 6 cable is used mainly for computer networks reaching a Gb, 1000 Mbps or one Gbps of data transfer speed (DTR) or higher. Characteristics are as follows:
- Consists of four pairs of copper wires, which are all utilized for data transfer
- Provides bandwidth of 250 MHz, speed up to 10 Gbps and may be stretched to 100 meters in length
- Provides more enhanced crosstalk and attenuation protection than its previous twisted pair cable versions.
The Cat 6 cable is supported by Ethernet networks, including 10BaseT, 100Base-TX, 1000 Base-T and 10 GBase-T.
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