Cat6 Cabling
With today's evolving needs for higher bandwidth and faster networks, most
companies need to run applications for their day to day activities pushing their
current technology to its limit. Demands such as large file transfers with
gigabytes of mechanical drawings, streamline digital video and audio
conferencing, while installing several applications though the network
simultaneously, can put a strain on a system incapable of handling all these
demands at once. However, with CAT 6, gigabit networking, you can do all of
the above and not have a hic-cup. It compares to replacing one blocked pipe in
your plumbing line and suddenly the flow increases, the transfer is more fluid
and the whole system is improved.
Majority of the network administrators have Category 5e (CAT 5e) cabling
infrastructures in their current existing networks, and have to consider a higherperformance
solution.
The main difference between CAT 5/5e and CAT 6 is the extension of the
bandwidth from 100MHz to 250MHz. In addition, the physical makeup of the
cable allows for better signal to noise ratio with minimal loss which translates to
faster and reliable networks for any current application in the market place
today. Commercial and residential contractors and installers turn to CAT 6 to
future proof network infrastructures. Applications such as VoIP, Video
Conferencing, streaming digital videos are not by-products of the future
anymore. The future is here and the future is now.
There are several noticeable benefits of a CAT 6 solution; backwards
compatibility, ease of installation, higher performance, faster speeds, higher
capacity along with competitive pricing, all play a role in providing contractors
and installers greater flexibility to offer lower bids, win more projects, and gain
the competitive edge. , With this, network administrators can offer a highperformance
solution with updated networks that offers them and their
employers the added peace of mind to concentrate on running their regular day
to day operations rather than worry about the performance of their network.
The general public is aware that CAT 6 primary purpose is to support high
speed data transfers, but the added capability to support high-end security
applications, along with its ability to distribute digital audio and video in
commercial and residential applications is what makes CAT 6 the ideal solution
for all commercial and residential structured cabling needs. 
a. Work Area Equipment
b. CAT 6 Patch Cord
c. CAT 6 Telecommunications Outlet/Connector
d. CAT 6 Cable
e. Transition or Consolidation Point (optional)
f. CAT 6 Patch Panel
g. CAT 6 Patch Cord Horizontal Cross-Connect
h. CAT 6 Patch Cord
i. Telecommunications Room Equipment
To achieve a component-rated CAT 6 system, every component of the system
must be component compliant and backwards compatible. (see Figure 1) The
modular connectors, patch panels, patch cords, and cable must be tested
individually, and each must show their own test results to ensure that the system
will meet TIA/EIA 568-B.2-1 CAT 6 standards. In addition, TIA specifies that
each of the CAT 6 components must be backwards compatible. In order to
achieve backwards compatibility, each component must be component
compliant and will be able to work with lower category rated components.
What this means is that mating a Category 6 patch panel with a Category 5e
patch cord will result in Category 5e performance. And this means that mating a
Category 6 patch panel with a Category 3 patch cord will result in Category 3
performance. The benefit for backwards compatibility allows the contractor and
installer greater flexibility with an open architecture system, so they can easily
change any component without the cost of changing the entire system. Another
key benefit of backwards compatibility is vendor independence. Using different
brands of CAT 6 products in one system gives contractors and installers greater
flexibility when specifying and purchasing CAT 6 products. CAT 6 components
being manufactured today must meet the requirements established by the
Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)–not only for CAT 6
performance compliance, but also for interoperability between different
vendors' products. A tuned system does have advantages and is proven to
produce superior results.
If my installation is designed for CAT 6 link compliance, am I okay? Without a
component compliant solution, the answer is NO. Remember that CAT 6 link
does not see the cross-connect, patch cords, and equipment cords. Patch cords
are thought by many to be a primary weak link in any CAT 6 system. Once you
add in patch cords, equipment cords and the cross-connect, your system may not
achieve CAT 6 performance.
If my installation is designed for CAT 6 channel compliance, am I okay?
Without a component compliant solution, the answer is yes, but if you change
any of the components, modular connectors, patch panels, patch cords, or use a
different brand of CAT 6 cable then your system may not achieve CAT 6
performance.
Are there any CAT 6 systems that are CAT 6 link, channel, and component
compliant? Companies such as Molex offer, a component compliant CAT 6
system that meets today's demands for increased bandwidth and performance
which exceeds requirements of ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2-1. In addition, a family
of tuned and performance matched connectors, patch panels, patch cords, and
cable is essential if you want to deliver superior performance, quality and value
for the complete CAT 6 end-to-end solution.
Component Compliance(definition): A test configuration for each component, modular connectors, patch panels, patch cords, and cable must be tested individually, and each must show their own test results to ensure that the system will meet TIA standards.
As more networks transition over to Category 6 (CAT 6), contractors and installers search for the most reliable CAT 6 solution. CAT 6 component compliance ensures that every component in the structured wiring system, modular connectors, patch panels, patch cords, and cable will meet TIA/EIA
568-B.2-1 CAT 6 industry standards. CAT 6 component compliant products are the best solution for commercial and residential applications.
Permanent Link (definition): A test configuration for a link excluding test and patch cords.
The CAT 6 permanent link test configuration is to be used by installers and users of data telecommunications systems to verify the performance of permanently installed cabling. The permanent link consists of up to 90 m (295 ft.) of CAT 6 horizontal cabling and one CAT 6 connection at each end, and may also include an optional transition/consolidation point connection. The CAT 6 permanent link excludes both the cable portion of the field test instrument cord, and the connection to the field test instrument