Friday, January 7, 2011

Category 6 Cable

Bulk Cat 6 Cable, is the standard for today's high speed gigabit Ethernet networks and is expected to support 10 gigabit ethernet networks in the future while remaining completely backwards compatible with previous network standards. Primarily available in three different types, each Cat 6 cable type having specific pros and cons suited to specific applications. Solid cat6 ethernet network cable, the most commonly used, is comprised of a PVC, Riser, or Plenum jacket and solid core conductors. Solid core conductors allow Cat6 cable to be run long distances while maintaining performance, but reduces flex durability. This makes solid Cat 6 cable perfect for permanent installations. Stranded Cat 6 cable is comprised of a PVC jacket and stranded core conductors making it very flexible. This flexibility allows it to be flexed many times with little or no negative effects on performance, making it perfect for building patch cables. Riser cable is used when running vertically such as between floors of a building. The riser ratings fire retardancy helps prevent fires from spreading by way of the cable. Plenum cable is built with a low smoke, fire retardant jacket that makes it safe for use in plenum air spaces (check your local building codes for plenum requirements).