Cat6 Ethernet Cables

Cables.com carries Category 5e, Category 6, Category 6A, Category 7, and Category 8 ethernet cables. Category6 network patch cords are considered today's standard for ethernet connections.

Why Category6 Ethernet Cables?

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) released its first official Ethernet standard in 1983. The standard specified the speed of the single band and the maximum length the cable could carry the signal.

Ethernet cables advanced rapidly in speed and bandwidth through Cat 1, an unshielded twisted-pair cable introduced in 1985 with a data rate of one Mbps. Cat 2 followed quickly with a speed of four Mbps. Cat 3 used four twisted pairs and was able to carry 10 Mbps with a 16 MHz bandwidth. Starting with Cat 3, Ethernet cables were able to carry voice, data, and video signals over a single cable. Cat 4 cables were used primarily in “Token Ring” setups and carried 16Mbps.

Since their adoption in the 1990s, Category6 ethernet cables have become the industry standard network patch cord for modern data network installations. Cat6 cables offer up to twice the speed of Category 5e cables and are gigabit rated, which makes them suitable for POE (Power Over Ethernet) devices - no additional cables needed! Our Datacomm Cat6 and Category6A ethernet cables offer a reliable and secure connection between your devices and your home or office connection.

Cat6 Ethernet Cables at Cables.com

When ordering your ethernet cables, you probably have the option to choose between bootless connectors and connectors with snagless boots. Bootless Network Cables (also known as assembly type) ensure a snug fit in all receptacles for all applications including high density network switches, where they are recommended. Cat6 Cables are used in Data Centers, network cabinets, and offices to connect printers, computers, and POE switches.

Ethernet cables featuring snagless boots are meant to provide a more secure fit in all receptacles in order to avoid the likelihood of an accidental disconnect, which makes them suitable for all applications except high density network switches, wherein they are not recommended due to space constraints. The molded snagless boot is also ideal when you are plugging and unplugging your booted Category6 ethernet cable often, which results in strain on the connector clip.

If limited space is a concern in your data center, we have good news: you can purchase your Cat6 ethernet cable with a slim 28awg jacket, which occupies only half the space of a traditional network patch cable at a diameter of just .149 inches in diameter. They're excellent for use in high density racks in offices and data centers and allow for better air flow and organization.

But what if limits on space mean your cables need to be run outdoors? Cables.com has you covered with outdoor Cat6 ethernet cables that are sure to withstand the added wear and tear of outdoor installation. You can be sure that the high quality HDPE jacket of the cable will withstand years of harsh weather, whether in your backyard, around the siding of your house, or in a factory setting. They are built with RJ45 connectors, and 550 Mhz rated wire.

With so many options, it's understandable that you might not be sure where to start. Cables.com wants to make your cables-shopping experience as straightforward and convenient as possible. Use our Quick Patch Finder tool to narrow your options down based on your cables need. We make it easy and affordable for cable and network installers to find and buy the high-quality Category6 cable they need for any installation. 

Have more questions? We'd like to hear them! You can Contact Us directly using our webform, or send us an email at sales@cables.com. We can also be reached by phone at 1-800-372-3725, or 631-617-5190.

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