We have become a society that craves instant gratification. A large factor behind this mindset is the ease at which we access information. The digital revolution makes it easier than ever to find news stories, send friends and employers messages, watch television programs, and listen to music. The digital signals that allow us to enjoy all of these conveniences are sent through fiber optics, over the air wirelessly, and with the aid of hardwired cables. It is with these cables that the fastest transmission speeds are often achieved, and Ethernet is the cable of choice. The fastest Ethernet cables to date are Category 6 (and 6A), and are used for several functions.
As the internet became a part of our daily lives and home theater systems and televisions became more and more sophisticated, demand for Ethernet cables rose. Consumers had grown to expect seamless audio and picture, and if this was to continue via digital signals, a cable had to be manufactured that could handle enough bits in a fast enough manner to provide the sight and sound of radio and television waves. Ethernet cables were the answer, a set of unshielded, twisted-pair (UTP) cables that received consecutive category designations as their speeds increased. Eventually, Category 6 was achieved, replacing the previous 5 and 5e standards.
The speed offered by Category 6 cables may suggest popularity amongst office buildings, but they are found most often in the home. Fiber optic and Fast Ethernet networks are usually enough for business settings, while residences require better data transmission speed thanks to the movies and music that people enjoy while in the home. Category 6 cables are best equipped to accommodate movie downloading and viewing.
Of course, computers are also connected to the modem via Ethernet cables, and Category 6 (and 6A) versions offer the utmost in speed. Category 6 UTP cables support 10 Gbit/sec speeds up to around 55 meters. The speed and signal degrade at increased lengths. More simultaneous channels are comfortably handled by Category 6 cables due to their high-speed capabilities.
Category 6 cables are not found exclusively in the home. In Virginia, a hospital equipped the entire building with Category 6 cables so that patients and employees could watch television anywhere in the building. This was one of the first hospitals to do so. Wireless signals will certainly continue to improve in speed and quality as research continues; however, Ethernet cables reach superior speeds, and Category 6 cables are on top.
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