CAT-6

[Also known as Category 6 Cable] A cable standard for Gigabit Ethernet and other network protocols that is backward compatible with the Category 5/5e and Category 3 cable standards.

CAT-6 features more stringent specifications for crosstalk and system noise. The cable standard provides performance of up to 250 MHz and is suitable for 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX and 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet). It is expected to suit the 10GBASE-T (10Gigabit Ethernet) standard, although with limitations on length if unshielded CAT- 6 cable is used.

The cable contains four twisted copper wire pairs, just like earlier copper cable standards. CAT-6 is sometimes made with 23 gauge wire, but may be made with 22 to 24 AWG gauge wire, so long as the cable meets the specified testing standards. When used as a patch cable, CAT-6 is normally terminated with modular connectors referred to as "RJ45" electrical connectors.