Computer Training

Category 6 nnetwork cable, also know simply as Cat 6, is a set of cable standards used in a number of network protocols. Cat 6 cable is a direct evolution from the category 5 and 5e designs, and is also backwards compatible with the older category 3 standards as well. Category 6 cables are used predominantly in the Gigabit Ethernet protocols 1000BASE-T and 1000BASE-TX, although they are also suitable for other protocols, including 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX. Category 6 cables look almost identical to their earlier incarnations, but can be identified through printing on the outside of the cable. The design and development of these kinds of cables are often studied at training colleges around the world, as they represent a large portion of the cables used in computer networks everywhere.

cat 6 cable is a twisted pair cable, that utilises four twisted copper wire pairs. The ANSI/TIA 568-B.2-1 specifications state that all cat 6 cables need to be made with AWG wire that is between 22 and 24 gauge. Most cat 6 cable terminate in 8P8C connectors when they are used as patch cables, although some are so big that it is difficult to attach them without other modular components being introduced. Crossovers are often used for cat 6 cables, whenever they are used for hub to hub or computer to computer connections, or whenever two way communication is necessary. Some of the intricacies of crossover technology, along with their installation procedures and difficulties, are studied by network administrators and technicians over the Internet or in dedicated training centres around the world.

There are a number of resources available to anyone wanting to learn the ins and outs of computer network cabling, including both traditional courses at colleges and new online training opportunities. The networking of computers is a huge subject that involves training in a number of different cable specifications and transmission protocols, with the cat 6 cable being one of the major technologies covered in most courses. Despite the many advances in wireless technology during recent times, physical communication cables are still used by the majority of computer networks, and will continue to be studied for some time to come.