Like Ethernet cables, we use patch cables in our everyday lives. Yet, very few people can discern that the cable they are using is nothing but a patch cable. After the rise of Cat6 Patch Cables, many people started preferring Ethernet cables to get seamless connectivity across their networks.
Well, there are many different categories in patch cables. It includes Cat5e, Cat6, Cat7, and Cat8. What’s more, their performance also differs a lot. For example, the Cat7 patch cable can support up to 60MHz bandwidth and 10Gbps speed.However the Cat5e patch cable can support up to 100 MHz bandwidth and 100MBPS speed.
As a result, things can become further complicated, especially for new users. They cannot figure out the meaning of the Cat6 patch cable. Moreover, one question always remains a mystery in their mind. Should I use Cat6 patch cable in office spaces? Let’s find out!
What Is a Cat6 Patch Cable?
A patch cord or patch cable is a simple cable that has connectors at both ends. What’s more, we can use this cable to form a connection between a power source and an end unit.
In today’s world, connectors and correct cable types are the need of every office space. After all, local area networks (LANs) and high-end data networks work on these two elements.
So, what exactly is a Cat6 patch cable?
Well, the Cat6 patch cable is a standardized cable for Ethernet. It must meet more stringent specifications for crosstalk and system noise and the standard specifies performance of up to 250 MHz . You may find on the cable sheath, there is a printing for identification. In simple words, it is a category available in patch cables.
This cable has more tight windings than Cat5e patch cables. Besides, the Cat6 patch cable also features braided shielding or outer foil. This shielding works as a protective cover to help secure twisted pairs of wires against any damage. What’s more, it also helps reduce noise interference and prevent crosstalk.
Cat6 patch cables are often suitable in offices and stores to cover short and large distances.
Benefits of Using Cat6 Patch Cables in Offices?
Cat6 patch cable can serve as the best standard to have in today’s cable installations. It offers higher bandwidth and faster data transfer than that of Cat5e. Are you planning cable infrastructure for office space? Then, it is crucial to get the correct cable type.
Cat6 patch cables have many notable benefits in this regard. This cable works as the best source for both data transmission and connectivity.
The below points make this cable an excellent choice for office cable infrastructures.
1. Cable Management
Today’s workplaces and smart offices need more flexibility. Many people get their offices built or redesigned by keeping flexibility in mind. And when it comes to flexibility, we cannot overlook the role of cable infrastructure.
Cat6 patch cables let you adopt proper cable management. You can use patch panels to keep all cables in place. We usually place these panels close to the equipment. Thus, it allows using short patch cables to make connections between different devices.
In workplaces, employees need to move from one place to another. Be it for attending a new meeting or using a new desk, this movement is part of every office space.
Cat6 patch cable offers better connectivity. It gives you an entire gigabit network in a minimum device setup. All you need is a Cat6 patch cable, switches, patch panels, routers, and interface cards.
2. Performance and Speed
Cat6 patch cable gives excellent network performance and gigabit speeds. Technology experts know this fact better than anyone else.
Cat6 patch cable consists of eight wires. These wires are coiled, thereby creating four pairs of twisted cables. Moreover, the unique design of the Cat6 patch cable allows each pair to insulate from the other. Thus, it offers a high-end communication capacity.
Technically, the Cat6 patch cable can support 250 MHz bandwidth. Besides, it can offer 1GBPS speed for up to 100 meters. That’s an incredible bandwidth! And speed, too!
This speed and bandwidth form a fantastic combination. It is enough for any office space with a small-scaled network.
With this much speed, you can enjoy seamless collaboration over online tools. So, be it an online webinar, meeting, or a simple Skype call! What’s more, it will allow you to access and store massive files on cloud storage. In offices, employees can share large documents without relying on USB drives. And much more!
So, if your recent network fails to perform at an effective rate, think of upgrading to Cat6 patch cables. Even small offices are shifting to this model since it is growing as the new industry standard.
3. Trouble-free Maintenance
You can achieve a structured cabling system within your office space. It is very much possible with the help of Cat6 patch cables.
This form of cabling system offers a comprehensive cable infrastructure. Besides, it can also lessen maintenance needs.
Cat6 patch cables serve as a long-term solution from the maintenance viewpoint. It saves you from those annoying cable clusters. Besides, it also keeps your maintenance costs low to zero.
Unlike concealed cables, Cat6 patch cables are easy to work with at any time. Let’s say there is a problem in a particular part. You can troubleshoot and fix it without breaking your entire cable network.
4. Highly-Adaptable
You can add any number of devices to your network with the help of the Cat6 patch cable and patch panel. You don’t have to run new cables from one end to another. That proves how effective Cat6 patch cables are in today’s scenario.
5. Backward Compatible
Backward compatibility plays a vital role in cable development. Cat6 patch cable is backward compatible, meaning that it can use the same 8-pin modular interface. In short, you don’t have to get new hardware when upgrading to the Cat6 patch cable for Cat5e networking.
If your office has any previous cable category installed, you can still use their ports to connect the Cat6 patch cable.
6. Easy to Upgrade
Upgrading your current network is not hard. You may fail to utilize the Cat6 patch cable to its full potential unless you upgrade the whole network. It’s challenging to get full speed if other network units don’t support gigabit speeds.
Thus, businesses should think of upgrading their offices to a new cable infrastructure. Getting Cat6 patch cables is the best option since it is emerging as a new standard.
Should You Get Cat6 Patch Cable for Office Work?
We often use the word “future-ready” or “futureproof” to describe rapid developments that might occur in the future. So, is the Cat6 patch cable futureproof?
Of course, it is future-ready! Even though there is a “Cat6a” category, it might take time to make it part of the mainstream. This cable supports 500MHz bandwidth with a data speed of almost 10GBPS. Yet, it is pretty expensive too.
Thus, for small businesses, it is worth investing in Cat6 patch cables. This cable can fulfill all requirements of a typical office setup.
Final Thoughts!
By now, you know how crucial Cat6 patch cables are in any office environment. This cable can have the desired impact on your current office network.
Yet, it is equally essential that you buy these cables from a reputed cable supplier, like NewLinko. NewLinko can offer you Cat6 patch cables in custom lengths and colors. Want to get expert help with your doubts? Feel free to talk with our team!