Ethernet cabling is placed into categories that define the quality of both the cable as well as related connection hardware such as faceplates, modular connectors and patch cables.
Several categories of UTP and related connection hardware are defined for a structured cabling system. Several cable suppliers now offer the STP equivalent of Category 6 cables and connection hardware. Each category is briefly defined below.
Category 5e
The Category 5e standard was formally defined in 2001.
Category 5e represents an incremental improvement over Category 5 with tighter specifications designed to support full-duplex Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet. Most current MICROS terminals support Gigabit Ethernet.
Category 5e cable performance characteristics and certification methods are defined in ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2-2001.
Category 6
Category 6, ratified in June 2002 (ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2-1), provides higher performance than Category 5e with more stringent specifications for crosstalk and system noise in addition to supporting a bandwidth up to 250Mhz. Category 6 cable is standardized for Gigabit Ethernet, a port included on all current MICROS workstations.
Category 6a cable, or Augmented Category 6, was defined in February 2009 in ANSI/TIA-568-C.1 and is characterized to operate at 500 MHz with improved alien crosstalk characteristics.
Ensure the installation and termination of Category 6 or 6a cables and connection hardware meet the required specifications.
In sites with a high amount of electromagnetic interference (EMI), shielded cables are required. The shielding reduces the effect of EMI on data carried by the cable. Maintain the shielding from one cable end to another using a drain wire in the same sheath as the twisted pairs.