Internet uses the Cat 6 (Category 6) protocol. It enables 10 Gigabit data transmission speeds and runs at 250 MHz. Compared to Cat 5e, the highest pace of Cat 6 is a factor of ten times quicker.

Cat 6 wires appear the same as Cat 5 and Cat 5e cords from the outside. They are backwards interoperable with Cat 5/5e Ethernet networks and make use of the same RJ45 connections. Cat 6 lines maintain the same "twisted pair" cabling configuration with eight interior conductors internally. The main distinction between Cat 6 and Cat 5 is that Cat 6 works at a frequency of 250 MHz as opposed to Cat 5 and 5e's frequency of 100 MHz. Cat 6 connections are able to transmit data more rapidly because of the greater frequency.

Cat 6 vs Cat 6a

Cat 6 has a version with speed enhancements, just like Cat 5. The variation is known as Cat 6a (rather than Cat 6e). The highest data transmission rate of 10 Gbps is supported by Cat 6a, which works at a frequency of 500 MHz, which is twice that of Cat 6. The distinction is that while Cat 6a supports 10 Gbps for 100 meters, Cat 6 can only transfer data at 10 Gbps for 55 meters (180 feet) (328 feet). Over 55 meters, a Cat 6 connection will still function, but the performance may decrease.

For almost two decades, Cat 5e was the most widely used Ethernet standard, but many contemporary LANs now use Cat 6 or Cat 6a connections. Cat 6 wire is required to transmit data over 1 Gbps even if the network hardware does not handle 10 Gbps transmission rates. Although Cat 6 connections typically cost more than Cat 5/5e cables, deploying new Ethernet lines again can be time- and money-consuming. Therefore, equipping a network with quicker Ethernet connections usually justifies the additional cost.