There are several decisions to consider when specifying and designing a Category 6 (CAT 6) structured wiring system. In the end, the most important decision for every contractor and installer is that they must install a reliable system that achieves CAT 6 performance. CAT 6 component-rated structured wiring products are the best choice for a CAT 6 system.

To achieve a component-rated CAT 6 system, every component of the system must be component compliant and backwards compatible. (see Figure 1) The modular connectors, patch panels, patch cords, and cable must be tested individually, and each must show their own test results to ensure that the system will meet TIA/EIA 568-B.2-1 CAT 6 standards. In addition, TIA specifies that each of the CAT 6 components must be backwards compatible. In order to achieve backwards compatibility, each component must be component compliant and will be able to work with lower category rated components. What this means is that mating a Category 6 patch panel with a Category 5e patch cord will result in Category 5e performance. And this means that mating a Category 6 patch panel with a Category 3 patch cord will result in Category 3 performance. The benefit for backwards compatibility allows the contractor and installer greater flexibility with an open architecture system, so they can easily change any component without the cost of changing the entire system. Another key benefit of backwards compatibility is vendor independence. Using different brands of CAT 6 products in one system gives contractors and installers greater flexibility when specifying and purchasing CAT 6 products. CAT 6 components being manufactured today must meet the requirements established by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)–not only for CAT 6 performance compliance, but also for interoperability between different vendors’ products. A tuned system does have advantages and is proven to produce superior results.

If my installation is designed for CAT 6 link compliance, am I okay? Without a component compliant solution, the answer is no. Remember that CAT 6 link does not see the cross-connect, patch cords, and equipment cords. Patch cords are thought by many to be a primary weak link in any CAT 6 system. Once you add in patch cords, equipment cords and the cross-connect, your system may not achieve CAT 6 performance.

If my installation is designed for CAT 6 channel compliance, am I okay? Without a component compliant solution, the answer is yes, but if you change any of the components, modular connectors, patch panels, patch cords, or use a different brand of CAT 6 cable then your system may not achieve CAT 6 performance.