Cat 6
Ethernet Cables · 9 specs
Direct Answer
Category 6 (Cat 6) is a twisted-pair Ethernet cable standard defined in ANSI/TIA-568-B.2-1. Rated up to 250 MHz, it supports 1 Gbps at 100 meters and 10 Gbps (10GBASE-T) up to 55 meters in low-crosstalk environments, featuring tighter pair twists and a central longitudinal spline separator.
Source: ANSI/TIA-568-B.2-1 (2002) / ISO/IEC 11801 Class E · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| Frequency Bandwidth | 250 MHz |
| Max Data Rate (at 100m) | 1 Gbps |
| Max Multi-Gig Rate (at 100m) | 5 Gbps |
| Max Data Rate (at 55m) | 10 Gbps |
| Max Channel Length (10 Gbps) | 55 m |
| Wire Gauge (Typical) | 23–24 AWG |
| Internal Spline Separator | Yes |
| Standard Connector | 8P8C (RJ45) |
| Channel Classification | ISO/IEC 11801 Class E |
10 Gbps Distance Limitation
Cat 6 can support 10GBASE-T (10 Gbps) Ethernet, but unlike Cat 6a, its 250 MHz bandwidth rating limits 10G performance to a maximum distance of 55 meters (180 feet) under ideal alien crosstalk conditions.
In environments with dense cable bundling or high interference, maximum 10G distance drops to roughly 33 to 37 meters. For distances up to 100 meters, Cat 6 throughput is certified for 1 Gbps (1000BASE-T), 2.5 Gbps (2.5GBASE-T), and 5 Gbps (5GBASE-T).
Physical Construction and Spline
Cat 6 cables typically use thicker 23 AWG copper conductors (compared to 24 AWG in Cat 5e) and feature a central plastic cross-filler (spline) that keeps the four twisted pairs physically separated. This physical separation minimizes Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT) and maintains uniform pair geometry during bends.