Date First Published: 17th May 2022
Topic: Computer Networking
Subtopic: Data Transmission Technologies
Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions
Difficulty: MediumDifficulty Level: 5/10
Learn more about what Cat 2 is in this article.
Short for Category 2, Cat 2 is the second-lowest category of Ethernet cable that supports data transmission speeds of up to 4 Mb/s and frequency transmission speeds of up to 4 MHz. Cat 2 was introduced in the 1980s and designed for IBM Token-Ring Networks and older phone systems. They consist of 8 copper wires in total, with 4 pairs.
Cat 2 is generally unsuitable for data transmission and has never been installed as premise wiring, due to its low speed and it is not an official category standard that is established by TIA/EIA. Official TIA/EIA standards have only been established for Cat 3 cables onwards and most modern homes use Cat 3, Cat 5, or Cat 5e. The cabling of Cat 2 uses unshielded twisted pairs and consists of two insulated copper wires to prevent crosstalk.
On ARCnet and 4 Mb/s Token Ring networks, Anixter Level 2 network was commonly used. In addition, it was used in telephone networks, but is rarely used now.
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