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What Is Cat 4?

What Is Cat 4

Date First Published: 21st May 2022

Topic: Computer Networking

Subtopic: Data Transmission Technologies

Article Type: Computer Terms & Definitions

Difficulty: Medium

Difficulty Level: 5/10

Learn more about what Cat 4 is in this article.

Short for Category 4, Cat 4 is a type of Ethernet cable that supports data transmission speeds of up to 16 Mb/s and frequency transmission speeds of up to 20 MHz. Cat 4 consists of eight copper wires that are arranged in four unshielded twisted pairs. It was used for Token Ring, 10BASE-T, and 10-BASE-T4 networks for a short period of time and was the first to support digital voice communications. However, it was quickly superseded by Cat 5 due to speeds of up to seven times faster and longer distances. It is the second official category that was established by TIA/EIA standards.

Is Cat 4 Still Used?

Cat 4 cables may still be found in older buildings where higher category cables are too expensive and speed is not a concern. Cat 4 cables are rarely used now, but they may still be used by older telephone systems.


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