Channel Rated Vs Component Rated

 You may have noticed that Cat 6 products are often listed as "Channel Rated" or "Component Rated", the difference can be confusing.

In Premises Wiring terms a Channel is defined as the entire run of cabling including the patch cords and there is a specific test that is performed to certify Cat 6 Channel compliance. When a manufacturer lists a product as Channel Rated they are saying that the product will achieve Channel compliance when used with their other products in a Cat 6 Channel. There is also a specification for each individual component of a Cat 6 Channel. These specifications are much more difficult to test because Cat 6 field testers are configured to test a whole system not just a component. When a product is Component Rated it is assured of being interoperable with other manufacturer's products within a Cat 6 Channel, meaning that you can "mix and match" products and still achieve Cat 6 Channel compliance. Click Here for more information on Component Rated patch cables.