Final answer:
Cat 6 cables are Ethernet cables used for networking and can support up to 10-Gigabit Ethernet. They are not exclusively designed for full-duplex operations, don't use 4b5b/NRZI M=2 line coding, are not suitable for outdoor installations without protection, and are primarily used for data, not power transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question revolves around the characteristics of Cat 6 cable, which is a category of twisted pair Ethernet cable used in computer networks. The correct characterization of a Cat 6 cable is that it:
- Is designed to operate at a frequency of up to 250 MHz, which is higher than previous versions like Cat 5 or Cat 5e.
- Can be used for 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX (Fast Ethernet), 1000BASE-T/1000BASE-TX (Gigabit Ethernet), and 10GBASE-T (10-Gigabit Ethernet).
- It is not specifically designed only for full-duplex operations or in conjunction only with switches; however, full-duplex performance is more efficient and commonly utilized with switching.
Now, examining each option provided:
- Option A is incorrect because Cat 6 cables can work in either half or full-duplex, and they are not exclusively designed to operate in full-duplex mode only with switches.
- Option B is incorrect because 4b5b line coding and NRZI M=2 are not typically used in Cat 6 cables; instead, Cat 6 typically uses TIA/EIA-568-B wiring standards.
- Option C is incorrect as standard Cat 6 cables are not rated for outdoor use without additional protection like weatherproofing — outdoor installations usually require specialized cabling.
- Option D is wrong because Cat 6 is primarily used for data transmission rather than power transmission, although with Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, it can also carry electrical power to devices.