What defines the rated capacity of a cable?

The rated capacity of a cable is primarily determined by its category and construction. This encompasses the cable's specifications, including its materials, the number of conductors, the insulation type, and the intended use as per established standards. For instance, different categories of networking cables, such as Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a, have distinct performance characteristics, including bandwidth and data transmission rates, which are critical for determining how much capacity the cable can handle without degrading performance.

Furthermore, the construction details, such as the twist ratio of the pairs or any shielding present, significantly influence the cable's ability to maintain signal integrity over distance and under various environmental conditions. Thus, understanding the category and construction of a cable is essential in determining its rated capacity for reliable communication in data networks.