What is a key characteristic of a Cat 3 jack compared to a Cat 5e/6 jack?

A key characteristic of a Cat 3 jack compared to a Cat 5e/6 jack is that it lacks internal twists to enhance performance. Category 3 cabling, which was primarily used for voice applications and has lower performance specifications, typically does not incorporate the same level of twisting in its pairs of wires that is found in higher category cables, such as Cat 5e and Cat 6.

This twisting of wires is fundamental in reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk between pairs, thus improving overall performance for data transmission. With Cat 5e and Cat 6 jacks, the increased twisting helps support higher data rates and bandwidth, which are essential for modern data communication applications. In contrast, Cat 3's design reflects its historical use in voice applications at lower bandwidths, making it less capable in environments that require the finer performance characteristics seen in newer cabling standards.