What are Category 6 Cables?
Identifying the appropriate cable can help you identify the proper cable. In today’s world, most networks are based on Ethernet. Even the world’s most advanced networks use gadgets that require an Ethernet connection. It would be best if you decide which Ethernet cables you will use in your network, and the easiest way to do so is to compare the two most commonly used cable types in all applications: Cat6 Plenum Bare Copper and Cat6A. This quick summary will go over the key distinctions to assist you in making those choices.
After thoroughly understanding the fundamentals of cat 6 plenum cables, let’s choose the appropriate cable for your needs.
Differences between Cat6 and Cat6A:
- Cat6 Plenum Copper:
For new installations, Cat6 Plenum Bare Copper Cable is the de factor standard Ethernet cable. It’s backward compatible with older versions and the cheapest Ethernet capable of 10 Gbps speeds. It puts it much more than typical voice and data uses, which is why it’s so common.
Cat6 can reduce crosstalk thanks to these qualities. In addition, it allows for 10 Gbps at distances of up to 55 meters. In short, Cat6 meets modern standards. As a result, cat6 is used unless a network has unique requirements.
- Cat6A Plenum Copper
Cat6A’s “A” stands for “augmented.” Cat6A is compatible with older Cat6 but runs at a higher frequency of up to 500 MHz. The additional bandwidth increases the cable’s distance for maintaining 10 Gbps — up to 100 meters.
Two extra twists are included in Cat6A. First, it increases the cable’s durability and resistance. It thickens and weights the cable but eliminates alien crosstalk.
- Cat6 is enhanced by providing you with more speed, which includes performance improvement over crosstalk.
- Also, plenum cables use insulation made of FEP and low smoke flame retardant PVC jackets.
- It effectively stops fires from spreading and produces less harmful smoke.
Applications of cat6 cable:
Data centers are among the most prevalent applications under Cat6. Many hospitals and educational facilities fall within this category of cable plenum. Cat6A Plenum Pure Copper is the cable of preference for uses outside the usual data services, even if you wouldn’t need the extra protection. Applications like automation, CCTV, security systems, and PoE benefit from Cat6A’s increased bandwidth.
Because of the increased cable bulk, switching and other densely packed network stations may be unable to use it. In addition, cat6A has an entirely different package than ordinary Ethernet. These considerations are especially significant when assessing the optimal uses for each cable.
Conclusion:
The distinctions between Cat6 and Cat6A are significant. Cost is an apparent factor in determining which cable is utilized in a given application. When developing and building networks, The individual advantages of every cable typically decide the decision for you. Cat6A will do the job if you require extra shielding, greater operational distances, or PoE operations. Cat6 is the easiest choice if you have a small capacity or a low cable density.
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