Difference between Cat6 Vs Cat6a Cable

There are numerous networking cables and devices available in the Ethernet market. Cat6 and cat6a cables are the most often used network cables for creating a local area network system. By name, both cables appear to be nearly identical. However, there are a number of technological variances that make them, in some ways, superior to one another. This quick reference will explain the differences between cat6 and cat6a Ethernet cables.

Ethernet wires can be compared to your network’s plumbing network. In general, better Ethernet connections can boost network performance. When it comes to performance, speed, cross talk, and other factors, Cat6 and Cat6a cables are cutting-edge and efficient. The most advanced version is Cat6a.
Cat6 Cables:
Cat6 cables have been the industry standard in Ethernet cabling for high-speed Ethernet networks for a long time. Cat6 cables are capable of supporting the high speeds required by the 10G Ethernet standard. Cat6 cables, in addition to improved speeds, allow for two-way communication due to the tighter twist in the Ethernet wires.

Cat6a Cables:
Cat6a is the most efficient Ethernet cable currently available. It has the same 10 Gbps speed as Cat6 cable, but it can transmit data over a larger distance of 330 feet. The overall frequency of Cat6a cables is 500 MHz, which is double that of Cat 6. Cat 6a connections are capable of delivering lightning-fast internet rates.

Similarities:
All Cat6 and Cat6a cables are ideal for use in an office network. It all depends on the preferences of the clients. cat6a use the same RJ45 connector type. However, Cat6 uses RJ45 in particular (8P8C). These cables have the same performance distance, which is 328 feet.

Differences:

• Cat6 cables are preferred for connecting phone lines and wiring home networks, however Cat6a cables are not.
• Cat6 cable typically uses 23-AWG conductor while cat6a cables, on the other hand, use 22-AWG wires because they are made up of four twisted pairs of copper wires.
• Cat6 cable can support networks with speeds of up to 1GB per second. Cat6a cables, on the other hand, can enable networks with speeds of up to 10Gbps.
• Cat6 cables have a slight price difference, however Cat6a cables are more expensive because of their advanced features.
• The Cat6a is significantly larger and heavier than the Cat6. Cat6a cables take up more space and have a bigger bend radius than Cat6 cables due to their bulkiness.

Which Cable Is the Best for You?

If you need greater performance for applications like audio and video processing and editing, file transfers and so on, or if you expect to need faster speeds in the future, Cat 6 or Cat 6a cables are a wise investment to your network infrastructure.