Cat6 Ethernet cable is a type of ethernet cable that is currently in use. It is the sixth generation of ethernet cable. It replaces the Cat5e cable of the fifth generation and is replaced by the Cat6a cable of the sixth generation. Cat6 cable has an elevated connection to new heights. It has a maximum data transfer rate of ten megabits per second across a distance of 100 meters (328 ft).
When it comes to bandwidth, the TIA/EIA specifications for bandwidth capacity for 6th generation ethernet connections are 550 MHz. Our cat6 plenum cable, whether they’re Cat6a Plenum Cable, Cat6a Riser Cable, or Cat PVC Cable, has a bandwidth capacity of 750 MHz, which is about 50% more than industry norms. The signal quality is preserved and you have optimal connectivity thanks to the much-increased bandwidth capacity.
Conductors
The conductor is the most critical component of every ethernet cable. Cat6 cable has up to eight wires neatly packaged together in four twisted pairs. The conductors are divided into two categories:
- Conductors with entirely of copper.
2. Aluminum Conductors with Copper Coating (CCA).
Pure copper conductors are substantially superior to their CCA counterparts and perform far better. Pure copper conductors have up to 55% less attenuation than CCA conductors. The reduction of signal intensity is known as attenuation, and more attenuation indicates poor connection. Furthermore, pure copper conductors offer superior resistance to crosstalk (both next-generation and alien crosstalk) and electromagnetic interference.
The fact that bare copper conductors have reduced DC resistance is another feature that makes them preferable.
Cat6a Cable Features (Cat6a Riser Cable vs. Cat6a Plenum Cable)
When we talk about the Cat6a Cable Features, the only difference between Cat6a Plenum Cable and Cat6a Riser Cable is the jacket material. A CMR-rated jacket is included with plenum cables. CMR stands for Communications Multipurpose Cable, Plenum, and it is the highest jacket material classification.
Fire-retardant characteristics are provided by cable with CMR-rated jackets. During the burning phase, they block the spread of the fire and emit no dangerous substances. UV resistance is also a feature of these wires. A Cat6a Plenum Cable is intended specifically for use in the plenum or horizontal areas of buildings.
Plenum spaces are horizontal areas intended to allow air to move freely for cooling and heating. You can only install a plenum-rated cable in these locations due to the greater air pressure. Cat6 Solid Copper Cable plenum black can also be used in riser and outdoor environments, which is important to note. It cannot, however, be reversed. A CMR-rated jacket is applied to a riser cable.
CMR stands for Communications Multipurpose Cable Riser, and it is the ethernet cable’s second-highest jacket grade. In the riser or vertical spaces of the buildings, you’ll run a Cat6a Riser Cable. These are also high-risk environments. CMR cables are also UV resistant and have fire retardant qualities. A CMR-rated wire stops a fire from spreading and produces no harmful substances.
When should Cat6a Plenum Cable be used?
If you need to extend it across the plenum or horizontal spaces of the buildings, you’ll need a cat6 plenum red cable. You may also utilize this cable in riser and outdoor places, as indicated in the preceding paragraphs (however, we recommend against doing it as this cable is much more expensive than the other two variants).
When should Cat6a Riser Cable be used?
If you need to run an ethernet connection in the vertical or riser areas of the structures, you’ll require a cat6a Riser cable. Another thing to take into consideration is putting up the riser cable set. If you are installing your riser cables in an environment in which crosstalk and EMI are common amounts, it is recommended to opt for UTP (unshielded Twisted Pair) cables. If you plan to install your riser cables in an extremely harsh location — in which there is a significant amount of electromagnetic interference then you need to choose STP (shielded twisted pair) riser cables.
Riser cables have two kinds of conductors namely pure copper conductors as well as copper-clad aluminum conductors. It is crucial to point out that copper-clad riser cables made of solid copper outperform CCA cables in all aspects of performance. Ethernet cables are compliant with FCC, CE, CSE ISO/IES standards, are certified by TIA/EIA, and are in compliance with RoHS technology. To ensure superior performance, our ethernet cables go under extensive testing procedures, including fluke testing.
