Cat 6A Cabling: Benefits, Cautions And Use-Cases
Cat6A Cables- Within the ever-changing realm of high-speed communication, copper cable classes have become very popular. One such cable that has emerged as a reliable solution is Cat6A Cables. Be it for new installations or updating current infrastructure, Cat 6A is the finest option.
In addition to being the cable of choice for now, it is also the standard for future-proof cabling infrastructure. Wondering if Cat 6A cables are worth it? Are there any differences between Cat6 and Cat6A cables? Well, to help you, here is everything you need to know.
How is Cat6 Cables Different from Cat6A Cables?
Cat6 Cables and Cat6A cables are considered siblings. They have many similarities in many ways. However, Cat6A can still be differentiated in terms of:
Cat6A cables speed up to 100 m in distance, while Cat6 can only last up to 33-55 m.
Compared to Cat6, Cat6A cables are twisted tighter and are thicker and bulkier.
Compared to Cat6, Cat6A is more durable and has a larger bend radius, thanks to its bulkier nature.
What are the Different Types of Cat6A Cables?
With enhanced sixth-generation ethernet cable technology, Cat6A Cables are popular for providing super-fast data transfer rates. The Cat6A letter stands for:
Cat- Category
6- Augmented
A- Generation
Besides, there are various types of Cat6A cables that you should know about. This includes:
Cat6A Plenum Cable- is a cable with a plenum-rated outer jacket and comes with fire retardant properties. It can be used both in riser and outdoor spaces.
Cat6A Riser Cable- is a cable with a riser-rated jacket and comes with fire retardant properties. However, it emits extremely low-quality smoke as compared to plenum cable.
Cat6A PVC Cable- is a cable with a PVC-rated jacket and comes with UV and sunlight-resistant properties. These are perfect for outdoor installations and protect against hazardous oils.
When Should One Install Cat6A Cables?
Wondering when should one install Cat6A cables in place of Cat6? Installing Cat6A cables is the better option than Cat6 Cables when:
When you plan to purchase a new cable network that is expected to last for at least 5 years or more.
When you aim to upgrade to 10 Gbps speeds over longer run lengths up to 100 m.
When you want to install a less expensive cable solution that could eventually become expensive to replace with a higher-spec connection.
What are the Benefits of Installing Cat6A Cables?
Wondering why you should choose Cat6A cables? Because it brings a wide range of benefits to the table, here are the reasons why you must choose it:
Enhances Network Speed & Reach
The need for data speed and capacity is rising as more and more network resources move to the edge. This also as a result is increasing many issues such as echo loss, external noise, and other errors.
This is where Cat6A cables come as they can overcome these challenges. It is designed to support speeds of up to 10G and a maximum length of 100 m, which is three times faster than Cat6 cables.
Complies with PoE Power Standards
Enterprise networks are constantly integrating different network devices into a single network infrastructure. In this process, OEMs are making the most use of the updated PoE standards.
These standards allow all four cables to double the power delivery for high-power applications. For instance, medical equipment requires more electricity, making Cat6A the best option for such demanding network wiring solutions.
Safety
Another major benefit of Cat6A cable is that it is the most safest and durable. The sheath of the cable is made using PVC CM, which is a novel ecologically friendly material. As a result, it offers superior flexibility, and durability and makes the cable flame-resistant.
Moreover, the cable also goes through Fluke patch cord testing which ensures delivery of a stable network connection. In addition to high-speed network connection, the cable also ensures delivery accuracy and dependability.
Durability
Another benefit of using Cat6A cable is that it is highly durable, thanks to its bare copper conductors that help maintain its quality. These cables are great for extended usage without deterioration, thanks to their strong corrosion-resistance quality.
Bare copper conductors are also flexible and ductile, which makes these cables ideal for use as cable conductors. They can be bent without breaking and don’t generate heat. This, as a result, reduces fire hazards and accidents.
Offers Optimal Performance
Cat6A is great as it offers optimal performance. Compared to Cat6, this cable’s performance is ten times better and double the capacity. It supports bandwidth doubling from 250 MHz to 500 MHz.
Besides, it supports a capacity for 10 Gbps transmission. The best part is that these cables are future-proof network cables. In the future, you’ll not only achieve better performance but also ensure a good return on investment.
Cautions to Avoid with Cat6A Cables
Here are some major cautions to avoid when using Cat6A cables:
Avoid bending and overstretching the cables too tightly as it will damage the internal wires.
Avoid tangling as it will damage the cables leading to signal degradation.
Avoid pinching or crushing the cables as it may damage the insulation and conductors.
Use-Cases of Cat6A Cables
Compared to earlier times, structured cabling infrastructure plays a crucial role nowadays. The need for dependable structured cabling solutions is rapidly growing. This major reason behind this is the availability of high-speed broadband access, the quick increase in interest traffic, the variety of applications requiring a lot of bandwidth as well as the need to link a large number of devices in local area networks.
Without proper structured cabling, all these wouldn’t be possible. This will especially have a great impact on (LAN) Local Area Networks and High-Performance Datacenter Networks. To meet modern-day network needs, this is where Cat6A comes in. Wondering what are the different areas where Cat6A Cables are used? The various applications of these cables are:
i) Data Centers
Cat6A Cables are widely used in data centres as these cables are thicker. Even though it can be challenging to pack into cable-dense situations, this is the exact situation when foreign crosstalk reduction is crucial.
ii) Healthcare Offices & Schools
Cat6A cables are also used in industries like healthcare offices and schools. These industries tend to run on heavy data use and many of the facilities can be connected via 100 m point-to-point connections.
iii) Medium-range Networks
The majority of Cat6A cables are found in medium-range networks as they work with 10Gbps speed. Some other applications supported by this cable are PoE, PoE+, and PoE++, varying from 60W to 300V DC.
iv) Large Campuses
Cat6A cables are also used in large campuses where fibre optics are required, thereby saving infrastructure costs by enhancing the fibre network. Moreover, the cable is also used in areas that go beyond traditional voice and data.
Overall, Cat6A is the core of reliable cabling for increasingly demanding networks.
Enjoy High-performance Connectivity
Don’t forget to buy cables from leading manufacturers and suppliers of Cat6A cables. Be it any cables or electrical accessories, make sure that all the products are of high quality and adhere to all industry standards. When you go with the best cables, you can rest assured you’ll receive the best value for your money.
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