Network cables are an important part of any network infrastructure. There are a variety of different types of cables, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common type of network cable is Category 5e. Cat5e cables are capable of speeds up to 1 gigabit per second. They are also relatively inexpensive and easy to install.
Category 6a (Cat6a) cables are the latest and greatest type of cable. They are capable of speeds up to 10 gigabits per second and offer more bandwidth than Cat5e or Cat6 cables. However, they are also more expensive and can be difficult to install. Let’s take a closer look at the specifications.
Cat6a Cable Data Transfer Rates
Cat6a Ethernet Cable is designed for high-speed applications that require lightning-fast data transfer rates. When the length is up to 100 meters or 328 feet, it provides a data transfer rate of 10 Gbps.
The cable’s bandwidth capacity varies between 550 and 750 MHz (depending on the manufacturer). The signal quality is unaffected by the increased bandwidth, and you can connect without interruption.
Types of Cat6a Cable
Cat6a cable comes in the following varieties:
- Cat6a Plenum Cable
- Cat6a Riser Cable
- Cat6a PVC Cable
Cat6a Plenum Cable
The CMP jacket on the Cat6a Plenum Cable is top-rated. This CMP jacket is fire resistant and prevents the spread of flames. During the burning process, the Cat6a Plenum Cable emits no toxicity, such as smoke or other dangerous substances. Because the CMP jacket is UV-resistant, you can use this cable in both riser and outdoor environments. Plenum spaces are not suitable for running ethernet cables or risers due to safety concerns. Cat6a plenum cable has data speeds and bandwidth of 10 Gbps and 750 MHz, respectively.
Cat6a Riser Cable
With a CRM-rated outer jacket, the Cat6a Riser Cable is fire- and UV-resistant. The Cat6a Riser Cable is designed to be run in vertical or riser areas of buildings, as the name implies. When these wires come into contact with fire, they stop it from spreading and release very little smoke and no harmful gases. This cable’s data transmission speeds and bandwidth capacity are respectively 10 Gbps and 750 MHz.
Cat6a PVC Cable
The Cat6a PVC cable is designed for use in outdoor applications. Its PVC-rated outer jacket is UV-resistant, and its thickness provides protection from severe weather. Cat6a PVC cable has data transfer speeds of 10 Gbps and a bandwidth capacity of 750 MHz, respectively.
Conductors for Cat6a Cable
Pure copper and copper-clad aluminum conductors are available in Cat6a cable. Pure copper conductors are considerably superior to copper-clad aluminum conductors in terms of overall performance. When it comes to signal attenuation, pure copper cables have less attenuation, whereas copper-clad aluminum cables have more. Pure copper cables, on the other hand, convert more energy into signals and less into heat, whereas copper-clad aluminum cables do the exact reverse.
Shielded vs. Unshielded Cat6a Cable
Some manufacturers add an extra layer of protection around individual twisted pairs or all four twisted pairs combined to protect conductors from components that mess with signals like crosstalk and electromagnetic interference. A shielded twisted pair cable is a twisted pair of ethernet cables. Unshielded twisted pair cables are ethernet cables that do not have any additional layers of protection. Compared to UTP cables designed for everyday use, STP cables are more expensive and designed for severe conditions.
Cat6a cables must also comply with RoHS. ETL-Listed and UL-Listed certifications are available for the Cat6a cable in terms of safety standards. Cat6a Riser Cable ETL-Listed Ethernet cables are fully safe to install since they exceed severe safety regulations. Variables such as jacket type, STP or UTP conductors, and certifications determine the price.
