Category 6a cable, also known as augmented Cat 6, is a 4-pair Ethernet cable that is typically used for 10 Gbps (10 gigabits per second) networks. Like regular Cat 6 cable, Cat 6a wiring is known for its Gigabit speed capability at a full 100-meter cable run.
Category 6a cabling performance is defined for frequencies up to 500 MHz — twice that of Cat 6. Because Cat 6a cables use the RJ-45 connector (just like Cat 6, 5e, and 5), Category 6a cables are fully backward compatible with all the previous categories, including Category 6 and 5e. Any equipment with a standard RJ-45 network port will accept Category 6a wiring.
Category 6a: STP vs UTP
Cat 6a cables can be purchased in shielded (STP) and unshielded (UTP) versions. Something to be concerned about if using non-shielded Cat 6a is Alien Crosstalk (ANEXT) on high frequencies. ANEXT is crosstalk that occurs between adjacent cables and connecting hardware. ANEXT is not really an issue at the lower frequencies of Cat 5e and Cat 6 cabling. It’s an issue with Cat 6a cable because of the higher frequency signals in use. In fact, ANEXT is the limiting noise source for systems built with UTP Category 6 wiring.
Data Cable Installation
In order to mitigate ANEXT in a UTP Category 6a cabling setup, structured cabling system vendors have been forced to develop unique cable installation designs that avoid noise in creative ways. For example, because ANEXT is increased when adjacent cables are closely bundled, Category 6a cables should be laid loosely in pathways, not bundled tightly.
Of course, the easier solution to problems with ANEXT is to use shielded STP Cat 6a cabling instead of unshielded UTP. The shielding in STP cabling makes the cables heavier and less flexible, but the shielding that surrounds the pairs of wires creates sufficient isolation to eliminate ANEXT.
Things to Consider
If you are installing an Ethernet network, you’ll need to make a decision about the type of cable to use for the permanent connections between your network and far-end equipment such as PCs, VoIP telephones, WAPs, network printers, and so on. The biggest distinction of Category 6a wiring is its top speed at higher frequency. If you want a 10Gbps cabling infrastructure, then Cat 6a STP is the best choice for your infrastructure needs.
Trust The Experts
Making these decisions may sound like a daunting task – Voicecom Plus is here to help! We’re one of the top structured cabling companies in the Tri-state area! We’ve been providing network data cabling solutions to businesses for decades.
We have worked with and recommended all types of cabling, including cat 5, cat 5e, cat 6, cat 7 cable & more! We’re able to evaluate your needs and make a recommendation for the best cabling for your business’s needs.
If you’re getting ready to redo your current network infrastructure or need to build out a new one, contact us for a Cat 6a installation proposal for your network.We’re the voice and data cabling contractors you can rely on!