When it comes to talking about Cat 6 cable system, it is fundamentally an Ethernet cable as per the Electronic Industries Association’s statement and the Telecommunications Industry Association. This genus of cable is mundanely utilized in a plethora of households and business networks. Additionally, Cat 6 cabling is backward compatible with the formerly existing Cat 5 and Cat 5e standards.
The Functioning Of CAT 6 Cable
Cat 6 alias Category 6 is capable of handling Gigabit Ethernet information rates of 1 gigabit per second. Additionally, these cables can adjust 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections spanning a limited distance of approximately 180 feet for one cable. Cat 6 cables are infused with four pairs of twisted copper wire. In addition to this, all the wires in the cables are employed for procuring high-performance levels. Besides this there are other astounding features that make the cables a best-fitted resolution:
- The past generation of Ethernet cables uses the RJ-145 standard connectors and the same ends are being employed by Cat 6 cable.
- Insulation sheath and the printed text are recognized on Cat 6 cable.
- The advanced version of Cat 6, also known as Cat 6a manages up to 10 Gbps speeds at substantial distances.
How is Cat 6 different From Cat 6a?
The Cat6a acronyms Category 6 Augmented cable standard was designed to further enhance the Cat 6 Ethernet cable performance. With Cat6a 10 gigabit Ethernet data is transferred over a single cable and can run 328 feet. Whereas Cat 6 can manage 10 Gigabit Ethernet over a single cable and can run up to 164 feet. To add, for higher performance Cat 6a cables are slightly expensive and thicker than Cat 6 cables. Not to mention, Cat 6a still employs the standard RJ-45 connectors.
How is Cat 6 cable different from Cat 5e?
The history of cable Ethernet networks result in 2 varied efforts to enhance the previous generation i.e. Category 5 cable standard advanced version is Cat 6 cables. Digging a bit deeper; Cat 5 e had some technical glitches; however, it braces gigabit Ethernet installations at a meagre cost. Similar to the working of Cat 6a plug or Cat 6, Cat 5e embraces a four wire-pair signalling scheme to accomplish its data throughput rates. On the flip side, Cat 5 cables are known to possess four wire pairs but only make use of two of the pairs.
It was realized that Cat 5e has the potency to deliver acceptable performance for Gigabit Ethernet at a price that won’t ask the user to expend an arm and leg. This is why; Cat 5e was highly extolled seeing its tremendous virtues.
Note: In comparison to Cat 5e, Cat 6 is an expensive option. As a result, many people preferred choosing Cat 5e over Cat 6. But with 10 Gigabit Ethernet becoming common and readily available, the indispensability of adopting Cat 6 or Cat 6a became an important need of the hour. Ditching their use essentially meant that users couldn’t relish the numerous benefits of higher speeds.
Other Benefits of Cat 6 Cable System
To future proof the network so that it functions seamlessly for several years, CAT 6A is the choice one should make. You can expect for five or more years the cables to work relentlessly without giving any sort of hassles. This is the worth of the Cat 6 Cable System that can give you rich dividends when you embrace them diligently.
Moreover, the Cat 6 Cable System is largely recommended in the following sectors:
- For new installations in Healthcare.
- In the education sector, you will commonly see the rigorous use of Cat 6 cables.
- It is lauded for furnishing enhanced performance for Power over Ethernet (PoE).
- Cat 6A is hailed for bracing wireless systems that typically rely on 10Gig.
What other factors to consider when procuring Cat 6A cables
The demand for Cat 6A cables has seen a persistent uptrend in the last some years. This stands to reason: the category of these cables is known to give you a reliable experience at all times. Furthermore, the following factors must be considered when picking out Cat 6A Cable:
Shielded vs. Unshielded
The end users are privileged to select from a shielded or an unshielded solution. Throwing light on shielded Cat-6A cables, they generally have an outer foil encompassed around each pair or surrounding all 4 copper pairs. What’s more, modular jacks, patch panels, and outlets are shielded by a metallic housing covering these components.
When it comes to unshielded cables, they have 4 unshielded twisted pairs. Alongside, there is an outer foil shield. For your enlightenment, one of the of-late additions to the CAT-6A is the U/FTP cable.
To wrap up
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