Tag Archives: Cat6 cable

Cat6 vs Cat6a Cable: How They Differ From Each Other?

An Ethernet cable, one of the most commonly used network cables in wired networks, connects devices in local area networks, such as computers, routers and switches. In the past few years, Cat6 cables and connectors have become a necessity for new buildings to support Gigabit network applications and to support up to 250MHz of bandwidth. Subsequently, the Cat6a, which supports the data rate of 10G to 100 meters and the bandwidth of up to 500MHz, has been popular, becoming a new requirement for many data centers, hospitals and universities. Cat6 and Cat6a may be the two most commonly used standards for Ethernet cables.

What Is Cat6 Cable

Cat6 cables can improve interference and crosstalk, and support the maximum speed of 10Gbps, with a maximum length of 50M. The Cat6 cable uses RJ-45 connectors to make it fully compatible with the old IT devices and computers.

cat6 vs cat6a: cat6 cable

Figure 1: Cat6 Cable

What Is Cat6a Cable

Cat6a cable is an upgraded version of Cat6 cable that supports 10Gbps running over 100M with a maximum bandwidth of 500MHz. Cat6a is significantly thicker than Cat6 cable because of the increased insulation of cables, which helps to reduce crosstalk between other cables. This is also one of the few drawbacks of using Cat6a cables, because it requires extra space in pipes, cable bridges and cabling racks. Cat6a is backward compatible with Cat6 and Cat5e cables, using the same RJ-45 connector.

cat6a cable

Figure 2: Cat6a Cable

Cat6 vs Cat6a: What Are the Differences?

After learning about the Cat6 and Cat6a cables, our next question is, what are the differences between them?

Performance

Cat6a is an improved version of Cat6 routing and can provide better performance. Its cabling is a bit complicated. The rated speed of Cat6 cable is 1Gbps, while the rated speed of Cat6a cable can reach 10Gbps. Because its working frequency is 500Mhz, which is two times that of Cat6 cable running at 250Mhz.

Crosstalk Prevention

Cat6a cables are also stricter in shielding and protecting foreign crosstalk. Crosstalk occurs when a signal from a cable is leaked to another cable. This will distort signals by introducing noise and force network devices to work at a slower speed. As a result, the Cat6a cable is stricter in shielding and protecting external crosstalk, so the Cat6a cable will work better with a lot of other cables.

Cost

As always, the reason why making full use of Cat6a cable is not yet realized is the cost. The cost of a single Cat6a cable is two times more than that of a Cat6 cable, not to mention the cost of equipment that works in 10Gbps. As expected, 10Gbps connections will become standardized and affordable in five to ten years. Only then would it be worthwhile to invest in expensive Cat6a cables when cabling a house or any structure under construction.

Conclusion

All in all, there are many differences between Cat6 and Cat6a cables, and you should make decisions according to your needs. If a project requires 10Gbps over longer distances, Cat6a is a better choice. If a project requires capability to project against crosstalk and provide better performance, also Cat6a is a good choice. However, if a shielded cable isn’t necessary, and a lighter option will operate best, Cat6 is you first choice. For Cat6 and Cat6a cables, if there is any need or doubt, please feel free to contact us. FS.COM is looking forward to helping you solve your problem.

The Advantage of Slim Cat6 Cable

Introduction of Slim Cat6 Cable

Slim cat6 cable is the thin version of cat6 cable, which is designed to meet the requirement of Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) since the rapid development of today’s network. Cat6 is a patch cable used to connect electronic devices in local area networks such as routers, computers and company intranet, for carrying broadband signals between the devices. This sixth generation of twisted-pair network cable can support speeds up to 10Gbps and is able to operate at up to 250MHz with an improved design of thicker-gauge wire and increased shielding. This can guarantee data integrity simultaneously.

Advantages of Slim Cat6 Cable

Slim cat6 cable is commonly constructed of 28 AWG(American Wire Gauge, a standard to distinguish the diameter of individual wire ) wire. The slim patch cable is almost 36% thinner than other network cable constructed of 24AWG copper conductors. The relationship between wire gauge and wire diameter is inverse, which means the gauge is smaller and the diameter of the wire is larger. For example, with 24AWG copper conductor, the outer diameter of a typical cat6 cord is 0.235 inches. However, the cable constructed of 28AWG copper wire is significantly smaller in diameter. With copper pairs of this type, cat6 cable cord with 28AWG wire is 0.15 inches in outer diameter. Therefore, using slim cat6 cable can optimize network. It provides many benefits as followed.

  • Reduce space

Commonly the larger the gauge, the smaller the wire. From the above, we can see that with a diameter of only 0.15 inches, the slimmer cat6 cable is almost half the size of a standard cat6 cable with a diameter of 0.235 inches. This indicates the slim cat6 can nearly reduce the cord’s size by more than 50 percent, which offers a larger extra space for cable managers and pathways.

  • Improve airflow

The slim design occupies less space in data center than other network cables. This can generate better airflow and equipment cooling, which are especially important for machines with large chassis switches. It is also helpful for equipment maintenance.

  • Enable easier management

Compared with the standard cat6, the slim cable is more flexible with a smaller volume. In addition, the slim cat6 cable brings more available space, so the cable is easier to manage especially on high-density panels. This make it convenient for users route cable without horizontal cable managers, and port numbers on high-density panels can be identified easily. It contributes to save time and labor in a certain meaning.

easy to management

Application of Slim Cat6 Cable

The majority of new buildings has installed cat6 cable in recent years. And the slim cat6 cable is usually applied in telecommunication rooms or data center due to its benefits like reduced space. This network cable can handle issues in high-density rooms.

Conclusion

The slim cat6 cable is a great alternative to other traditional cable, for it can save space, improve airflow with easy management. With the internet demand of better signals, the importance of better network cables has been increased that can not be ignored. FS.COM will always serve you with good network cables.