Tag Archives: Ethernet 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.

Four Types of Cables You Should Know in Telecommunication Industry

If you think untangling shoelaces is complicated, it’s nothing compared to untangling and deciphering the mess of wires and cables your network uses. As we know, cables are transmission mediums in communication network. And there are many kinds of cables used for different applications or different demands. As cable is a basic topic of us guys work in telecommunication, to learn cable types well is very necessary. Here are four types of cables that we should know.

Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cable is called “coaxial” because it includes one physical channel that carries the signal surrounded (after a layer of insulation) by another concentric physical channel, both running along the same axis. The outer channel serves as a ground. Many of these cables or pairs of coaxial tubes can be placed in a single outer sheathing and, with repeaters, can carry information for a great distance. Coaxial cable is used as a transmission line for radio frequency signals. Its applications include feedlines connecting radio transmitters and receivers with their antennas, computer network (Internet) connections, and distributing cable television signals.

coaxial-cable

Ethernet Cable
Ethernet cable is one of the most popular forms of network cable used on wired networks. Ethernet cables connect devices on local area networks such as PCs (Personal Computers), routers and switches. Ethernet cables normally support one or more industry standards including Category 5 (Cat5) and Category 6 (Cat6) etc.

Ethernet-cable

Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber optic cable consists of one or more optical fibers, each of which is capable of transmitting messages modulated onto light waves. Fiber optic cables come in lots of different types, depending on the number of fibers and how and where it will be installed. With the increasing demands of higher broadband, fiber optic cables are widely used in many modern networks.

Ethernet-cable

Phone Line
A telephone line is a single-user circuit on a telephone communication system. This is the physical wire or other signaling medium connecting the user’s telephone apparatus to the telecommunications network, and usually also implies a single telephone number for billing purposes reserved for that user. Telephone lines are used to deliver landline telephone service and Digital subscriber line (DSL) internet service to the premise. Telephone lines are connected to the public switched telephone network.

phone-line

[Infographic about this topic]