Cat6A – 11 Reasons Why It Should Be Your Standard in 2024

Anyone who follows technology trends and works to have the latest and greatest gadgets have one thing in common: They need a network with the best power. Everything we do now draws on our network, so it is necessary to have both the connectivity and hardware to help the network perform at its best.

Fortunately, the tremendous advancements with technology opened a myriad of possibilities for developing a stronger, more stable network connection. Simultaneously, this increased the demand for cabling systems that transmit data seamlessly and over expanded distances. This is when Category 6 cable was introduced to improve on the performance of the Cat5e cable.

Over the years, Category 6 cables became the new AV industry standard due to its enhanced features supporting frequencies up to 250MHz. It also provided good value for the money as it was more cost effective. This change enabled Ethernet cables to become the staple for newly built properties that support Gigabit network applications.

But as technology advanced, it became obvious that Category 6 was struggling to keep up the pace. Not shortly after, an augmented version of Category 6 known as Category 6A emerged to support increased data rates of 10Gbps up to 100 meters. 

Category 6A became popular in the market since it doubled its sustained bandwidth for up to 500MHz. As a result, CAT6A has become the minimum AV industry standard for most installations and is now widely used within hospitals, educational institutions, and data centers. It offers consistent performance and robust quality at a price that does not ruin your budget. Learn more about the Difference Between Cat6 vs Cat6A Ethernet Cable.

What is CAT6A cabling?

Category 6A or Category 6 Augmented Ethernet cable is the new improved version of the Cat6. It consists of 4 twisted pairs encompassed in a thicker insulated jacket. The tighter twisted wiring offers better protection from electromagnetic interference and provides more reliable transmission with less crosstalk and noise. It can support 10GBASE-T up to 100 meters in channel length to establish faster transmissions and connectivity.

The maximum bandwidth for CAT6A is between 250 MHz and 500 MHz. Lastly, these Ethernet cables are backward compatible with Cat6 and Cat5e patches and terminated using the RJ45 connector in the patch cord.

 Buy CAT6A Cables 

Difference Between Shielded and Unshielded CAT6a Cables

There are two categories to choose from when it comes to CAT6A Ethernet cables: shielded or unshielded. The shielded CAT6a cables have a barrier situated on either individual pairs or each copper strand. A metal housing encases the materials that complete the cabling system, including the modular jacks, outlets, and patch panels. In contrast, unshielded CAT6a cables are not covered by any protective sheath from the inside and outside.

It is also important to note the various configurations of CAT6A cables. You can distinguish whether the Ethernet cables are shielded or unshielded through the first letters of their names. Shielded cables have a prefix of F/UTP, while the latter is named U/UTP.

What Makes CAT6A a Better Choice?

After learning more about the Category 6a cable, let us discuss the most important reasons why this is the better choice for you.

1. CAT6A Performance

Category 6A Ethernet cables operate at a bandwidth of up to 500MHz, double what CAT6 offers. As a result, users can transmit data and regulate connection 50% faster than their Category cable predecessors.

2. 10 Gigabit Ethernet

Since 2022, most entry-level computers are built with 10-Gig Ethernet. This has become the minimum standard for any basic network.

3. PoE

We use cables to deliver power to IP phones, access points, lighting fixtures, security cameras, access control, and more. CAT 6A provides enhanced performance for Power over Ethernet (PoE) devices. CAT6A can handle higher levels of power over Ethernet (PoE) output without any performance degradation.

As Power of Ethernet (IEEE Std 802.3BTTM) as well as HDBase T Spec 3.0 (PoH) continue to evolve, so does the need for cables that can handle the increased load. Shielded Cat6A cables use larger 23 AWG bare copper conductors that make it ideal for the newest POE requirements.

4. HDBaseT - 4K video

HDBaseT™ technology enables the transmission of audio, video, power, control, and 100BASE-T Ethernet signals up to 100 meters over a single twisted-pair cable. CAT6A will get true 100 meters high-bandwidth 4K signals versus 10 to 40 meters for CAT5e and CAT6

Today’s 4K video Baluns provide similar performance to a 10-Gig network and use the same Cat6A cable. If you want to integrate 4K Baluns into your home, Cat6A will be up to the task. With Cat6A it gives you the flexibility as Balun technololgy advances.

5.  Wifi6 802.11ax - CAT6A Supports New Wi-Fi Standards

Cat6A supports wireless systems that rely on 10Gb. To avoid a bottleneck on WiFi 6 and future generations of enterprise wireless gear, you should opt for CAT6A wherever WiFi access points will be installed. In fact,TSB-162-A Telecommunications Cabling Guidelines for Wireless Access Points recommend CAT6A cabling for WIFI6.

6. 5G - Wireless 

Cat6A is a minimum recommended standard for 5G Wireless Integration

7. CAT6A Promotes Future-Proofing

Now that stable network connectivity is vital in both work and personal use, it is imperative to invest in the infrastructure. There will always come a time when you need to upgrade your equipment for improved quality and performance. Category 6A cables support future-proofing preventing users from re-installing network cables. In this way, your cabling system can still work effectively each time you integrate the market’s newest tech.

8. CAT6A is backwards compatible 

Category 6A cable is backward compatible with the RJ45 interface making them a great option when replacing Cat6 cable without having to fully upgrade your network.

9. CAT6A Cables Offer Flexibility

The Category 6a cables are beneficial for transferring data over long distances. The cables are often long enough to establish wired networks across rooms. This ability means that you can still enjoy stable connectivity over long distances. 

For instance, the scattered placement of security cameras all over a specific building requires a longer length. As long as it does not reach beyond 100 meters, it is something that a CAT6A can handle.

10. Are You Looking for Alternatives to Wi-Fi? CAT6A is the Way to Go

People who are sensitive to Electro-Magnetic Fields (EMF) often stray away from wireless routers. These health problems are attributed to constant headaches, lethargy, nausea, and tinnitus when staying within an EMF vicinity. Therefore, considering alternatives to Wi-Fi routers can be their best bet to reduce further health issues.

Category 6A Ethernet cables are the most suitable substitute for Wi-Fi, matching the same performance at a lower cost. Setting up the CAT6A cabling system is simple. Plus, this system’s design is suitable for integration into every type of room. 

Although often overlooked, Ethernet cables promote a positive health impact. The substance for a good night’s sleep, melatonin, is inhibited by EMF, which is active around wireless routers.

11. Industry Standards

This is the most important reason to choose CAT6a cable. in August 2017 the Telecommunications Industry Association published  ANSI/TIA-1179-A. The first revision of the  TIA-1179 standard for healthcare facilities was published in 2014. TIA added Cat 6A cabling recommendations to optimize data connectivity.
In 2014, TIA-4966 recommended CAT6a cables for new educational facilities. TSB-184-A Guidelines for Supporting Power Delivery Over Balanced Twisted-Pair Cabling increases the requirement from CAT6 to CAT6A.
The TSB-162-A Telecommunications Cabling Guidelines for Wireless Access Points recommends CAT6A cables for WIFI6.
The ANSI/TIA-568.1-E Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling also recommends CAT6A cabling for commercial buildings.

Things to Consider when Making Your Decision.

1. How much space do you have?

To control noise and alien crosstalk Category 6a Ethernet cables are much more prominent in size and weight than CAT6 by 15%. This size limits the number of cables that you can incorporate into a cable tray or conduit.

2. Where are your CAT6A cable is going?

Category 6a cables can cover more parameters, which accounts for the larger bend radius. This bend radius is essential when situating the cables in cramped spaces like within wall cavities. As a result, the installation can be a challenge, especially for inexperienced technicians.

3. Installation time

As previously mentioned, CAT6A Ethernet cables use 23AWG copper conductors, a larger spine, and a thicker jacket. As for shielded CAT6A cables, the outer sheaths are also comparatively bigger than the CAT6 cables. This feature of CAT6A cables makes them thicker and heavier, so they require more time for installation.