Why choose cat6A cable
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.
Ethernet cables made out of copper material expand parameters to integrate it with evolutionary hardware. Category 3 Ethernet cables appeared in the market during the late 80s to support the emergence of 10BASE-T Ethernet. But with new technologies, CAT3 cables are unable to cater to them anymore. Category 5 replaced the previous versions to support the late 90s devices with a network speed of around 100Mbps. CAT5e follows CAT5 to accommodate Gigabit network applications. Category 5e refers to the new and improved version from Ethernet cables to handle more stringent specifications.
A couple of years later, Category 6 cables were created to improve the performance of the CAT5e cable. This change enabled Ethernet cables to become the staple for newly built properties that support Gigabit network applications. CAT6 has enhanced features supporting frequencies up to 250MHz. Not short after, an augmented version of Category 6 emerged to support increased data rates of 10G 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 is now widely used within hospitals, educational institutions, and data centers. Learn more about the Difference Between Cat6 vs Cat6A Ethernet Cable.
It is imperative to invest in a cabling system that supports their preferred infrastructure to support the growing needs in terms of connectivity. CAT6A is the industry standard offering consistent performance and robust quality at a price that does not ruin your budget.
What is CAT6A cabling?
Category 6A Ethernet cables consist of 4 twisted pairs. 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.
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
Improved alien crosstalk, allowing CAT6A cable to support 10GBASE-T over 100 meters.
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.
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
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.
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.