Cat6a FAQs Breakdown: Everything You Need to Know

FAQs on Cat6a Ethernet Cable

What Is Cat6a Ethernet Cable?

Cat6a cables represent the enhanced version of Cat6 cables, consisting of paired twisted copper wires that support high-speed data transmission of up to 500 MHz. This enhancement level is twice that of regular Cat6 cables. Cat6a cables typically feature thicker outer jackets, larger internal space, and tighter twists. As a result, these components contribute to reducing noise and crosstalk during high-speed transmissions.

What Is Shielded Cat6a Cable?

Cat6a cables are available in three shielding categories, all appearing quite similar. Adding foil shielding around the core or outer jacket increases the cable's size, protecting against EMI and external noise.

• U/UTP Cat6a:This cable has unshielded internal cores, and there is no shielding around the 4 pairs (under the outer jacket).

• F/UTP Cat6a: Very similar to the U/UTP, this cable has unshielded internal cores. However, it features an overall shielding around the 4 pairs beneath the outer jacket.

• F/FTP Cat6a: This cable is an overall shielded solution, with individual shielding for each internal pair and an overall shielding surrounding the 4 pairs.

Is Shielded Cat6a Necessary?

In homes or small businesses, unshielded Cat6a cables usually work fine. A shielded Cat6a cable is needed when you have a crowded network. This means that if you are going to have more than at least two other cables installed in the same space, you need the shielded cable. Learn more: Cat6a Shielded vs. Unshielded: Which Is Better for 10G Cabling?

What Causes Return Loss in Copper Cabling Systems?

Return loss in copper cabling links stems from impedance mismatches between components or slight variations in impedance along the cable's length. Additional contributors include issues like kinked or damaged cables, improper termination practices, such as unnecessary pair untwisting at termination points, and the presence of water within the cable.

How Do I Know if My Cable Is Cat6a?

Cat6a and Cat6 cables have their identifiers printed on the cable jacket itself — Category 6a or Category 6, respectively. Another quick way to tell the two cables apart is to note that Cat6a cables are much thicker and bulkier than Cat6 cables.

What Is the Capability of Cat6a?

Cat6a supports 10GBASE-T up to 100 meters, ensuring its compatibility with the fastest twisted-pair Ethernet applications in the market. It adheres to the standards (such as TIA-568 and ISO/IEC 11801) for the full channel length, making it highly recommended for new constructions, office networks, and data centers. Cat6a is also backward compatible with Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5, providing a robust solution for future network upgrades. Learn more: Why Cat6a Cable Is the Best Choice for Comprehensive Cabling?

FAQs on Cat6a Cables Applications

Can I Run HDMI over Cat6a

Cat6a is a good choice when transmitting HDMI signals through structured cabling. The shielding of Cat6a is suitable for audio-visual transmission, providing better protection against interference for audio-visual signals. Many audio-visual product manufacturers have developed specialized HDMI transmission twisted-pair cables. The performance of these cables is almost identical to Cat6a. In transmission links, the source device converts the HDMI signal into a format suitable for Cat6a cable transmission. The receiving end then converts the structured cabling back to HDMI.

Can I Run Cat6a Next to Power?

If it is Shielded Cat6a, you can place it next to power cables, but even so, they should maintain a distance of 8 inches between them. Unshielded cables may experience data and bandwidth loss when running near power lines. The proximity of PoE cables to power lines may lead to heating and fire hazards.

Can Cat6a Be Used for Telephone?

Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a are all suitable for modern VoIP systems, so it really depends on your needs. If you're looking for a cable that can handle today's telephone systems, Cat6a is a good choice. However, keep in mind that your overall cabling needs should be taken into account when making your final decision.

Can I Mix Cat6 and Cat6A cables?

Yes, Cat6 and Cat6a can be used together in the same setup, but the bandwidth that Cat6a can support can be bottlenecked by using a cable that supports lower bandwidth which will effect your speeds.

What Happens if the Shielded Cable Is Not Grounded?

A shielded cable that is not grounded does not work effectively. Any disruptions in the path can raise the impedance and lower the shielding effectiveness.

How Many Cat6a Cables Can Be Bundled Together?

Since Cat6a is typically 23AWG, this means a Cat6a, 75C cable can be used in bundles of 192.

Cat 6a and Power over Ethernet (PoE) FAQs

Is There a Risk of Temperature Rise and Fire Hazards with Cables Powered by the 802.3bt Standard?

The temperature rise in individual conductors is one of the contributing factors to increased temperature and the risk of fire. Generally, Smaller-gauge conductors, such as those in a Cat5 cable, contribute to higher temperature rise compared to larger-gauge conductors like Cat6a. For new PoE installations, it is advisable to use Cat6a to minimize temperature increases. The number of cables in a bundle also impacts heat accumulation, and deploying strategies can help address PoE cabling overheating.

Why Is Cat6a Better for PoE?

Using Cat 6A cables is superior for PoE devices, as cables with a larger conductor diameter help reduce resistance and keep power wastage at a very low level due to lower temperature increases, compared to smaller gauge cables like Cat 5e or Cat 6 cables.

How Far Can PoE Go over Cat6a?

Cat6a cable speed can last up to 100m in distance. This is a big upgrade over CAT6 cables which can relay 10 Gbps speed only up to 33-55m.

Category 6a vs Other Category Cabling FAQs

Why Cat6a over Cat6?

The rated frequency of Cat6 cable is 250 MHz, resulting in a reduced maximum length (37-55 meters) when used for 10GBASE-T applications. Cat6a, with a frequency of 500 MHz, doubles this capability, extending the operating distance for 10GBASE-T to 100 meters. We believe that wiring decisions should focus on the long term to avoid unforeseen costs and challenges. Therefore, Cat6a is more suitable for the future.

Is Cat6a Better Than Cat 7?

The performance difference is minimal. Cat6a and Cat7 both support 10GE over a 10 meter channel. Cat6a has a maximum frequency of 500 MHz, while Cat7 has a maximum frequency of 600 MHz. The difference lies in the fact that Cat 7 requires non-RJ45 connectors and a heavy shielding layer (which needs grounding to function properly). Deploying Cat7 may be more expensive without significant performance improvement. Therefore, Cat6a is cost-effective. Learn more: Cat6 vs Cat6a vs Cat7? Which 10G Ethernet cable wins?

Why Is Cat6a More Sustainable Than Cat5 or Cat6?

The lifecycle of Cat6a is longer than that of Cat5 or Cat6. It can support multiple generations of bandwidth growth and power requirements, reducing product turnover and associated environmental impacts. Therefore, it is more sustainable both economically and ecologically compared to Cat5 or Cat6.