Category 6 cables were a big step in networking at the time of their inception. Even though cat6 plenum Ethernet cables were a bit more expensive than cat5, people prefer it to be used in their networks. In addition to that, the prices have come down to an acceptable limit. This cable has remarkable qualities, like higher bandwidth and better data transfer rate. Furthermore, this cable has become a standard for Gigabit networks.
This article will discuss the cat6 cable in-depth, along with its jacket types and internal wiring. Let’s start.
A Brief Introduction of Cat6 Plenum Ethernet Cable
As the name indicates, this is a category 6 cable according to the standards defined by the TIA & EIA. The internal structure of this cable has eight copper conductors. These conductors create four pairs by twisting them together. In addition, this cable can offer a 10Gbps data transfer rate in ideal conditions.
Cat6 has RJ45 terminations on both ends of the cable. You can use this cable at a length of 100 meters. You could face hiccups in your connection and speed if you do not respect this length. Furthermore, you can use this cable with older categories like cat5 and cat5e. The backward compatibility makes this cable a perfect choice for any networks. Lastly, you can use this cable to power over Ethernet applications. It offers a stable connection along with less crosstalk.
Difference between Shielded & Unshielded Cable
If you work in the networking industry, you may have heard the words like UTP & STP. The unshielded cat6 Ethernet cable has four twisted pairs. In addition to that, you can use this cable for your home networks. On the other hand, if there is any steel foil or mesh around the pairs, this cable would be a shielded version of cat6. This extra layer of protection keeps out all sorts of crosstalk and electromagnetic interferences. You can use this kind of cable for high-speed networks like 10BASE-T.
Outer Jacketing
Just like the internal structure, the outer layer is also essential. There are usually three types of jackets regarding Ethernet cables; plenum, riser, and PVC. You can choose one based on your deployment requirements.
Plenum cat6 – as the name suggests, you can use this cable for the plenum spaces of your building. In addition to that, this cable has fire-retardant material that prevents fire and toxic smoke. You can use this cable in those places that have regular airflow. The presence of air makes those places dangerous in the event of a fire. Plenum cables will stop the fire and will not emit any hazardous fumes.
Riser cat6 – just like plenum cables, you can use this cable for riser spaces in your building. These are the vertical spaces like an elevator shaft. Furthermore, this cable also has fire-retardant qualities. You can use a plenum cable instead of a riser one but not the other way around.
PVC cat6 – this cable is ideal for outdoor installations. PVC, or polyvinyl chloride, is a plastic that can withstand harsh weather conditions and extreme temperatures. You will not have to worry about sunlight or snow damaging your cable jacket.
Installing the suitable cable in the right places will ensure the safety of your property. You will get the best data transfer rate and a very stable connection.
More about Cat6
This is not the only cable from category 6. There is also cat6a which is an augmented version of cat6. That cable makes everything better, but at the same time, it also costs more. You do not need that cable for your local area networks.
Many people prefer getting cat5 as a replacement for cat6. You do not need to do that because you will eventually have to update your network. The speed limitation will force your hand to update your network. Furthermore, if you want to take full advantage of the gigabit network, you will need a cat6 Ethernet cable for your network. The distance is probably one of the most significant limitations regarding cat6 Solid Copper & cat6a plenum Ethernet cables. You cannot enjoy the gigabit data transfer rate if you decide to run it at a total distance. The longer the run of this cable, the less data transfer rate you will get. Lastly, the benefits of this cable outweigh its limitations. Update your connection today and enjoy the best speed.
