Ultimate Guide to Cat6a cable Types and Specifications
Cat6a Ethernet cable can transfer data at rates of 10Gbps across 100 meters and bandwidth capacities of 750 MHz. It is available in three different versions that include Cat6a Riser Cable, Bulk Cat6a Plenum, and Cat6a PVC cable. In this post, you’ll be able to learn about the three versions as well as the specifications of the cable. So, let’s begin.
Uncovering the meaning “Cat6a”
“Cat” or “Cat” of Cat6a is for category “a,” which means enhanced, and “6” means it’s the 6th generation cable.
Delving into the specifications
The Cat6a Ethernet cable offers an astonishing speed of 10Gbps across 100 meters or about 328 feet. The cable has an amplitude of 750MH that means it will keep signal strength intact and prevent loss of signal at a greater distance than the predecessor cable, which is a Cat6 Ethernet cable.
The cable is compliant with the requirements of the following specifications: FCC, CE, CSA ISO/IES, FCC, CE and is RoHS compatible. Its dimensions for Cat6a Riser Cable are 11 x 15 x 15 inches. As it’s a bulk cable, it package in a convenient pull box. It offers top-quality protection from alien-crosstalk, near-end crosstalk, as well as EMI. Bulk Cat6a Plenum passes Fluke DXT-1800 Versiv Cable Analyzer and complies with the ANSI/TIA standards. Available in conductors with 23AWG. It is suitable to be utilize in data centers.
Conductors are concerned, like Cat6 Ethernet cable, it’s also offered in copper-free conductors as well as copper-clad aluminum conductors. Clients generally prefer pure copper conductors cables because they are superior to CCA cables in all aspects of performance. The eight conductors (pure copper or CCA) are joined in four twisted pairs. The cable can perform under extremely extreme conditions, as low as 25 ° Celsius or as high as up to 120 degrees Celsius. The temperature at which installation is concerned is between zero to 60 degrees Celsius between 0 and 60 Celsius. The 1000ft box weighs 41lbs.
Here are the different types of Cat6a ethernet cables:
Cat6a Plenum cable
CMP-rated jackets support Cat6a Plenum Cable. CMP refers to Communication Multipurpose Cable, Plenum. Keep in mind that CMP represents the top grade on the outer jacket laid out by the TIA/EIA. Ethernet cables that are rated CMP are fire-proof. If a fire occurs, they stop the fire from spreading, release very little smoke, and do not emit anything to do with dangerous gasses. As the name implies, these cables are suitable to be installed in the plenum areas of the structures.
Plenum spaces are areas in structures designed to help with air circulation, such as air conditioning, ventilation, and heating. The possibility of a fire outbreak in these spaces is extremely high. It is why you only have the right to use plenum-rated cables within these regions. The thick coating of plenum cables provides superior protection against crosstalk and EMI.
Cat6a Riser Cable
Cat6a riser cables Cat6a riser cables are supported by riser-rated jackets, making them suitable for installation in the vertical or riser spaces of structures. Cat6a’s riser cable jacket is composed of high-quality polyvinyl chloride; however, it’s not as durable as the Plenum cable.
The other requirements for the Cat6a riser cable are the same as those for the Plenum cable. The only difference between the two is the jacket material. This thick layer of the riser cable offers excellent protection against crosstalk and EMI.
Cat6a PVC Cable
It is important to note that the PVC rating for jacket materials is the lowest rating given by the TIA/EIA. The cables that have this rating are suitable for use in outdoor areas. This Cat6a PVC cable comes with the same data transfer rate and bandwidth capacities of Cat6a Plenum cable and Cat6a climber cable. The only thing that distinguishes it from the two other versions is the ratings on jackets. But, the Cat6a PVC cable also offers superior protection against crosstalk and reduces attenuation to a minimum.
