Cat 6A cables, or Category 6A cables, are a type of Ethernet cable that can support data transfer speeds of up to 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps) at a maximum distance of 100 meters. They are an improved version of Cat 6 cables and are often used in high-performance networking applications.
Several factors that led to the increased usage of Cat 6A cables include support for 10G networks, long-term planning for workstation areas, Power over Ethernet (PoE) applications, and new wireless access points. Some common uses for Cat 6A cables include:
Data Centers
Many data centers are choosing Cat 6A twisted pair copper cables for 10 Gb/s applications because they are cost effective, at least 30% lower than alternatives.
Wireless Applications (Wi-Fi 6/6E)
More businesses are updating their wireless networks with 802.11ac access points, capable of delivering up to 6.9 Gb/s. TIA standards recommend Cat 6A for horizontal cabling. The right cabling is essential to get the benefits of higher speed and advancing technology.
Power Over EtherNet (PoE) and Lighting
New applications and standards for expanding support to new devices are leading to huge growth rates for PoE. To ensure a PoE can handle the higher current and give the best performance, Cat 6A is recommended for all new installations. Cat 6A cable can supply a source of power for sensors, cameras, and other IoT devices. The development of low-voltage LEDs led to Cat 6A being increasingly used to power lighting systems as well. One thing to look out for is that Cat 6 cable cabling may be prone to heat problems.
10GBASE-T Networks
10GBASE-T has been widely adopted around the world since 2008. Many places like data centers, businesses, government agencies, hospitals, and schools are looking to use 10 Gb/s networks. According to the standard, Cat 6A is the cable required for this sort of cabling.
HDBaseT Networks
The HDBaseT Alliance specifies Cat 5e, Cat 6 UTP, and Cat 6A UTP cabling can support HDBaseT™. HDBaseT™ enables audiovisual signal extension over category cabling to high-definition displays and projectors. However, performance will vary between cables. Cat 6A is better suited to support higher bandwidth signals such as 4K than Cat 5 and Cat 6.
Cat 6A meets PoE power standards
Standards recommend Cat 6A for applications for connected devices that require more than 25.5 watts.
To learn more about PoE and the standards guiding its development, check out our Power Over Ethernet blog.
Main Applications for Cat 6A
Summary
Overall, Cat 6A cables are an excellent choice for high-performance networking applications that require fast and reliable data transfer. Today’s installations need to be ready for how quickly things change. Increasing bandwidth requirements, adding more users onto networks, nearly 10 Gig of Wi-Fi promising speeds, PoE, and other emerging technologies will require cabling that can handle them all. Installing Cat 6A cables now will save a lot of time and money in the future.
To meet the needs of today’s sophisticated, high-speed, wide-bandwidth electronics over long distances, with minimum signal loss or degradation, Syston Cable Technology SySPEED® Brand offers a wide range of Cat 6A portfolios in Riser, Plenum and Direct Burial rated cable. Perfect for every type of applications.
If you have any questions about our Cat 6A products, please feel free to contact us via our website or Facebook page.