Beginner's Guide to Cat6a Ethernet Cable and Its Types

Beginner's Guide to Cat6a Ethernet Cable and Its Types
6 min read
04 November 2022

When setting up your home or office networking, you’ll want to choose the best cables and other hardware components available on the market. With the right tools and accessories, you can enjoy the internet at blazing speeds. Cat6a Ethernet cable is one such important piece of tech that you need to familiarize yourself with if you want to enjoy high-speed internet and ethernet connections without investing too much. Whether you want to learn about Cat6a cable or its types, this blog has got you covered. This is the beginner’s guide to Cat6a Ethernet cable and its types. Let’s dive right in.

Cat6a Bare Copper Cable 1000ft

Ethernet is one of the most popular ways for people to connect computers in a building. It finds its use for a number of reasons, but the main purpose is data transmission. The best way to ensure that your data will reach its destination is by using a high-quality 1000ft bare copper cable, such as Cat6a. 

There are different types of Cat6a Ethernet cable, each with its benefits and disadvantages. When it comes down to choosing which type you want, it should be based on what your needs are. 

What is Cat6a Ethernet Cable

This is the augmented category 6 of ethernet cables. It was introduced after the original Cat6. Cat6a Cable 1000ft features tightly twisted pairs and a spline in between them to keep the four conductor pairs apart. This helps reduce the  EMI and crosstalk. 

This cable is known for its efficiency. Not only is it a high-performing cable but it is also affordable. Its data transfer rate reaches up to 10 gigabits over a length of 100 meters with a whopping 750 MHz bandwidth capacity. 

Cat6a cable is available in two different jackets: plenum and riser. The cable with each jacket has its unique use. More on that later. 

Furthermore, this cable can support all high-speed ethernet applications such as fast ethernet, gigabit ethernet, 10-gigabit ethernet, and PoE, PoE+/++. 

Cat6a Ethernet Cable vs Cat6 and Cat5e?

Ethernet cables are the main ways that internet data is transferred from one computer to another. They can also be used with other devices, such as a router or a modem. Cat6a cables are the most common type of Ethernet cable, but there are other types as well, including Cat5e and Cat6. 

The difference between these three cables is their speed, which will determine how much information they can transfer per second. A Cat 6 cable has a maximum data transfer speed of 1 GBit/s over 100 meters, while a Cat5e cable maxes out at 100MB/s over the same run length. But what about Cat 6a? Well, as mentioned it has an unparalleled 10 GBit/s! So if you need something super fast and high quality, then you're going to want to use the 6a.

The Different Types of Cat6a Ethernet Cables

Following are the main types of Cat6a cable 1000ft. Note that all of its types are integrated with bare copper conductors. 

Cat6a Plenum Cable

Cat6a Plenum Cable is a type of cable that was designed for use in any area where there is a risk of fire. The U.S. National Electrical Code (NEC) now requires the use of Cat6A plenum cabling in an area with fire hazards, such as an attic or a garage. 

In most cases, this means that cable must be installed in the plenum space, which is the space between ceilings and the underside of rafters. 

Cat6a Riser Cable

Cat6a riser cable is a type of cat 6 Ethernet cable. Riser cable is designed for use in vertical applications like those found in data centers, telecom facilities, and other installations that require cabling to be run through the building. 

An important consideration when using this riser-rated variant of Cat6a cable is that it must not be installed near air registers, vents, or other air circulation devices. If it comes into contact with these types of areas or devices, it could cause condensation or smoke issues within your ceiling voids.

Cat6a shielded vs Cat6a Unshielded Cable

A shielded cable is commonly used for very long cable runs and in high-noise environments where there is a lot of interference. For example, you may see this type of cable in an industrial setting with lots of machinery or even in an area where there's lots of electromagnetic interference. 

Another type of Cat6a is unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable, which has become more popular due to its lower cost while still providing good performance. This cabling is typically found in areas with little interference such as offices or homes.

The UTP cable is cheaper than STP, but it does not provide any protection from interference. The STP cable is more expensive, but it provides better protection for your data. Plus, a lot of cabling has a mix of both types of cables which provides you with various specifications for all kinds of settings.

The Benefits of Using Cat6a Ethernet Cable

Cat6a Ethernet cable is a high-speed, heavy-duty networking cable that can support speeds of up to 10Gbps. It is ideal for data centers, hospitals, airports, movie theaters, and other high-traffic establishments. The cable is also future-proof and is compatible with upcoming technologies. 

  • Cost-Effective
  • High-Speed Performance
  • Future-Proof
  • Low Latency, high reliability
  • Everlasting
  • Minimum interference
  • Easy to install
  • Safe and durable

Where to buy Cat6a Ethernet Cables?

You can buy Cat6a Ethernet Cables from several different retailers, such as Smartech Cables, or even some local stores. However, if you don't feel like going out in person, the best option is to buy online. Ethernet Cables and their different types are available at varying prices online. If you want to save money on your purchase, you can look up the best bulk ethernet cables near me and you will find plenty of online stores.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Cat6a can carry twice as much data as its predecessor. The cable also features a thicker gauge for better resistance against interference, which can cause interruptions in your internet connection.

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Joe Roberts 5
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