Which Bulk Cat6 Plenum Cable to Buy for Commercial LAN?

Bulk cat6 plenum cable is the go-to solution for commercial LAN networks. It comes with a thick CMP (communications multipurpose plenum) jacket. Designed for indoor horizontal spaces, it is rather expensive compared to its riser counterpart. But bulk cat6 plenum cable has multiple variants. For instance, it comes with shielding and it also comes unshielded. The cable is also available with pure copper and copper-clad aluminum conductors. So out of all these variants, which bulk cat6 plenum should you buy for a commercial local area network? This is the topic of this article.

Moreover, we will also walk you through the process of buying these 1000ft cat6 plenum cables which you can also use for buying other ethernet cables.

Read on to find out.

Why Bulk Cat6 Plenum?

Bulk cat6 plenum cables are the preferred choice for commercial LAN setups for several compelling reasons. These cables are specifically designed for use in plenum spaces, which are essential for the proper functioning of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems within commercial buildings. 

Here's why you should consider bulk cat6 plenum cables for your commercial LAN:

Enhanced Safety:

Bulk cat6 plenum cables are constructed with a CMP jacket that complies with strict fire safety codes. This jacket is fire-resistant. In the event of a fire, it ensures that the cable will not release toxic fumes. It's a critical safety feature for commercial buildings and building laws require using these cables in plenum spaces. 

Superior Performance:

The performance of the Cat6 cables is impeccable and offer excellent data transmission. They support high speed data transfers which make them ideal for commercial LAN with high performance requirements. The signal integrity over these cables is reliable with minimum interference and loss of signals. 

Compliance with Regulations:

As mentioned earlier, these cables comply with building codes and regulations. This will help your business stay in compliance with the law which often requires plenum-rated cabling in commercial spaces. 

Moreover, noncompliance can result in costly fines. 

Durability and Longevity:

In any LAN network, you want to install cables that are durable and long lasting. That is the same case when it comes to commercial LAN. Bulk Cat6 plenum cables are designed to be everlasting and durable. Install them once and rest assured that they will last for a long time. 

Types of Bulk Cat6 Plenum

Within the Bulk Cat6 Plenum category, there are multiple variants. Each variant has a specific quality and design purpose. The variants are shielded, unsheilded, pure copper, and copper-clad aluminum. Let’s discover more about these variants. 

Shielded

Shielded bulk cat6 plenum cables are often referred to as FTP (Foil twisted pair) or SFTP (shielded foil twisted pair). They come equipped with an additional layer of protection against interference and radio frequency. The shielding significantly enhances the performance of the signal quality and the results are noticeable. 

These cables are used in networks where a large number of cables are installed. Because interference is present mostly in such setups. 

It is important to note that these cables also have some downsides. The additional shielding adds to the cost of manufacturing and these cables are slightly more expensive than their counterparts. Moreover, they are rather inflexible and require some effort to install. 

Unshielded  

Unshielded bulk cat6 plenum cables, often labeled as U/FTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) or UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair), do not have additional shielding. They are suitable for environments with lower interference potential and are the most common choice for commercial LAN applications.

Unshielded bulk cat6 plenum cables are the basic variant of this category. In contrast to their shielded counterparts, they lack the additional shielding. However, due to the category 6 level tight twists in the conductors, they minimize the interference quite well. 

Moreover, UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cables are flexible and easy to install. They are also durable and long lasting due to the plenum jacket. If your business needs a cost effective LAN solution, these cables might be your option. Since they lack the additional shielding, their manufacturing cost is rather low. 

Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA) 

Bulk cat6 plenum cables that come with copper-clad aluminum conductors are another variant of the category 6 cables. As the name implies, these cables are made from aluminum with a bare copper coating. These cables are budget friendly, light weight, and easy to handle but come with some trade-offs.  

The conductivity of these cables is not top notch which impacts long-term performance. CCA cables are also susceptible to corrosion over time and are not fit for Power Over Ethernet applications. 

Pure Copper

Bulk cat6 plenum cables with pure copper conductors offer the highest level of performance and durability. They are known for their longevity and ability to maintain signal integrity over extended periods.

The 1000ft cat6 plenum cables that come with pure copper conductors offer better performance, signal integrity, and durability. These cables are also ideal for long term use. Furthermore, the pure copper cables can also be used for PoE, PoE+ and PoE++ applications. 

Like all the other variants of the bulk cat6 plenum cable, the pure copper variant also comes with a few down sides. It is heavier and rather tricky to handle. And it costs more than its CCA counterparts. 

How to Choose? 

Choosing the bulk cat6 plenum cable for your commercial LAN involves considering various factors to meet your specific needs. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:

Determine Your Environment:

Identify the potential sources of interference in your commercial space. If you are in an area with significant EMI and RFI, consider shielded cables. If interference is minimal, unshielded cables may suffice.

Budget Considerations:

Evaluate your budget. Pure copper cables offer the best performance but come at a higher price point. If budget constraints are a concern, you may opt for CCA cables.

Future-Proofing:

Think about the long-term needs of your LAN. If you plan for your network to serve your business for years to come, investing in pure copper cables might be a wise choice.

Cable Length:

Measure the distance you need to cover with your cable runs. Ensure you have enough cable length to reach all desired network endpoints with some room for potential changes.

Compliance:

Confirm that the chosen bulk cat6 plenum cable complies with local building codes and regulations. Always prioritize safety and adherence to standards.

Which One to Buy?

After considering all the relevant factors, it's time to make the crucial decision of which bulk cat6 plenum cable to buy for your commercial LAN. Here are some specific recommendations based on your unique requirements:

Best for High-Interference Environments:

For environments with high EMI and RFI, where signal integrity is critical, consider Shielded Cat6 Plenum Cable (FTP or SFTP) with pure copper conductors. This combination offers the best protection against interference and ensures top-notch performance.

Best for Cost-Conscious Projects:

If you're working with budget constraints and can tolerate some signal loss, Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA) Cat6 Plenum Cable may be an acceptable choice. Just be aware of its limitations regarding long-term performance.

Best for General Commercial LAN:

In most standard commercial LAN setups, an Unshielded Cat6 Plenum Cable (U/FTP or UTP) with pure copper conductors should suffice. It offers a good balance between cost, performance, and flexibility.

Best for Long-Term Reliability:

If you prioritize long-term performance and plan to keep your LAN infrastructure in place for many years, investing in Pure Copper Cat6 Plenum Cable is the smartest choice. It provides unmatched durability and signal integrity.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the choice of bulk cat6 plenum cable for your commercial LAN is a decision that should align with your specific needs, budget, and long-term goals. Each type of cable - shielded, unshielded, copper-clad aluminum, and pure copper - has its advantages and disadvantages. By carefully assessing your environment and considering factors like interference, budget, and future-proofing, you can make an informed choice that ensures optimal network performance and compliance with safety regulations.