Category 6 cables were quite expensive at the time of their inception. Many installers chose category 5 cable over them. But they have come a long since then. In addition, cat6 solid copper has become the go-to solution for installers. Remarkable data transfer rate, high frequency, and ability to fight off crosstalk are some of the main reasons to choose this cable.
This article will talk about the overview of category 6 cables. Furthermore, we’ll also discuss some of the applications that come along with this cable. Let’s start.
Internal Structure of Cat6 Solid Copper
This is a sixth-generation Ethernet cable. The TIA/EIA has defined this cable as category 6. Just like any other Ethernet cable, it also has eight conductors made out of pure copper. Additionally, these conductors have twisted together to create four pairs. Both ends of this cable have RJ45 termination. It means that you can use normal connectors at each end of this cable.
Since there are four pairs, a protection layer saves them from crosstalk and electromagnetic interferences. This extra layer of protection makes this cable a shielded cable. Furthermore, you can choose this cable if many electric wires are running along. This White cat6 solid copper is also perfect if you are looking to buy for data centers. The only downside of this cable is the price tag that comes along with it.
On the other hand, if the cable does not have any extra security layer then this cable would be an unshielded one. You can choose this cable for your home network and local area network. Lastly, this cable may not work that well against crosstalk and EMI. Also, this is an affordable option for you.
Backward Compatibility
One of the biggest benefits that come with this cable is backward compatibility. It means you can use this cable with any older category. In addition, it will work perfectly fine. Nearly every Ethernet cable has the same termination. Furthermore, you can plug them into the same port. For example, if you have a setup with older categories and you want to update, you can use newer cables. Secondly, you do not have to replace all the cables in your system.
Data Transfer Rate
The ideal speed you can get with this cable is 10Gbps. Many factors can decline the speed. For instance, the longer you run this cable, the less speed you will experience. The maximum distance to run this cable is 100 meters. If you run longer than this distance, you will experience a drop in your speed. That is why it is recommended to use it according to the instruction manual. Lastly, you can use this cable for both data centers and home networks alike.
Various Types of Outer Jackets
Whether you are an installer or a novice, you need to know about the jacket types of Ethernet cables. You can choose either one based on your deployment place. For example, if you are looking to install it in a plenum space, you may want to choose a plenum cable. In addition, there are many colors available in outer jacketing. For instance, you can choose a white cat6 solid copper if the theme of your network is white. Let’s dig deep a bit on cable jacketing.
Plenum-rated cables – as the name indicates, you can choose this cable for the plenum spaces of your building. These spaces have regular air circulation. This makes them dangerous in an event of a fire. However, plenum cables have fire-retardant qualities. That is why it would be wise to install this cable in the plenum spaces of your building.
Riser-rated cables – these cables are ideal for riser spaces. Riser spaces are vertical spaces of your building like an elevator shaft. Furthermore, you can choose a Cat6 plenum cable to install in a plenum space but not the other way around.
PVC-rated cables – polyvinyl chloride or PVC is the toughest material. That is why you can use this cable for outdoor installations. This cable can withstand extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions.
Cat6 Applications
These cables have built the backbone of any network. Furthermore, you can use them with fiber optics making your network lightning-fast. Though they may cost you a bit more in the long run it will be worth every penny. Additionally, you can use cat6 solid copper cable for power over Ethernet applications and switches. Lastly, this cable has become the first choice for both domestic and enterprise networks.
