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Do not get tangled up in the curiosity about Cat6a vs Cat6 ethernet cable difference. Many consumers search for this query regarding Cat 6 vs 6a which is better, Does Cat6a overkill Cat6 cable? Do not make it more confusing for you, just read this article to know briefly about the difference between Cat6 and Cat6a along with the similarities.
Let’s start the discussion with the Cat6 Network Cable — The Speed that everyone wants for its network equipment.
What Is Cat6 Cable?
The cat6 is the short form of Category 6 cable and is classified in Class E and can be denoted as Cat6E. The cable is an improved model as compared to the older category cables. Cat6e cable is known for its gigabit speed (1 Gbps) speed and improved internal design of the cable.
Must Read: Pros and Cons of using Bulk Cat6 Riser Cable
The cable shows maximum bandwidth, performance, advanced shielding, greater conductivity, and the core part which is made up of pure copper to light up your networking mode and functionality. The Cat6 cable twist per inch is quite ideal and makes your data transmission flow like water without any hindrance.
What Is Cat6a Cable?
Similar to the Cat6 cable, the cat6a full form is “Augmented Category 6” or the Cat6A cable is the need for speed choice for every network installer or for the business owners whose working only depends on the internet connection efficiency.
The cable is the next giant in the cabling industry that will deliver you the constant 10 Gbps speed with state-of-the-art cable design and internal features that will match your networking needs and give a vivid speed to your cables. Now just look up the similarities these cables have.
Similarities Of Cat6 vs 6A
It does matter when selecting the category 6 cable or 6a cable for your networking needs. The first thing that comes to your mind is speed, functioning, reliability, and so on. Both cables show similar properties that are as follows:
These are some of the main similarities between Cat6a Vs Cat6 cable. That makes them ideal to use for residential, commercial, or industrial applications. After this discussion now let’s switch to the difference between Cat6 and Cat6a cable. Why Cat6a cable is more advanced than Cat6 here is the information.
The Difference Between Cat6a Vs Cat6 Cables
The above table depicts the difference between Cat6a Vs Cat6 ethernet cable. This is the broader comparison between these two giants that will give you an idea for choosing the right cable for your networking setups.
When To Choose Cat6 Or Cat6a Cable?
Yes, it’s your server equipment that may idealize the true potential of your networking cable. Understanding the true potential of your router, hub, and switches is the right way to buy the ethernet cable between Cat6a Vs Cat6. Once the cable is terminated with RJ45 there may be a need to install the cable in patch panels, or keystone jacks to set the connection type in your meeting room, or living room for easy internet access.
But when you ignore the speed or the other technical aspects of the cable you might get the limited speed, let’s say 1 Gbps where you require 10 Gbps. so the first thing is to check your network ratings and whether to choose the Cat6 vs 6a cable.
There is no loser or winner in Cat6 or Cat6a but it only depends on the needs and wants of your networking server and the speed provided by your ISP.
The Outer Jacket Ratings of Cat 6 vs 6a
Outer jackets of the ethernet cable of Cat 6 vs 6a may appear the same but if you do not know the qualities you may be at risk. Here is what you need to know about the cat6a vs Cat6 cable jackets.
There are possible two types of indoor jackets Plenum (CMP) and Riser (CMR) the CMP and CMR are used to print on the cable to identify the cable jacket for example (Cat6 CMP 550 MHz UTP 1000ft Pure Copper Cable 23AWG) here CMP refers to the Plenum jacket. Similarly, (Cat6a UTP CMR 750 MHz 1000ft Pure Copper Cable 23AWG) here CMR refers to Riser jacket.
Must Read: Choosing the Right Cat6 Plenum Cable for Commercial Use?
The Specs You Need To Know
The Plenum chemical composition is FEP (LSZH) material that allows the restriction of the fire to a minimum. It does not allow fire to burn the cable jacket and if exposed to fire the plenum cable gets swollen and avoids emitting non-toxic smoke that is why we call the jacket (Low Smoke Zero Halogens). It is perfect to use this cable indoors at the vertical and horizontal shafts of the building.
The most common practices are at drop ceilings, above raised floors, ventilation systems, HVAC systems, and attics along with the vertical shafts of the building. The plenum is UV resistant and can bear maximum and harsh conditions but still, if you are planning to install the cable outside you need a conduit (An extra protective cover) to run the cable outdoors.
The Riser (CMR) — this is a PVC material cable and is a cost-effective solution if you are not able to buy plenum cable. The riser jacket is also fire-resistant but not as good as a plenum jacket. If the riser jacket catches fire the cable emits toxic smoke which is why its installation is limited to only vertical spaces of the buildings.
The riser is an indoor jacket that does not bear UV rays and harsh climatic conditions, so there are fewer chances of survival of this cable if you install the cable outside without any protective layer.
Cat6 Speed Specs
This is the debate about the speed specs of cat6 cable that evaluates whether Cat6 is enough for gigabit networking or Cat6a is better. Here we go, the Cat 6 cable optionally delivers two-speed ratings that are one for shorter ranges — 164ft (50 meters) and pours out 10 Gbps speed, at longer runs 100 meters it delivers 1 Gbps speed along with 550 MHz bandwidth to smoothly run Fast Ethernet Applications (10/100/1000BASE-T and 10GBASE-T).
The main thing is the 5-6 Twist Per Inch that is ideal for reducing crosstalk and data transmission without compromising the speed and efficiency of the cable.
Terminating Cat6 Cable
When connecting ethernet cable with keystone jacks, patch panels, or hardware devices, you must terminate the cable with RJ45 male connectors on both sides of the cable. You can use T568A or T568B wiring standards. For termination following are the steps that you should adopt.
- Choose the cable category (Cat6 or Cat6a) and cut the extra length before terminating the cable.
- Now you will need some tools (scissors, cable cutter, crimping tool, and RJ45 connectors).
- Now with the cable cutter carefully cut the outer jacket of the cable exposing the internal 4 twisted pairs of the cable.
- Before untwisting the conductors cut the spline (Plastic material between conductors). Untwist all the pairs and make them straight and align.
- Now there are two possible wiring schemes for the ethernet cable termination
- Cut the extra length of the conductors and align the conductors according to the wiring scheme you want.
- Push-Insert gently all the conductor wires in RJ45 connectors and then with the help of a crimping tool insert the RJ45 connector apply normal pressure and check if the conductor wires are rigid and stuck.
- Repeat the same procedure on the other end of the cable and then test the cable wiring sequence with the help of the cable tester.
This is the simplest way to terminate the CAT 6 vs 6a cable to install the cable to your network equipment. But make sure while terminating the cable to take great care of the conductors as a little damage will affect your cable performance.
Cat6a Maximum Length
Cat 6 vs 6a bears the same speed specs, the cat6a maximum length for installation is 100 meters, you can extend the cable length if required by using an inline keystone jack coupler specially used for the increasing cable length.
The 100-meter limitation is due to the increase in length of the cable becoming an easy target for outside interference so there are chances that your internet speed will be compromised. Cat6a is specially designed to meet longer lengths while speed is constant at 10 Gbps, but when you ignore the technical aspects the cable might fail to deliver the full potential of the speed. Contrary to cat6a cable it is also advised to upgrade the equipment like routers, hubs, and switches to match the gigabit ratings of the cable with your networking equipment.
Which Cable To Buy
Cat 6 vs 6a cables both come in the category of modern ethernet cable to fulfill gigabit speed ratings. But there are a few things that you need to consider before buying the cable
- Speed ratings you want
- Longer lengths installation
- 2.5 GHz Ethernet or 5GHz Ethernet
- PoE/+/++ and 4PPoE up to 100 watts
- Reliable and future-proofing
- Updating your server speed
- Longer lifespan of the cable
- Peace of mind
Cat6 or Cat6a both cables are perfect but the ideal conditions make them a best buy for your networking needs. It’s not like the Cat6a is a winner or Cat6 is the loser; both cables have their own specific needs and usage from different perspectives. So when you need 10G speed over shorter or longer lengths you should go with Cat6a cable. Or if you are happy with the 1 Gigabit speed Cat6 is just the right choice.
The main reason consumers use Cat6 over Cat6a is the price difference but keep in mind that you might need the cat6a cable in the future because the specs and internal features are just awesome.
Final Words
Cat6a Vs Cat6 the debate between two ethernet cables is just amazing and which is the best. This war will never end as one cable wins over price and Cat6a wins with the specs and speed and its 750 MHz bandwidth frequency. But choosing the cable is the ultimate consumer choice as to which cable will fit perfectly with the server equipment and allow gigabit speed over longer or shorter distances.
Whenever you decide to buy the Cat 6 vs 6a cable make sure to check the speed ratings of your server as many consumers may blame the cable for delivering Fast Ethernet (100 BASE-T) speed. That is not the manufacturing fault but the server speed is limited.
| Specification | Cat5e | Cat6 | Cat6a |
| Cable Jacket | Plenum, Riser & PVC | Plenum, Riser & PVC | Plenum & Riser |
| Wire Gauge | 24-AWG | 23-AWG | 23-AWG Highly Twisted |
| Frequencies | 350 MHZ | 550 MHZ | 750 MHZ |
| Installation Temp | 0°C to 60°C | 0°C to 60°C | 0°C to 60°C |
| Pairs | 4 Twisted Pairs | 4 Twisted Pairs | 4 Twisted Pairs |
| Package | Easy Pull Box | Easy Pull Box | Wood Spool |
| Colors | Black, Blue, White, Red, Green, Yellow | Black, Blue, White, Red, Green, Yellow | Black, Blue, White, Red, Green, Yellow |
| Standard Compliance | ETL, FCC, CE, CSA, ISO/IES, RoHS | FCC, CE, CSA, ISO/IES, RoHS | ETL, FCC, CE, CSA, ISO/IES, RoHS |
