Things to Consider while Buying Cat6a Cable for your Network

  • Last modified: February 23, 2024

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Things to Consider while Buying Cat6a Cable for your Network

Getting the right ethernet cable for your network is a hassle if you do not know what to look for. And it is even more true when it comes to buying Bulk Cat6a cable. Because the augmented category 6 cable comes in a wide array of options. Different jackets, different conductors, and a myriad of options within the same conductor type.

There is a specific Cat6a Cable for a specific use which makes the buying process a bit of hard work. In order to make this process easy and effortless for you, we will break down everything you need to know about this cable in this article. Let’s dive in.

What is Cat6a Cable?

Before we get into the details of the cable, let’s first discuss what it is and what makes it different from other categories of ethernet cables.

The augmented category 6 cable was introduced as an improved version of the Category 6 cable with more twists per unit length in the conductors. The greater number of twists in the cable conductors make it more resilient towards EMI and crosstalk, and therefore, an ideal choice for high performance business applications.

Its predecessor, Cat6 cable is also a decent choice for business use, however, the Cat6a is more reliable and provides uncompromised quality. 

Speed and Bandwidth Performance

It can transmit data at lightning speeds of up to 10 Gbps and has a bandwidth support of up to 750 MHz. The said speed and bandwidth are tested at a length of 100 meters of run length and the cable performance is enhanced at shorter lengths. 

Cable Conductor

To keep the quality of performance on bulk Cat6a cable is only manufactured with the top-notch conductor available. Namely, bare copper. It is the highest grade conductor metal with properties like ductility and malleability. It is also highly resistant to heat and corrosion which are the most desired characteristics in a conductor metal. 

The Bare Copper Cat6a Cables will last a long time without demonstrating decline in their performance. 

Cable Jacket

To keep the quality of the cable at an optimum, the bulk cat6a cable comes in only two types of jackets. Plenum and Riser. Both of these jackets have specific purposes and you need to be careful when installing them. Be sure to follow the safety guidelines of both jackets.

The plenum jacket is designed for indoor plenum spaces where air can circulate freely. The reason is that the minor smoke emitted from the jacket is not toxic and will not harm the inhabitants of the building. It is made from a fire-retardant material that prevents flame from propagating along the cable. 

The other type of jacket, communications multipurpose riser, is designed to be installed in indoor enclosed spaces such as within the walls, between floors, and in elevator shafts. Although this is also a fire-retardant jacket, should it catch a fire, the smoke emitted from it is toxic. Therefore, safety guidelines must be followed while installing it.

Cable applications

Because the cable is made out of the top-grade materials, it is ideal for all high speed ethernet applications such as 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet, 1000BASE-T (IEEE802.3), 100VG-AnyLAN (IEEE802.12), 750 MHz Broadband Video Voice, T1, ISDN 155/ 622 Mbps ATM PoE (Power over Ethernet), and indoor voice, data, video, and security networking applications in general.

If you need the cable for video streaming or online gaming, this is the perfect choice. 

When to use a Cat6a Cable?

Use the Cat6 Cable If you need an ethernet cable that is not only affordable but also reliable. It is affordable, reliable, comes in a multitude of colors to choose from, and it will never disappoint.

Moreover, for business use, it is highly reliable.

Where to buy Cat6a cable?

No matter where you buy your Cat6a cable 1000ft from, be sure to check its standard compliance. That is what matters in ethernet cables. However, if you are looking to buy it at a market competitive price, check out NewYork Cables. We provide affordable yet high quality cables coupled with professional customer support.

Why NewYork Cables?

NewYork Cables is the leading brand of cutting-edge networking cables and accessories and we are offering free deliveries on orders above $299.99. Place your order now or contact us at sales@newyorkcables.com for more info.

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
Sarah Moon

Sarah Moon, our Cat6a expert, demystifies high-speed connectivity with a fresh perspective. Her concise blogs make advanced technology accessible to all.


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