Why and When To Use Cat6a Riser Cable

  • Last modified: December 28, 2023

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Riser ethernet cables remain one of the most in-demand products when it comes to connectivity. The most commonly used riser ethernet cables are Cat5e riser cable, Cat6a Riser cable, and Cat6 Riser cable. 

What is Riser Cable?

An ethernet cable bearing CMR mark on its outer jacket is characterized as riser cable; CMR stands for Communications Multipurpose Cable, Riser, and it is the second-highest rating when it comes to jackets of the ethernet cables. As these ethernet cables carry CMR ratings, it means they have been designed for installation in the riser spaces. 

If you don’t know about the riser spaces, there’s no need to go in panic mode as we have got you covered. 

Riser spaces are either vertical shafts or rooms in a building designed to allow communications cables, water supply lines, electrical conduits to be distributed vertically. 

Types of Riser Cables

Following are the most commonly used riser-rated ethernet cables:

  1. Cat5e Riser Cable: The Cat5e Riser Cable comes with a bandwidth capacity of 350MHz, and it offers data transfer rates of 1Gbps over a distance of 50 meters and 100Mbps over a distance of 100 meters. Since it has a thick coating, it means this cable provides excellent protection against all types of crosstalk and electromagnetic interference. This cable is an excellent choice for Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and Fast Ethernet applications. 
  2. Cat6 Riser Cable: The Cat6 Riser Cable comes with a bandwidth capacity of 550MHz and data transfer rates of 10 Gbps and 1Gbps over a distance of 50 meters and 100 meters, respectively. It also offers excellent protection against all types of crosstalk and EMI and is an ideal choice to use in applications like Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet. 
  3. Cat6a Riser Cable: This cable belongs to the sixth generation of ethernet cables. The “a” in the “Cat6a” stands for augmented. This cable comes with a bandwidth capacity of 750MHz and supports data transfer rates of 10Gbps over a distance of 100 meters. Thanks to its high bandwidth capacity, the bulk Cat6a Riser cable keeps signal strength intact at relatively long distances. The cable also keeps all types of interferences at bay and is an ideal choice for Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and Fast Ethernet applications.

Remember, when it comes to the outer jacket, all three types of Riser cables share the same feature. However, these cables differ when it comes to bandwidth capacity and data transfer rates.

Where Can You Install Riser Cables?

The name itself explains all: Riser cables are meant and designed for installation in the riser spaces of the buildings. You can also use these cables for installation in outdoor spaces.

Another point to consider when installing the riser cable is the type of environment. If you install the riser cable in environments where crosstalk and EMI are present in normal quantities, you should go with UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cables. If you are installing the riser cable in a harsh environment — places where there is a lot of electromagnetic interference — then you should go with STP (shielded twisted pair) riser cables. 

Riser cables come with two types of conductors: pure copper conductors and copper-clad aluminum conductors. It is pertinent here to mention that solid copper riser cables surpass CCA cables in every aspect of performance. 

Here at NewYork Cables, we manufacture premium quality riser ethernet cables, including Cat5e Riser Cable, Cat6 Riser Cable, and Bulk Cat6a Riser Cable. All of our ethernet cables not only meet but also exceed existing industry standards by a wide margin. And owing to this very reason, when it comes to performance, our ethernet cables remain unmatchable. Our Ethernet cables meet FCC, CE, CSE, ISO/IES standards, is TIA/EIA verified, and comply with RoHS. To ensure superior performance, our ethernet cables go under extensive testing procedures, including fluke testing. To provide you with complete peace of mind, we offer free shipping across the USA on orders above $299.99.

To get complete peace of mind and to buy the best riser ethernet cables, shop from us NOW!

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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