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Whether you're an installation pro or just starting your first job, understanding cable standards can shed light on what truly matters when it comes to connectivity.
Recently, we received inquiries about Cat6 cables compared to cat6E cables. This prompted us to seek insights from our VP of Operations and Product Development.
Here's a breakdown of the key points discussed, along with some expert advice to guide your cable choices.
Table of Contents
Cat6 vs Cat6E vs Cat 6A Cables
To kick things off, let's compare Cat6, Cat6E, and Cat6A cables.
While they might seem similar at first glance, a closer inspection reveals distinct variances.
We've compiled a table below that takes detailed information from some of our ethernet products we offer on our website to help show a comparison. This data mentioned from these product’s spec sheets does not apply to every Cat6/Cat6E/Cat6A cable you may come across.
NOTE: Below are typical specs but the performance will always follow standards. We offer multiple variations of each of the different Cat6/Cat6E/Cat6A cables, including thinner and more flexible jackets. This is often achieved by reducing the conductor size or jacket makeup and thickness without affecting the performance of the cable. We also offer outdoor versions of Ethernet cabling which will change the overall diameter of the cable.
| Cat 6 | Cat 6E | Cat6A | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conductor | 24 AWG Stranded or Solid Copper | 24 AWG Pure Stranded or Solid Copper | 26 AWG 7/34 Stranded or Solid Copper |
| Cable | (4) Twisted Pairs UTP/STP | (4) Twisted Pairs UTP/STP | (4) Twisted Pairs UTP/STP |
| Overall Cable Diameter (OD) | 5.3 +- 0.2 mm | 5.4+- 0.2 mm | 5.8+- 0.2 mm |
| Operating Environment: | -20 degrees C to +60 degrees C | -20 degrees C to +75 degrees C | -20 degrees C to +75 degrees C |
| Sweep Frequency | Up to 250 MHz | Up to 550 MHz | Up to 650 MHz |
| Maximum Data Rate | 1 Gbps up to 328ft | 1Gbps up to 328ft 10Gbps up to 180ft | 1Gbps up to 328ft 10Gbps up to 328ft |
As you can see from the table above, Sweep frequency is the biggest difference between Cat6 and Cat6E. You only need to be up to 250 MHz to qualify as Cat6. Since E is enhanced, it goes up to 550 MHz. This allows you to get more data output from a Cat6E cable.
The standard only requires up to 500 MHz, but Cat 6E and Cat 6A are sweep tested on our fluke tester to 550 and 650 respectively.
What does it mean when an ethernet cable is component certified?
When a cable earns component certification, it signifies that it's undergone an installation process that meets the standards required for even top-tier equipment like the Fluke DSX-8000 to pass. We fluke certify our ethernet cables, which is required for premium cables, components, and the termination process.
Fluke testing, performed using sophisticated tools like the Fluke Network Cable Analyzer, rigorously assesses the physical connections, providing essential pass/fail results that adhere to industry standards.
Essentially, this certification signifies that the cable meets stringent performance and physical criteria outlined in the ANSI/TIA 568 standard.
ANSI/TIA (American National Standards Institute/Telecommunications Industry Association) sets the standards for telecommunications infrastructure in the United States. These standards encompass various aspects of cabling systems, including performance, installation, and testing protocols.
For those considering Cat6E cables, it's important to note that the "E" denotes Enhanced and signifies that the cable undergoes sweep testing up to 550MHz, aligning with its enhanced capabilities.
What role does ANSI/TIA play in Ethernet Cabling?
When it comes to Ethernet cables, ANSI/TIA standards play a crucial role in ensuring reliability and compatibility across different network setups. Specifically, within the realm of cable certification, ANSI/TIA outlines rigorous performance and physical criteria that cables must meet to achieve certification.
TIA and ISO only identify the patch cable certifications as Cat 6 and not 6E.
For example, in the context of Cat 6 cables, ANSI/TIA standards specify the minimum performance requirements, such as bandwidth and signal integrity, to ensure consistent performance in networking environments.
However, the test limits used on Fluke is the TIA or ISO patch certification for Cat6, meaning that we may display results for Cat6 as minimum requirements, and not what was truly found in the test.
That’s why we have our sweep frequency numbers prominent in our spec sheets on each product that it applies to.
The reason why there may be some confusion is that the standard only draws a line out to 250Mhz, we can infer from the results that if we extended the line out to 550mhz it would still pass but the line does not exist in terms of standards at that rate.
Additionally, ANSI/TIA standards dictate testing procedures, like those conducted with Fluke testers, to validate cable performance and adherence to standards.
In summary, ANSI/TIA standards provide the framework for certifying Ethernet cables, ensuring that they meet the necessary criteria for reliable network connectivity.
By adhering to these standards, both manufacturers and consumers can have confidence in the quality and performance of their cabling infrastructure.
Why buy cat6 when Cat6E has up to 550 Mhz
A common question that arises in discussions about Ethernet cables is why one would opt for Cat6a when Cat6E boasts a higher MHz rating of up to 550. The answer lies in understanding the nuances of cable testing and industry standards.
The distinction lies in the testing protocols and additional criteria involved.
The Cat6a testing line extends up to 500MHz, encompassing a broader range of performance factors beyond just MHz. This includes considerations such as alien crosstalk, which may not be applicable to standard Cat6 cables.
Adding to the confusion is the emergence of Cat6E, a designation used by cable manufacturers to market cables that undergo sweep testing beyond 250MHz.
This sweep testing may result in cables with various MHz ratings, such as 500MHz, 600MHz, or 550MHz versions. However, it's essential to note that Cat6E, or 6e, is not officially recognized by industry standards bodies like TIA or ISO.
In essence, Cat6E is a marketing term rather than a standardized classification. It perpetuates the idea of enhanced performance without necessarily aligning with established testing protocols or criteria. The big difference is that since it sweeps to 550MHz you can get 10Gbps performance up to 180ft with these cables. That along can be a game changer for some.
Ultimately, consumers should prioritize cables certified to meet recognized standards, rather than falling for marketing gimmicks that promise inflated performance metrics without tangible benefits.
Is the cable better when it's 550mhz?
The question of whether a cable is better simply because it boasts a 550MHz rating prompts a nuanced discussion.
From our experience, upgrading to cables with higher MHz ratings, such as 550MHz, has yielded notable improvements in accuracy. However, it's essential to acknowledge that not every manufacturer adheres to the same standards regarding what constitutes 550MHz performance.
The absence of a standardized test for Cat6E, a term often associated with cables boasting MHz ratings beyond 250MHz, underscores the marketing-driven nature of such designations.
Neither TIA nor ISO has endorsed a specific testing protocol for cables labeled as Cat6E, leaving a void in industry guidelines regarding performance metrics at higher MHz ratings.
What truly matters amidst this confusion is ensuring that the cables you invest in undergo rigorous testing aligned with the highest standards set by TIA and ISO for their respective categories. This ensures that you're procuring cables that meet the stringent criteria necessary for reliable network performance.
