So, you’ve got your brand-new gleaming tools and Ethernet cable, and you’re ready to get started. You purchased hundreds of feet of ultra-high-quality stranded copper wire with the purpose of running it to 800 feet. What could possibly go wrong? If you hear a train collapsing outside your window. That is precisely what you will hear if you go to the trouble of installing the incorrect cable type and expecting it to operate correctly. Take back the stranded copper in quantity. Solid copper conductors are required for structured cable (also called permalink). What is the dividing line between solid and stranded cat6 cables?
Isn’t copper the same as copper? Both yes and no. Yes, copper is beneficial. CCA, or Copper Clad Aluminum, is harmful, as explained in this article. Check Your Specifications, CCA is Not the Same as Solid Copper. When installing an Ethernet cable, it is critical to use the proper type of copper conductor. For the purposes of this article, it makes no difference whether the Category of cable is used. Copper can be solid or stranded, and both have advantages and disadvantages.
Ethernet Cable Stranded Copper pros:
- The Flexibility of Stranded Copper.
When we talk about solid and stranded cat6 cables, Stranded copper patch cables, for example, are the recommended and approved method of connecting a device inside a room to a keystone jack. The cable may be handled regularly, and the copper strands can survive repeated bending.
Cons of Stranded Copper:
- Because of the microscopic air spaces between the individual copper strands of stranded copper conductors, signal deterioration occurs with distance. Small air gaps do not transfer signals well or at all. Despite ongoing discussions, we personally do not suggest using stranded copper Ethernet cables longer than 75 feet.
- Stranded copper conductors, due to the presence of individual copper strands, generate increased DC resistance for PoE applications, particularly over long distances. When it comes to electricity, air acts as an insulator. In this case, it is very critical not to exceed our 75-foot length guideline.
- As like Cat6 Plenum Cable, the Stranded copper Ethernet cables may not always come in the cable jacket type required for specific purposes, such as outdoor runs or runs into the plenum space.
Advantages of Solid Copper:
- Enables Ethernet data transmissions to travel longer along a cable while experiencing less signal loss. Attenuation is the term used to describe the loss of a signal.
- Provides a far superior framework for the utilization of Power over Ethernet (PoE)
- Far superior to classic punch-down uses.
- Solid copper conductors are more resilient and stronger, making them ideal for outdoor applications.
- Solid copper conductor Ethernet cable is often available in the lengths required for in-wall or plenum (HVAC) space installations, as well as for outdoor use. The sort of outer jacket is very important.
Cons of Solid copper Conductors:
- When we talk about solid and stranded cat6 cables, Solid copper conductors are less flexible. This indicates that Cat6 Solid Copper Cable is intended for installation in locations where the wire will not be strained by handling.
- When purchasing cable in bulk (spool or box), the installer must terminate both ends, whether to a keystone jack, patch panel, or RJ45 socket.
- Stranded copper Ethernet cables are also useful. In a pinch, they’re useful for temporarily connecting two pieces of equipment. When offered as patch cables, stranded copper Ethernet cables technology will contain RJ45 connection connectors on both ends.
