How to use Cat6a Ethernet Cables? That might seem like a straightforward question to someone who is not very well familiar with this cable and its plenum and riser counterparts. But you will know the complications of using the Cat6a plenum and riser ethernet cables if you are familiar with them.
This blog explores how to use the Cat6a Ethernet Cable. Read till the end to understand.
What is Cat6a Ethernet Cable?
Before we delve into the nitty-gritty of using the Cat6a ethernet cables, let’s get to know it first. The cable is an augmented version of the category 6 cable. It features 23 AWG conductors that are twisted tightly into pairs. The twisted-pair conductors ensure better resistance against interference and external noise.
The 1000ft Cat6a plenum cable comes with two different types of jackets: plenum and riser. The one with the plenum jacket is known as the Cat6a plenum and the one with the riser is known as the Cat6a riser.
Both types of cables have different uses that are dependent upon the type of jacket. More on that later.
Cable Performance
The data transfer speeds on the bulk Cat6a ethernet cable can reach up to a maximum of 10 GBit/s over 100 meters. Moreover, the cable supports a bandwidth of up to 750 MHz. In addition to this high-speed data transfer and voluminous bandwidth capacity, the cable can keep the EMI and noise levels at a minimum. The quality of signals over this cable is also optimum.
Cat6a Plenum vs Cat6a Riser
The plenum and riser are the two types of Cat6a ethernet cables. Cat6a plenum cable is used in indoor horizontal runs and in ducts and conduits. The Cat6a riser cable is used indoors in vertically rising spaces also known as risers. If you need an ethernet cable to run between floors, inside walls, or through elevator shafts, you will use this cable.
Both types of cables can also be used outdoors. The plenum Cat6a is more resilient to harsh outdoor climates followed by the riser Cat6a.
The Plenum-rated jacket of the Cat6a cable is highly resistant to high temperatures, humidity, and other such uncertainties. Similarly, the riser-rated version is also quite durable but it can emit toxic smoke, unlike the plenum. These are the facts you need to keep in mind when using the 1000ft Cat6a cable.
How to Use Cat6a Cables?
Now let’s talk about the most important question: how do you use the Cat6a ethernet cable? Knowing how to use the Cat6a cables means that you know where to install which type of cable and what applications to use it for.
Imagine you have just bought the 1000ft Cat6a cable spools to wire a LAN network. The first thing you would want to do is to install it. It goes without saying that to be able to use the cable, you need to install it first.
Installing the Cable
To install the cable, you will first make a plan. A properly mapped-out plan with SOPs would make it easier. In the plan, mention where you are going to run the cables. Then run the Cat6a cables in their appropriate place.
Here, remember to follow the ideal uses of the Cat6a plenum and Cat6a riser. Use the plenum cable in indoor horizontal runs and the riser cable in vertical runs. Following the safety precautions is important.
Terminating Cat6a
Once you have installed the cables you will need to terminate the ends of the cable. Please read the FAQ section of this article to learn to terminate the cable.
In any case, you will terminate the cable into 8p8c RJ45 connectors on one or both ends depending on the use of the cable.
Connecting Cat6a Cable
Once you have successfully run and terminated the 1000ft Cat6a ethernet cable, you will connect it in the next step. Connecting the bulk cable is the last and easiest step.
First, insert one end of the cable into the router, ethernet switch, or patch panel. Then, insert the other end of the cable with the RJ45 connector into your device. Note that the cable does not necessarily have to run exposed. If you have run it through ducts and conduits, you should have a clean and tidy network.
If your device does not support the RJ45 connector, you can use an ethernet adapter that is appropriate for your device.
Cat6a Cable Uses
Cat6a cables are used for all kinds of applications. These 1000ft cables support all high-speed ethernet applications such as fast ethernet, gigabit ethernet, 10-gigabit ethernet, PoE, PoE+/++, etc.
You can use this cable in data centers, server rooms, offices, homes, etc to connect devices such as computers, laptops, VoIP phones, IP security cameras, smart TVs, etc.
Using Cat6a Patch Cables?
Using the Cat6a patch cables is much easier than using the bulk or 1000ft Cat6a ethernet cables. Because patch cables are shorter in length, they can be handled and connected easily. Moreover, diagnosing any problems is also easier with Cat6a patch cables.
Conclusion
We hope this article was of help to you. Please read our FAQ section below if you have any questions.
FAQs
Do you need special connectors for Cat6a?
No. You can use any 8p8c modular connector also known as RJ45. Just make sure the connectors are compatible with the 23 AWG wires of the Cat6a ethernet cable.
What is Cat6a Cable used for?
Cat6a Cable is a high-performing wired ethernet networking solution that is used in commercial and residential networks. It can be used for all kinds of applications such as gigabit, 10 gigabits, Power over Ethernet, etc. You can also use it to connect electronic devices within a LAN or data center.
How do you connect the Cat 6A connector?
First, separate the wires of the cable and slice the insulation.
Then, insert the 8 wires of the cable as per the T568 A or T568 B wiring configuration.
Lastly, use a crimping tool to affix the 8 wires onto the 8 contacts of the connector. Squeeze the crimping tool twice to make the connections stronger.
Can I use CAT 6A Cable for Internet?
Sure. Cat 6a cable is in fact used mostly for internet connections in addition to other applications such as PoE.
Does Cat6a need to be shielded?
No, not necessarily. Cat6a cable can be either shielded or unshielded and the IEEE standards do not require it to be always shielded.
