What is the real difference between CAT6 and CAT6A?

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The
history of data communications

The
history of data communications is closely linked to the developments in cabling
and the connecting hardware. High-performance data networks and local area
networks (LANs) cannot perform well without appropriate cables and connectors.
When we take a look at high-speed data networks like Gigabit and 10 Gigabit
Ethernet, it’s hard to imagine that these data networks descended from
telephone networks. LAN Technologies have evolved greatly over the years and
Ethernet has become the dominant technology for LANs.

 

Due
to the evolution of technology and the greater demand for higher networking
speeds, cable and components have been developed that can transmit faster
speeds over longer distances. Copper classes and categories were introduced in
order that network parameters could be clearly defined and that the appropriate
connecting hardware was installed. For example, Category 3 was introduced in
the later part of the 1980s and could support voice services as well as
10BASE-T Ethernet. However, this would eventually become unsuitable by the mid
1990s as Category 5 had become widely available and was able to support faster
network speeds up to 100Mbps. The next wave of cable and connector development
came in the form of CAT5E, which could more effectively support Gigabit network
applications. CAT5E is an enhanced version of Category 5, however, CAT5E
standards had introduced new and more stringent crosstalk specifications, which
allowed Gigabit network applications and high data transfer scenarios to
function more reliably.

 

Over
the last 5 to 8 years, Category 6 (CAT6) cable and connectors have become a
basic requirement for new buildings in order to support Gigabit network
applications and support bandwidths of up to 250MHz. CAT6 is also beginning to
replace CAT5E in residential environments. Category 6A (CAT6A) which supports
data rates of 10G up to 100 metres and a bandwidth of up to 500MHz has begun to
grow in popularity. Many Data Centres, hospitals and universities have adopted
CAT6A as a new minimum requirement. Other developments in CAT7, CAT7A and also
CAT8 are continuing, which will support even higher data transfer rates and
bandwidths.

 

Comparison
of CAT6 vs CAT6A cabling

CAT6

CAT6
cabling provides many advantages and benefits over CAT5E cabling
infrastructure. When CAT6 was first introduced it was approximately 50% more
expensive than CAT5E, which made it cost prohibitive for many installations.
However, CAT6 costs have reduced substantially over a number of years to the
point where costs are almost on par. CAT6 provides greater bandwidth over CAT5E
and allows for higher data transfer rates. Therefore, CAT6 has now become the
minimum standard for new cabling installations. As well as being able to easily
support 1 Gbps network speeds, CAT6 can also support higher data rates of
10Gbps. However, 10Gbps is only supported over shorter distances of 37-55
metres.

 

CAT6A

 

CAT6A
is capable of supporting data transfer rates of up to 10Gbps at a maximum
bandwidth of 500MHz. CAT6A has additional and tighter twists, with additional
insulation to reduce crosstalk. CAT6A is also backwards compatible with CAT6
and CAT5E, however, speeds are always limited and will perform to the lowest
category cable or connector that is installed in the link. CAT6A
is fast becoming the most cost effective solution as it is seen as a
future-proof cable system. CAT6A components are used in Class EA networks as
defined in ISO/IEC 11801 and TIA/EIA 568.

 

One
of the perceived disadvantages of CAT6A is the actual size and weight of the
cable. CAT6A was 50% larger when it originally appeared in 2008. Since then,
cable sizes have been reduced and slimmed down by 10%. The additional weight
increase also reduces the amount of cable that can fit into a cable tray and
where you can place them. This results in a larger cable tray and conduits and
smaller bundle size. The increased room is also required for the cable bend
radius in the cable tray, patch panel and behind wall outlets.

 

Termination
methods and times had also been seen to be a negative for CAT6A installation,
however, new modular jacks and outlets which can be terminated in around 2-3
minutes have reduced installation time and cost.

 

One
of the main arguments in favour of installing CAT6A infrastructure now is to
future-proof the network. Therefore, if the planned lifetime of a new cabling
system is five or more years, CAT6A should be considered as an option. If the
planned lifetime of the network is ten years or more, CAT6A definitely appears
to be the favoured solution.

 

In
fact, when considering the use of CAT6A components in a 10Gbps, Class EA
network, consider the following factors:

 

CAT6A
is recommended for new Installations in Healthcare

CAT6A
is recommended for new installations in Education

CAT6A
provides enhanced performance for Power over Ethernet (PoE)

CAT6A
supports wireless systems that rely on 10Gig

 

CAT6A
– Additional factors to consider

Shielded
Vs Unshielded Cat 6a

End
users also have the option of selecting from either a shielded or an unshielded
solution. Shielded CAT6A cable generally has an outer foil shield around each
individual pair or around all 4 copper pairs. In addition, modular jacks,
outlets and patch panels are also protected by a metal housing around these
components. Each solution has its place, as well as its own set of benefits.

 

CAT6A
cable is available in various configurations. Shielded and unshielded cables
are often referred to as F/UTP (shielded) and U/UTP (unshielded) cable.

 

The
first letters indicate the type of overall shield while the latter letters
indicate the type of shielding on each pair and the balanced element.

 

CAT6A
U/UTP means the cable consists of 4 unshielded twisted pairs and no outer
shielding. CAT6A F/UTP means the cable consists of 4 unshielded twisted pairs,
however, it contains an outer foil shield. This is a shielded cable. There is
also CAT6A S/FTP (screened/foiled twisted pair) cable, normally a CAT7 cable
that has four individually shielded pairs and an outer screen braid around all
four pairs.

 

One
of the latest additions to the CAT6A shielded cable range is a CAT6A U/FTP
cable. This cable configuration has all four pairs individually shielded,
rather than an outer foil shield. The overall test results and performance of
this cable has been quite impressive.