First of all, we will learn about what is an Ethernet Cable. Once we get the answer to this question then it will be easier for us to understand its different versions and their working. Especially, Cat6 VS Cat6a analysis become easier.
Cat6 Ethernet Cable: –
What is Cat6 Ethernet Cable?
Cat6 Ethernet cable is a kind of Ethernet cabling used in both residential and commercial networks. According to the Electronic Industries Association and the Telecommunications Industry Association, it is the sixth generation of twisted pair Ethernet wiring. Backward compatibility exists between Cat5 and Cat5e, two prior versions of Ethernet cabling.
What is the speed of the Cat6 Ethernet Cable?
Gigabit Ethernet data speeds of 1 gigabit per second are the main feature of Cat6 cables. This means that the highest data rate they can theoretically attain is 1 gigabit per second. In actuality, owing to accidents or other transitory issues, your speeds will be lower than that.
However, under typical circumstances, you might receive data transfer speeds of up to 900 Mbps for short periods of time. Over a short distance, Cat6 may also support 10 Gigabit Ethernet connections. This means that a single cable might provide a 10 Gigabit Ethernet connection for up to 164 feet.
What kind of connectors does Cat6 Use?
The same Registered Jack 45 (RJ-45) standard connections are utilized with Cat6 as they were in prior versions of Ethernet cables. RJ45 connectors contain eight pins where the cable’s wire strands connect electrically.
Using a specific cable crimping tool, the individual wires of the cable are put into it roughly 1 mm apart.
The name “plug” refers to the connection’s cable or “male” end, while “jack” refers to the connection’s “female” end or port where the connector makes the connection.
Cat6 VS Cat6a – Difference Overview: –
The letter “A” affixed to a Cat6a cable indicates that it has been augmented. The cable comes with enhanced features and qualities. It is an upgrade version over the Cat6 Solid Copper cable as it can carry 10 Gigabit Ethernet data speeds up to 328 feet over a single cable.
It is therefore twice as quick as the Cat6. They are thicker than Cat6 cable, but the RJ-45 connections are the same. The Cat6a’s quicker speed, however, comes at a higher price.
Cat6a cables have additional insulation, meaning they have a thicker covering that helps to totally avoid crosstalk. With that, some versions of Cat6a come with extra shielding as well. These variants are known as STP (Shielded twisted pair) variants. They come with extra performance qualities and features.
