Choice of cables as per their definite applications is one of the most essential aspects of setting up a network in any ecosystem. Despite the recent evolutions in the network-technology, copper cables still carry significance for their utility, affordability and dependability. Category 6A Cables, commonly known as Cat 6A, symbolize the latest version in Gigabit Ethernet cabling. The role of Cat 6A cabling is to support 10Gig Ethernet, whereas Cat 6 only supports Gigabit Ethernet, except for short links. Both the categories of cables represent standardized twisted pair copper cables for physical layers of networks. The “A” in Cat 6A implies “Augmented”, which further suggests improved category, augmented features or enhanced specifications in comparison with its predecessor, the Cat 6 Cable. This augmented rating is twice that of a regular Cat 6 cable. Against the 1Gbps of Cat 6 Cables, the Cat 6A Cables support data-transfer rates of up to 10Gbps and increase data-transmission bandwidth by two-fold, from 250 to 500 MHz. The extra bandwidth doubles the effective distance, up to 100 meters, at which these cables can maintain data-transmission at 10 Gbps. With a supplementary shielding built into the cable-structure, making them bulkier than Cat 6 Cables, Cat 6A Cables reduce crosstalk interference greatly through extra insulation and tighter twists and provide higher reliability and transmission-speeds in a network. These are preferred cables for industrial use and Data Centre applications, whereas Cat 6 Cables are good for limited space like work-space applications.
A Cat 6A installation carries an average cost about 50% more than that of a Cat6 installation. One of the other apparent disadvantages of Cat 6A is the actual size and weight of the cables. Setting them into a smaller room and cable trays is difficult. With risers, voids, cable trays, cable baskets, floor ducting and perimeter trunking, the minimum bend-radius of installed Cat 6A is nearly 30mm. For installing them, a large room for the cable-bend, an outlet behind the wall and a cable tray are always required.
Polycab Telecom, a division of Polycab India Ltd. manufactures both, Cat 6A and Cat 6 cables. Cat 6A varieties include Cat 6A UTP Solid Copper Cable 23 AWG with FR-PVC Jacket, Cat 6A UTP Solid Copper Cable 23 AWG with LSZH Jacket, Cat 6A SF/UTP Solid Copper Cable 23 AWG with FR-PVC Jacket and Cat 6A SF/UTP Solid Copper Cable 23 AWG with LSZH Jacket.
Cat 6 varieties include Cat 6 UTP Solid Copper Cable 23 AWG with FR-PVC Jacket, Cat 6 UTP Solid Copper Cable 23 AWG with LSZH Jacket, Cat 6 SF/UTP Solid Copper Cable 23 AWG with FR-PVC Jacket, Cat 6 SF/UTP Solid Copper Cable 23 AWG with LSZH Jacket, Cat 6 UTP Solid Copper Cable 23 AWG Double Jacket-outdoor and Cat 6 UTP Solid Copper Cable 23 AWG ECCS Tape Armoured.