Choose the Right CAT6 Augmented Cable For Your Applications

http://www.microconnectors.com/ Call On: 800.333.2113 Hayward, CA 94545

Working on a computer has become a household affair. To make sure that you are able to work

at the optimum level, you need the right kind of cabling for your computer network. Whether

you’re using a desktop at home, or you’re working in a data center, using the right cable can

make a huge difference to the speed of your Ethernet, your work, and crosstalk.

But how much difference can the wrong cable make to your system? The biggest problem that

one will face is Alien Crosstalk or ANEXT. This is a mixing of signals between pairs of wires in

a cable. ANEXT can increase in a system if you’re using the wrong cable, cable jacket, cable

length, density, etc. Even connected hardware can get affected by it.

So how do you choose the right cable for your computer or communications network? Well,

there are a few factors to keep in mind:

Ethernet Network: Your Ethernet is perhaps the biggest factor when choosing the right

cable. For example, if you have a 10GBASE-T Ethernet network, then the CAT6A cables

will be the right choice for you. Networks with 100BASE-T or 100BASE-TX don’t

require anything higher than CAT5E cables. When it comes to a 1000BASE-T network,

you can use either cable.

Speed: This is perhaps first priority for many clients. With advancements in Ethernet

technology, CAT6A is becoming more popular. The reason for this is that CAT6A cables

have been specifically designed to meet next generation applications, including large data

transfers at speeds up to 10Gbps.

Shielded Cables: Shielded Twisted Cables or STP is generally used in environments

where there is a high Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) or high ANEXT rating. Shielded

cables can be found in Government offices, financial institutions, and casinos, which are

known for high Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) or Radio Frequency Interference

(RFI).

Unshielded Cables: In locations other than the ones mentioned above, Unshielded

Twisted Cables or UTP is the preferred choice. They are easy to install and terminate and

are less expensive than shielded cables.

Choose the Right CAT6 Augmented Cable For Your Applications

http://www.microconnectors.com/ Call On: 800.333.2113 Hayward, CA 94545

If your Ethernet network consists of a 10GBASE-T, then CAT6 augmented cables would be the

best option for you. The cable can operate up to 500 MHz, and is compatible with CAT6 and

CAT5E. It can also support bundled cable installations and lo power networks.

But with every new product, there are bound to a few shortcomings. And CAT6A is no different.

Once installed, CAT 6A has to be tested for external noise due to its high transmission

speeds and MHz ratings.

A great amount of time is needed to test for ANEXT.

While the cable can minimize the amount of ANEXT in a system, it will still be affected

by ANEXT to a certain extent.

In this case, another option that can be looked at is CAT6A F/UTP. This particular cable is more

capable of eliminating ANEXT thanks to its shielding foil. The foil also enhances data line

security. With an outer diameter of 0.290″, it is a light and thin cable that is easy to handle and

reduces installation charges.

So the next time you decide to buy a new cable for your system, make sure you look at all the

above factors before making your decision.