Which Ethernet Cable Is Best for You? Cat6 Vs. Cat6a

Choosing between Cat6 vs. Cat6a ethernet cables comes down to connection distance, transfer speed, and cost. It’s a common question among cabling technicians and individuals looking for the best setup. However, there’s still lots of confusion about the differences between these two cable types.

Many technicians argue and try to prove which option is the best in the battle between Cat6a vs. Cat6. That’s why we’ve decided to stop all the disputes and myths regarding this debate. Even though the issue is simple, it’s not only about comparing the price or features between Cat6 vs. Cat6a.

1. Cat6a vs. Cat6: General Information

Both options have the RJ-45 connector on both ends. This connector allows you to plug these cables into ethernet jacks on switches, routers, and computers. They all support the PoE standards for VoIP phones, IP cameras, wireless access points, and Ethernet.

However, these cables come in variations or categories, and that’s why they have the “cat” abbreviation. Every individual category has many different standards, and as standards change, new cat ethernet cables are created.

Even though there are older and newer categories of ethernet cables, today we will discuss the differences between Cat6a vs. Cat6.

2. Cat6a vs. Cat6: Technical Differences

Cat6

The Cat6 category came out shortly before Cat6e, and it supported 10 Gigabit networks. Throughout the early 2000s, the previous version of Cat6 connected to workstations, while the Cat6 option connected routers and switches. But the 10 Gigabit network on Cat6 cables was possible up to 164 ft, and after this length, the speed was the same as on the previous version.

What gauge is Cat6 wire? The Cat6 wire gauge is 23, and there are some variations with the 24 gauge.

Cat6a

The Cat6a variation came next, and while being a 23-gauge cable, it’s much thicker. When comparing Cat6 vs. 6a, there’s a tighter winding of the wire pairs and thicker plastic around them. When looking at Cat6a vs. Cat6, there’s more copper used with the newer version.

Cat6a brings the best of both worlds in the battle of Cat6a vs. Cat6 as it supports 10 Gigabit networking with a maximum length of 328 ft. In other words, the latter also reduces crosstalk between pairs, lowering the delay in the process.

3. Cat6e vs. Cat6: Cost Comparison

Regarding Cat6e vs. Cat6 cost differences, Cat6e is the most expensive option because it’s the latest and offers the best speed, length, and latency. Costs vary by length, seller, and manufacturer, but in general, you can expect these numbers when comparing the Cat6e vs. Cat6 cost:

• Cat6: $0.15 – $0.25 per foot;
• Cat6e: $0.25 – $0.35 per foot.

General Advice You Should Consider

Just because the Cat6e is the best option doesn’t mean you should always use it. However, if you’re looking for a cable that can sustain you in the future, this is the best option, as you get top performance at the longest distance.

On the other hand, if your cable doesn’t go over 150 feet, you can save up and use Cat6 and get the same performance. Remember that you can’t just add an ethernet heavy-duty extension cord when you want to extend the length because you will still lose performance.

An ethernet cable can’t be used like an extension cord. At the same time, many people don’t need to go over some previous versions as servers are being placed on the cloud. There’s no need for heavy internal networking, and older cables still connect more quickly than the WiFi option.

Considerations When Running Power and Ethernet Cables

Running ethernet cables next to a switch power cord, flat cord power strip, or flat extension cord affects the performance of your ethernet cables. Running them parallel can disrupt their performance, but this doesn’t always happen.

The main concern is the amperage and what you have plugged into your power lines. For example, running a 30 amp extension cord and a 30 amp power strip with several devices plugged into them can jeopardize data integrity and safety.

The US regulations also suggest running outdoor extension cords above communication cables and avoiding attaching them to the same cross-arm. That applies to every extension cord with switch buttons, right-angle power strip extensions, and flat plug extension cords.

Conclusion

We sincerely hope this blog has helped you learn more about the crucial differences between Ethernet cable categories and how to use them safely. Take the time to measure your needs and consider your application before spending your hard-earned money. Proper research before purchasing something is paramount to making good choices. Even though research takes time, it is better to do it before you make a purchasing decision, as it saves time in the long run.

We the information above, you should now know the difference between Cat6 and Cat6a cables and how to operate around them safely and securely.