Overview of Ethernet Cables Cat6 VS Cat6a VS Cat7 Specifications

First of all, we will learn about what are Ethernet Cables? Once we answer this question, it will be easier for us to understand its different versions and their working.

What is an Ethernet Cable?

Ethernet cables are used to connect modems, routers, and computers on a network. A standard Ethernet wire was created in the 1980s. They are thick, flexible cables made up of two or more wires that are twisted, braided, or linked together and run side by side.

Each end of the cable can be connected to a separate network device. Although all Ethernet cables appear to be the same on the surface, different types of cables have distinct capacities.

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 supported using Pure Copper Cat6 Ethernet cable. 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. 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 cable 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 inserted 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 is placed.

Cat6a VS Cat6 – Difference Overview: –

The letter “A” affixed to a Cat6 cable indicates that it has been augmented. It comes with enhanced features and qualities. The cable is an upgraded version over the Cat6 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 are additionally insulated, meaning they have a thicker covering that helps to avoid crosstalk. With that, some versions of Cat6a Plenum Cable comes with extra shielding as well. These variants are known as STP (Shielded twisted pair) variants. They come with extra performance qualities and features.

Cat7 Ethernet Cable: –

Cat7 Ethernet cables provide much better capacity and transmission rates than Cat6 cables. As a result, they are significantly more expensive, but if you want higher performance, the extra expense is well worth it.

Cat7 cables can transmit data at speeds of up to 100Gbps over a distance of 15 meters. As a result, they’re an excellent alternative for connecting modems and routers to your devices. They are insulated, much as Cat6a cables, to fully reduce noise and improve connection quality. Cat7 cables feature a modified Giga Gate 45 connector instead of RJ-45 connectors.