Cat6 VS Cat6a – Which Is the Best for Residential Use?

With the continuous improvements and innovations in the networking field, connectivity requirements are increasing, and high-speed Ethernet cables are no exception. With the increasing growth of residential space automation, data speed needs have reached new heights. So, which cable should you use for your gaming setup: Cat6 Plenum Pure Copper or Cat6a Plenum Cable? Let’s have a look.

Features of Cat6 Plenum Pure Copper Cable: –

Cat6 Cable is part of the 6th generation or category Ethernet cable family. This cable is the most well-known and first-choice option for residential areas for the following reasons:

1. Cat6 cable delivers extraordinarily high data transmission speeds of up to 10Gbps over a 50-meter cable run and 1Gbps over a 100-meter cable run. Because gamers typically create their setup in domestic areas, cable runs are likely to be fewer than 50 meters, resulting in data transmission speeds of up to 10Gbps.
2. The cable has a 550 MHz bandwidth capacity. This bandwidth capacity is particularly beneficial since it maximizes signal intensity while ensuring that it is not degraded.
3. Conductors are constructed of pure copper or copper-clad aluminum in this cable. Cat6 cable has eight wires that are twisted in four pairs to prevent outside interferences like electromagnetic interference and crosstalk.
4. There are four different versions of the cable. The plenum variation is used in horizontal or plenum areas. The plenum form of Cat6 Cable has met all fire-safety criteria and has passed severe safety regulations. The cable is also UV resistant, with an outer jacket constructed of high-quality polyvinyl chloride.

As the name implies, the riser variation is used in the riser or vertical sections of structures. In essence, the Cat6 cable riser type is likewise classified as an indoor variant. As a result, it has also passed severe fire-safety requirements. When it comes to the PVC version, it’s designed for outside use and falls under the category of outdoor cables. Because PVC cables do not have to meet high fire regulations, they are less expensive. The direct burial cable is the fourth type of Cat6 cable.

Features of Cat6a Cable: –

Cat6a Plenum 1000ft Cable is part of the 6th generation or category Ethernet cable family, although the “a” in the name refers to the enhanced variants. Let’s take a look at why this cable is so popular for home installs in 2022:

1. With an increased bandwidth capacity of 750 MHz, the Cat6a cable can maintain data transmission speeds of 10Gbps over a distance of 100 meters. You will have constant connectivity as a result of these enhanced capabilities.
2. Pure copper and copper-clad aluminum conductors are available in the cable. Pure copper conductors are more expensive than copper-clad aluminum conductors since they are premium conductors. Pure copper conductors outperform copper-clad aluminum conductors in terms of performance. So, if you want our advice, go with pure copper conductors wherever possible if money isn’t an issue.
3. The cable comes in four different versions. Cat6a cable in plenum versions is for plenum areas because it contains fire retardant properties, while riser variants are for riser spaces for the same reason. PVC is for outdoor use, while direct burial is for interior use.