Cat6 ethernet cable is not a new LAN cable but still, there are many misconceptions about installing the ethernet cable in residential, commercial, or industrial applications. The first thing is patience as this guide will explain thoroughly the Cat6 cable attributes and the Jacket’s internal features, purpose, and how to idealize the plenum jacket.
Let’s start with the formal introduction about the Category 6 Ethernet cable. What’s inside?
Cat6 Plenum Cable
The bulk cat6 plenum cable is a highly advanced ethernet cable when compared with its predecessors (Cat5e). The cable internal features are quite sophisticated as they show better results. First, its diameter uses a 23 AWG conductor size which idealizes the cable will show better transmission. Second, its bandwidth is 550 MHz to support the Fast Ethernet Applications. Third, tightly twisted pairs reduce crosstalk and support maximum performance.
Last but not least, the speed which is the utmost demand of all buyers. It supports two-speed specifications at a shorter distance the Bulk Cat6 cable delivers 10 Gbps speed and contrary to shorter lengths the cable will pour out 1 Gbps speed. Which is quite acceptable for many servers.
Before choosing this cable double check your server speed ratings if not matching with the gigabit speed. First, you need to upgrade to gigabit speed. Cat6 plenum ethernet cable is the fastest, reliable, and secure cabling solution that will deliver maximum results with sustainable results of quality speed.
Does Cat6 Plenum Cable Need to be Shielded?
Within Cat6 Plenum Cable, there are two types of cables — shielded and unshielded. The Cat6 plenum shielded cable is not a casual cable to use freely in your room or office buildings. The purpose of the Cat 6 plenum shielded caters to different needs.
The UTP cat6 plenum 1000ft cable is a general ethernet cable that is used for small and medium business needs, or to activate the surveillance systems within the buildings for security purposes.
On the other hand, if you need to install cable at longer lengths cat6 plenum-shielded cables are quite supportive due to the insulation layer inside the cable and the protective fire-resistant jacket.
What Is The Purpose of a Plenum Jacket?
If you are aware of the plenum spaces of the buildings you know the answer but if you are a layman let me sort it out. First, the Plenum jacket on the Cat6 ethernet cable is made of plastic. But here is a twist. This is not a usual plastic material but chemically it is made up of FEP-rated material (Fluorinated Ethylene Polymers) which makes it an LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogens) material cable to emit non-toxic smoke.
The reason to use plenum-rated cables is to avoid mishaps within the building if it catches fire. The Cat6 plenum cable restricts the fire progression and also avoids the danger of spreading the flames across the floor.
The most appropriate space to use bulk cat6 plenum cable is at HVAC systems, drop ceilings, Attics, above raised floors, and vertical and horizontal shafts of the building. The cable is also UV-resistant and can bear the maximum temperature range.
Is Cat6 Plenum Cable Outdoor Rated?
This is a technical aspect for using the Cat6 plenum 1000ft for outdoor installation. In reality, the plenum is an indoor cable. It is not right to use it for outdoor installation purposes. Though the cable is UV-resistant but still you need an extra protective sheath to install this cable though it will increase the installation cost.
The Cat6 plenum cable is the best as it can be used in both vertical and horizontal spaces of the buildings. The plenum is a secure jacket and if the cable is installed in recommended locations then it will surely survive for a longer time.
Why Is Plenum Jacket Cable More Expensive?
The expensive nature of the cable is in its chemical formation. The Cat6 plenum jacket is a bit thicker than the riser jacket. The FEP material is the main cause of this cable’s expensive nature.
If you want to light this jacket on fire it will keep swelling and will not burn so it minimizes the maximum chances of flame propagation.
How To Identify Cat6 Plenum Cable?
One can easily identify the Cat6 plenum 1000ft cable just by reading the specs on the box or by reading the printed text like Cat6 CMP 1000 ft 550 MHz Pure Copper Cable. Here CMP is referred to as Communication Multipurpose Plenum for plenum rated cables.
Sometimes manufacturers use PL, PLM, or CMP according to the manufacturer design and pointing out plenum jackets. So you better be affiliated with such terminologies to choose the best cable for your cabling solutions.
Is Cat6 Plenum Copper Cable Best For Networking?
The copper is the most powerful conductor when used in the ethernet cables. Likewise, the bulk Cat6 cable 1000ft also comes with the Solid or Bare copper conductor to boost the speed of the server.
The ethernet cable supports the best transmission and also the server speed ratings but lacks boosting the speed of the server to its potential.
With Copper conductor and plenum cable you are truly secure in terms of speed and fire safety regulations of the building. With copper the cat6 plenum 1000ft cable can be used for PoE/+/++, 2.5 GHz Ethernet, 5 GHz Ethernet, VoIP, Video and Audio Streaming, and the 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet), 1000 Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet), and 10 Gbps (10 Gigabit Ethernet).
The Bulk Cat6 plenum with copper cable has low electrical resistance and allows heat dissipation to protect the conductors from overheating. It smoothens the transmission of transferring signals from one end to the other.
Final Thoughts
For high speed networking speed over a wired cable Cat6 plenum ethernet cable is the best possible solution. Its plenum jacket is fire-proof, and if you choose this cable you will future-proof your cabling infrastructure. Means you do not need to upgrade the cable but the speed ratings.
In this guide you are well informed about the different perspectives of Cat6 plenum and about plenum jackets. Now you only need to look for the best possible combination of Cat6 plenum 1000ft in copper or CCA.
