Difference Between CAT6 and CAT6a (With Table)

Everyone wants the right cabling for their applications and researching the right cabling is a must. In today’s time, the use of Ethernet for networks has become very common. All networks from all over the world run through Ethernet. It is necessary to have the right cable to connect to that network as well. In this sequence, if we talk about the right cable, then cat6 and cat6a are considered very common. After understanding the difference between the two, the decision regarding their use is considered successful.

CAT6 vs CAT6a

The difference between CAT6 and CAT6a is that Cat6 cable wires are thin and light whereas cat6a wires are thick and heavy. CAT6a is a new iteration in the cabling world. Here A refers to the augmented. After research, it is believed that cat6a is much better than cat6 and its properties are better.

In Cat6, CAT means category. It is mainly used as a cable to connect to the network, LAN or Ethernet. It has many categories. A 4-headed sheath is a copper wire with a capacity of up to 1 gigabyte i.e. up to 1000 megabytes. Under this, large files are transferred, which is also allowed from the bandwidth office.

CAT6a has more capabilities. It can transfer data for large files up to 10 Gbps, apart from this it has several modes like crosstalk reduction mode, insulation mode, etc. Its speed has its set limits. This cable is fast becoming popular among the people as it is being seen as a future-proof cable. Its components are used in Class EA networks.

Comparison Table Between CAT6 and CAT6a

What is CAT6?

Category 6 is known in a way as cable.  Here CAT means category.  These cables can be connected to any type of network.  Apart from this, it is also connected to Ethernet.  This cable is supposed to be backward compatible with Cat 5 and Cat 3. Cat 6 can meet the prescribed specifications for crosstalk and system noise more than Cat 5.  In addition, it is capable of performing up to 250 MHz which is only up to 100 MHz in Cat5.  The length of the cable wire in this range is up to 55 meters.

Cat6, first designed in 2001, was supported by Cat5.  It was designed as a hooded pair without shields.  It was designed with rigorous accuracy in mind.  For better performance, it has reduced system noise, crosstalk, etc. Cat 6 should always be used with wiring, otherwise, it may result in a decrease in its performance, that is, it should be used keeping in mind its specifications.  The conductor used in this requires pure copper.

There are some instructions you need to know before using Category 6.  While using the cable, its wires should not be sharply bent.  The bend radius should be 4 times the outside diameter of the cable.  Keeping these things in mind, it should be used only then it will be installed properly.

What is CAT6a?

Cat6a is considered a better cable.  It is also connected to Ethernet.  It has many features which are known at the time of its use such as differential visibility, distinctive display, etc.  Its prescribed limit is up to a bandwidth of up to 500 MHz, which is considered twice the normal.  This cable maintains a maximum data rate over a distance of up to 100 meters which is its main feature. While designing it, efforts have been made to rectify the earlier shortcomings such as improved cross-stack mitigation.  The number of modes has also been increased in it which enhances its feature.

There have been many upgrades regarding this, in which cable twist is also important. This cable adds 2 twists which increase its strength and resistance to crosstalk. In addition, its cables are heavy and thick, which eliminates external crosstalk. The wires used in this, which are of copper, are also thick, due to which it is difficult to install. It can also be used for data centers or office networks. The synonym of A appearing in CAT 6 is Augmented. It is designed in such a way that its properties are twice as good as that of Cat 6 whether it is its data rate or its speed.

Main Differences Between CAT6 and CAT6a

1. CAT6 is known as a cable that can be connected to any specified network and it is also connected to Ethernet whereas Cat6a is an upgraded and advanced form of this category that can perform better than this.
2. Cat6’s connector type is RJ45 8P8C whereas Cat6a has connector type RJ45 only.
3. It takes 1 hour to transfer 1 Terabyte in Cat6 while it takes only 20 minutes to transfer 1 Terabyte in Cat6a.
4. The copper wires used in Cat6 are thinner and lighter whereas the wires used in Cat6a are thicker and heavier.
5. If we talk about its application area, then Cat6 can only be connected to the home network or its designated network whereas Cat6a is connected to large networks like data centers, office networks, etc because of its faster speed.

Conclusion

So here we conclude that both words are related to networking but both have their specialty. Efforts have been made to make Cat 6a much better than the features of Cat 6. Cat 6 is known as a twisted cable whereas cat 6a is a better version of the same category. In Cat6a cable, A stands for Enhancement. The jacket over it is as thick as the copper wire inside, while the jacket on the Cat6 is thinner. Cat6 is used for home networks, office networks, whereas Cat6a is used for large networking sites such as data centers, office networks, etc. The above information shows that the working capacity of Cat6a is much better than that of Cat6.