Cat 6 vs Cat 6A: Choosing Office Network Cable
Cat 6 and Cat 6A are categories of twisted-pair network cable. Cat 6 is specified to 250 MHz and supports 10 Gbps only over shorter runs, around 55 metres; Cat 6A is specified to 500 MHz and supports 10 Gbps over the full 100-metre channel.
By Dhruv Agarwal · · 1 min read
Why it matters
Network equipment is replaced every few years; the cable is expected to last the fit-out. Choosing its category is a decision about what the office can support a decade from now.
How it works in practice
| Cat 6 | Cat 6A | |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 250 MHz | 500 MHz |
| 10 Gbps distance | ~55 m | 100 m |
| Cable size | Thinner | Thicker |
| Best for | General desk points | APs, backbone, high PoE |
Common mistakes
- Sizing containment for Cat 6, then installing Cat 6A. It does not fit.
- Skipping certification. A link that connects is not proven to perform.
- Mixing categories in one channel. The link performs at the lowest grade.
Standards referenced
Generic cabling under ISO/IEC 11801. Commercial cabling under TIA-568.
Standards referenced
- ISO/IEC 11801 — Generic cabling for customer premises
- TIA-568 — Commercial building telecommunications cabling