Cat6 vs. Cat6a: Which is Right for Your Texas Business?

When upgrading your office network in Texas, the most common question we hear is: Should we install Cat6 or Cat6a?

Understanding the Basics

Both cables utilize standard RJ-45 connectors, but the differences in speed, frequency, and internal shielding are massive.

• Cat6: Supports speeds up to 10 Gbps at distances up to 164 feet (50 meters). Frequency is 250 MHz.
• Cat6a: The "a" stands for Augmented. It supports 10 Gbps at the full standard distance of 328 feet (100 meters). Frequency is 500 MHz.

When to Choose Cat6

For most standard offices, retail stores, and small warehouses, Cat6 is perfectly fine. It handles VoIP phones, standard Wi-Fi access points, and typical workstation tasks flawlessly while being slightly cheaper and easier to bend/install.

When to Choose Cat6a

If you are building a data center, a healthcare facility transmitting large medical imaging files, or outfitting a large commercial space where cable runs will regularly exceed 150 feet, Cat6a is the only choice. Its internal shielding also prevents alien crosstalk (interference from other cables).

Need help deciding? Contact Network Cabling Elite for a free site walk-through today.