CAT6 and CAT6A are the two cable types we use most. This post compares speed, bandwidth, shielding, thickness and cost, and explains where each one fits.
Speed and distance
Both CAT6 and CAT6A support 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10Gbps). They differ in how far they can carry it.
- CAT6 supports 10Gbps to about 37 meters reliably, and up to 55 meters when the run tests clean for alien crosstalk. Beyond that, performance drops.
- CAT6A supports 10Gbps up to 100 meters (328 feet), the full standard Ethernet length.
Camera runs fit CAT6, since cameras need far less than 10Gbps. For data drops and Wi-Fi access points, CAT6A’s full-distance 10Gbps support leaves room to grow, especially for video production studios or data-heavy offices.
Bandwidth
- CAT6 supports up to 250 MHz.
- CAT6A supports up to 500 MHz.
Higher bandwidth lets CAT6A carry more data with less interference under heavy traffic.
Shielding
Shielding protects against electromagnetic interference (EMI).
- CAT6 is usually unshielded (UTP). Shielded versions (STP) exist but are less common.
- CAT6A often comes with better shielding options, such as foil around each pair and overall shielding (F/UTP or S/FTP).
Shielded cable can help where EMI is high, such as studios with many electronic devices. For most offices, properly routed and separated unshielded cable performs well.
Thickness and flexibility
CAT6A is thicker and less flexible than CAT6 because of added shielding and insulation.
- CAT6 is thinner, bends more easily and is simpler to install in tight spaces.
- CAT6A needs more room and careful handling.
That affects installation time, especially in older buildings or where conduit space is limited.
Cost
- CAT6 cable and installation generally cost less, which makes it a sensible choice for camera runs.
- CAT6A costs more in materials and is harder to install.
Our standard on new runs is CAT6 for cameras and CAT6A for data drops and Wi-Fi access points. Drops and access points stay in place for many years, so the extra cost of CAT6A is worth it.
Where each fits
- CAT6 suits camera runs, where bandwidth needs are modest and the thinner cable is easier to route to mounting points.
- CAT6A suits data drops and Wi-Fi access points, and data-heavy places like video production studios, large tech offices and data centers where high bandwidth and long 10Gbps runs matter.
CAT6A also gives more headroom for PoE devices.
Installation in Los Angeles
Building codes, tight spaces and interference from urban infrastructure all affect cable work.
- CAT6 is easier to pull through existing conduit and tight spaces, which saves labor.
- CAT6A needs planning. Avoid sharp bends and keep it separated from power lines to reduce interference.
We use quality materials and test every run so it meets industry standards.
Planning for growth
CAT6 is well matched to cameras, whose bandwidth needs change slowly. CAT6A lasts longer for data drops and access points, supports higher speeds without replacement and leaves more headroom for PoE devices. Where you expect growth or new demands, such as 4K video streaming, cloud computing or IoT devices, CAT6A for drops and access points is the safer choice because it avoids rewiring later.
Summary
CAT6 works well for cameras. CAT6A is our choice for data drops and Wi-Fi access points, especially where traffic is heavy, runs are long or interference is a risk, such as studios and data centers. We install and test both. For a cabling plan, call (818) 809-6743 or email office@gbittech.net.
