When fitting out your home with Ethernet, you'll often buy large quantities of Cat6 cable. While cheaper spools are available, be sure to check for the construction and shielding. Some of these cables are clad in aluminum and more prone to breakage. Others are made with a solid copper core and are shielded against interference. The shielding of twisted-pair cable is another factor to consider.
Unshielded Cat6 Cable is Less Expensive Than Shielded Cat6 Cable
In general, twisted-pair copper cabling of the category 6a variety is less expensive than shielded versions. They are ideal for use in high-speed networks, such as those in 10Gbit/s networks, as well as in wireless access points. Users are increasingly demanding higher bandwidths and performance from their networks, so Cat6a cables are increasingly being adopted.
While shielded Cat6 cable is less costly than unshielded Cat6 cable, it is not as high performing. Shielded cables have more benefits than unshielded. For instance, shielded cables can withstand more electromagnetic interference than unshielded versions. In addition to offering higher bandwidths, Cat6a cables also support more data with less crosstalk. Both types of cables are acceptable for AVB networking. The benefits of each type vary depending on the application.
Shielded Cat6 cable is better than unshielded cables, but it is less flexible. Unshielded cable will also allow you to use longer lengths. Unshielded Cat6 cable has a lower price tag than shielded cable. The reason for this is that unshielded cable has a thinner outer jacket, so it can be used for longer lengths of the same distance.
It's Rated for Outdoor Use
You may be wondering how to tell if a Cat6 cable is rated for outdoor use. Outdoor graded cables are designed to withstand weather, temperature, and humidity changes. This type of cable can also be buried underground or protected from UV rays. Luckily, these cables are available in six distinct lengths. These cables can be used to run your outdoor security cameras, for example. These cables are available in bulk to make installing security cameras easy.
The high-speed Cat6/Cat6e cable is designed specifically for outdoor data, voice, and security applications. It is also suitable for distributing digital video, voice, and security signals. The N228-01K-BK version of this cable is designed for fast transmission. It ensures peak performance through LAN. It also comes with a protective shield. You can use indoor-grade Cat6 cable outdoors if there are no sources of electromagnetic interference.
It's Shielded Against Interference
Shielded cables are better for transmissions, but they can become weighty if multiple cables are run through a space. Heavy cables can damage structures. While Cat6 is an excellent choice for EMI/RFI protection, STP shielded cable can add an extra layer of safety. Listed below are some of the benefits of shielded cables. Read on to learn more about these cables and how they can protect your network.
Shielded cables are a must in places with a high risk for EMI or RFI. These sources include radio antennas, power line structures, and large magnets. If you're not going to be using these cables in these areas, shielding them won't make a difference. Shielding doesn't make a cable more reliable, however. In fact, it might reduce the signal quality.
It's Rated for Direct Burial
Listed for direct burial, Cat6 ethernet cable is a high-speed data transfer solution that can run between buildings or devices without the use of conduit. Made from solid bare copper conductors, this cable is CMXT-rated and UL-listed for direct burial. Its four color-striped pairs reduce alien crosstalk. Direct burial cable is commonly terminated to a jack, patch panel, or RJ45 connector.
A bare copper cable is better for direct burial, as it produces a stronger signal, higher conductivity, and more flexibility. Unlike insulated cables, bare copper is rugged and UV-resistant, making it a great choice for outdoor installations. It can also be installed in conduit. The bare copper cable's insulated conductor diameter is 1.08 mm, while the overall cable jacket is 7.80mm.