Cat6 Patch Cables - Which Ones Are The Best?
Cat6 cables have got widespread popularity in making Ethernet connections in recent times because of the fact that it is designated for the Gigabit Ethernet, i.e.
1000BASE-T, and it is expected to work till 10GBASE-T. Due to this supreme transmission
speed that they provide, combined with the fact that the interference is the minimum
in the industry, it is but natural that these patch cables are the number one
choice in making Ethernet connections.
Patch cables are short cables. One use of them is to connect separate computer
devices to the patch unit of the computer. Even connecting different patch units
that are stacked one above the other are connected by patch cables.
There are different varieties of Cat6 cables that are used, and only some are
suitable to be used as patch cables. The following are the descriptions of the
different Cat6 cable types:-
Stranded Cat6 cable
This cable is a UTP cable like all other Cat6 cables. It contains eight wires
twisted in pairs to form four pairs. The central core of these cables is made
in the stranded fashion. It contains several strands of copper wires. That helps
the cables to become more flexible and hence better suited to patch networks.
The copper strands also enhance conductivity and provide inner strength to the
cables.
Solid Cat6 Cable
Solid cables are similar to contain a solid internal core, which is made by
combining all the separate copper strands into a single solid thick strand.
There are advantages of making such a combination - it facilitates transmission
of data over longer distances with minimum loss of information and minimum peripheral
problems such as crosstalk interference. But there is a downside to it. Cat6
solid core cables cannot be bent or flexed without sustaining damage to the
internal core. It is important for the best transmission that the core must
be as straight as possible. Hence, Cat6 solid cables are used more in making
bulk cables that are used to connect different computers to a central patch
network, for example.
Plenum Cat6 Cable
Plenum is also a type of solid core cable, but the difference is that the outside
jacket of the cable is not made of put PVC, but of a mix of PVC and Teflon.
Plenum is used more in long distance and bulk cable connections, such as making
residential and office connections. They are preferred for their better insulation
and conduction properties, and at the same time, improved transmission rates.
Plenum is also a fireproof material. Even if it gets singed, it disperses very
few fumes into the environment. That is the reason why some residential building
codes insist on the use of plenum Cat6 cables.
However, when it comes to making Cat6 patch cables, it is the stranded cable
that is preferred. It is best for short distances, and the stranded copper wires
in it provide it with the strength and additional conductivity that is required
of Cat6 patch cables.
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