Commercial network infrastructure
Cat6 and Cat6A are both common choices for business cabling. The useful decision depends on the equipment, run lengths, pathway space, cable bundle, termination components and how long the installation is expected to serve the space. A site review is more useful than choosing the higher category by default.
The cable is only one part of the channel
Jacks, patch panels, patch leads, bend radius, separation from other services and termination quality all affect the completed connection. A higher category cable does not compensate for a poorly planned rack or pathway.
Check the pathway before choosing
- Cat6A can take more room in a bundle and at the rack. Existing conduit, tray, ceiling access and cabinet space should be checked before a large order is committed.
- If an existing rack or pathway is being reused, the installation should be planned around what can stay and what needs to be changed.
Questions to answer first
- How many drops are needed and where will they terminate?
- What equipment will use the connections now and later?
- Is this a new build, renovation, office move or replacement of older cabling?
Useful before we quote
- Approximate number of runs
- Floor plan and estimated run lengths
- Equipment or IT requirements
- Existing pathway, rack and patch-panel details
Questions about the choice
Should our business use Cat6 or Cat6A?
There is no single answer for every site. The equipment, pathway, run length and expected life of the installation should guide the choice.
Can Cat6A be added to an older rack?
Often, but rack space, patch panels, cable management and the existing pathway should be checked before the work is quoted.
Do you install the matching patch panel?
Patch-panel installation and cleanup can be included with a Cat6 or Cat6A cabling project.
Not sure which category fits the project?
Share the floor plan, approximate run lengths and what the network needs to support. ICS can help identify the practical questions before a category is selected.