What is the difference in AWG of CAT6 and CAT6a Plenum?

CAT6 Plenum cable is the standard for the sixth generation of twisted pair networking where it provides a spectacular result in the field of performance and speed. The reason behind it is, of course, the massive data transmission speed of 10 Gbps over a 100 meters wired network and the noise ratio is also reduced as compared to the previous categories with a performance frequency that can go up to 550 MHz.

Cat6 Plenum Cable

Contrary to Category 6, Category 6’s augmented - the advanced version - provides does even more in the sense of noise cancellation by providing a performance frequency of up to 850 MHz. This improvement in the bandwidth, signal-to-noise ratio, and crosstalk guarantees better broadcasting in the presence of any interference in the surrounding.

About American Wire Gauge
AWG is inversely related to the wire diameter, meaning the smaller the gauge, the larger the diameter of the wire. The large diameter of the wire means less electrical resistance for the signal it carries. Copper network cables with a smaller gauge are available in longer lengths because they allow signals to travel further, by offering less resistance. Also, less resistance means it’ll generate less heat.

What AWG is in Category 6 and 6a Plenum?
Category 6 consists of 22 to 24 American Wire Gauge, meaning the width of the wire would be a bit fatter than its predecessor. Contrary to this, the width of the wire of Category 6a cable would be even faster than the predecessor of the same category, as it is a 16 to 20 American Wire Gauge. This is one of the ways you can identify between the two wires - the width. Note that both these cables use the same connector of RJ45, just like the predecessor.

Cat6a Plenum Cable

What is the Plenum Jacket Type?
Just like Category 6 Standard, CAT6a Plenum Cable also comes in many variants of jacket types and the most common jacket type is Plenum. This is the reason you should know what is the difference between Plenum and non-Plenum cable so you can use them in a suitable setting.
Plenum jacket type is used in the plenum setting, which is the horizontal setting in the building and could be a viable host to heat such as air vents and raised up floors. In such places, it is recommended to use this jacket type as it has extra protection from heat and thus it protects from damage from fire - further saving from threatening causes like toxic gasses and visible smoke that can get out from the burning of the cable.
Therefore, if you are not installing the networking cable in the vertical setting then Plenum is recommended - otherwise, you might use non-Plenum cables.

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CAT5e cable perform under extreme temperatures

CAT5e cables are specialized in working with command and dignity under all sorts of pressures. That is why they are giving a tough time to its competitors. They sustain pressure and ensure qualitative delivery of data in a comprehensive model in adverse conditions. Cat5e is an advanced level and upgraded version of CAT5 Wires. The only difference between the two is their ability to counter cross talk and EMI’s. Cross talk and EMI are electromagnetic radiations which are always there and there about to disturb the smooth flow of data along the wires. As Wires are busy in the transmission of data across the entire network, electromagnetic radiations continue to intervene and create a nuisance. Patch cable can handle the pressure up to a certain limit but over a certain period, they will either collapse to continue with their job.

This can be very lethal and detrimental because the network heavily relies on the smooth, transparent and uninterrupted transfer of data without delay and losses. CAT5e Networking cable has the ability to counter EMI and handles data with care; both tasks are performed adequately and at the very same time. Cat5e has an additional specification which is its ability to support gigabits of data. All four wires are used for conducting data. The unshielded twisted pairs simultaneously improvise to conduct gigabits of data without heating up and that is because the burden is shared equally by all the conducting wires. The bandwidth or the data transfer rate is 250 MHz which is phenomenal.  CAT5e thus becomes an optimum choice for constructing networks.

Following are some of the main attributes of CAT5e cables:

Supports gigabits of Ethernet:

CAT5e supports gigabits of Ethernet. 1000mega bits of information are transferred across all the dimensions of a network in a second. In other words, 1Gigabit/s is highly convenient especially when the cable assures quality performance under all conditions devoid of any damage and collapse.

RJ-45 Jackets:

CAT5e doesn’t require any special infrastructure. Traditional RJ-45 jackets will accommodate CAT5e Ethernet Wires.

PVC coating:

Terminal ends of CAT5e Bulk cables are coated with Polyvinylchloride or PVC which makes the cable more durable and comprehensive.

EMI’s and Crosstalks:

CAT5e cable has an edge over its competitors in its ability to counter and fight out ‘toxicity’. Charged species collide with the Wires and result in data loss. Cables heat up and lose precious data because of highly volatile interactions with the electrical charges. CAT5e handles the pressure with confidence. Chances of data and line losses are minimal with Category 5e cables as they are hard, brittle and strong enough to stick to their task in most extreme circumstances.

Conducive for massively built networks:

Category 5e cables work well even if they are used to transmit data along longer distances. They are resistive to corrosion, damage, and collapse. Cables are intended to patch up devices and to route internet signals from modem onto a router.  Ethernet cable must be able to handle pressure without succumbing to injuries and without giving up in extreme conditions. All the Wires don’t favorably support the cause of dignified networking because they have their strengths and weaknesses. CAT5e has launched some 15 years ago since then they have been delivering the goods under normal and extraordinary conditions.

They are highly ductile and can be reshaped, twisted and turned as per the requirements without any damage to the cabling infrastructure. Emi’s and crosstalks negatively impact data transactions. The Networking cables must be able to counter electrically charged species without overheating. CAT5e carries data along longer distances, counters and fights out electromagnetic influx without heating up. CAT5e has maintained its status of ‘highly trustable set of Ethernet cables’ over the years and it looks evident that the success story will continue in the coming years.

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