Bulk Cat6 plenum unshielded is the go-to ethernet cable for all high-performance business LAN networks. Even more so if they need a safe and reliable cable for indoor runs. This cable is popular because of its heavy-duty Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) plenum jacket and its unrivaled performance.
But if you are looking to buy Cat6 cable, you might get a bit overwhelmed by the number of different variants it comes in. For instance, it comes in different types of jackets, conductors, etc.
So in this article, we will explain everything you need to know about Cat6 plenum unshielded cable. It is the most sought-after ethernet cable in the industry.
What is an Unshielded Cat6 Plenum Cable?
This is the 6th category of ethernet cables introduced as an improvement on the previously popular Cat5e cable. It features 4 twisted pairs of 23 AWG conductors made out of either bare copper or copper-clad aluminum.
The conductor pairs of ethernet cables are twisted tightly to keep EMI and external noise at bay. And the twists in conductor pairs of cat6 cable are more than on cat5e cable which translates into improved performance.
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
The conductor pairs of the cable are unshielded. There is another variant of the cable that has shielded conductors which are better at resisting EMI and external noise. The UTP conductors of the cable are ideally used in low-density networks. Otherwise, they are susceptible to interference from the surrounding cables.
Performance
Category 6 plenum cables unshielded cables can transmit data at speeds of up to 1 Gbps over 100 meters with a bandwidth of 550 MHz. And over 50 meters of run length, it can transmit data at up to 10 Gbps. such high speeds and bandwidth make it one of the best networking cables out there.
Jacket
The communications multipurpose plenum (CMP) jacket is designed specifically designed for plenum spaces. A plenum space is an indoor space where air can flow freely such as conduits, dropped ceilings, raised floors, etc. although the cable is highly resistant to heat, in the unlikely scenario of a fire, it prevents fire from propagating along the cable and around the building. It also doesn’t emit toxic gases which can otherwise be fatal.
Conductor
As mentioned, the bulk cat6 plenum cable comes in two different types of conductors. Bare copper and Copper clad aluminum. The pure copper conductor is without a doubt the better one. It is more efficient at transmitting data, is better resistant to heat, and also, it is easier to install due to its ductile and malleable nature.
The second type, copper clad aluminum conductor is made out of a bare copper plating on an aluminum base. It is a modest cable conductor but does not support PoE applications which makes it less ideal for business applications. Additionally, CCA conductors are more brittle which can result in damage in long-term use.
What can I use it for?
The cable is ideal for use in telecommunications rooms, data centers, and in high-speed network applications, from gigabit to 10-gigabit ethernet.
It is also great for use in areas where the cable will be visible, such as permanent home theater/cable TV installations, and for cable runs to desktop workstations, patch panels, and high-speed hubs.
The Cat6 plenum cable meets the fire-retardant requirements for all common plenum types, including those specified by the EIA/TIA. Cat6 cable is used in a wide range of networking applications, from Gigabit Ethernet to 10 Gigabit.
UTP Cat6 Plenum Cable: What to Know When Buying?
The most important factor to consider when Buying Ethernet Cables is the type of cabling needed. Cat6 Plenum cables unshielded are designed to be used in air-handling spaces and are primarily used in commercial buildings.
The cables are flame-retardant and the jacket is made of fluorinated ethylene polymer (FEP) which makes them ideal to be used in spaces with free airflow. These cables also have a heat-resistant jacket and a higher jacket diameter which protects them from damage or interference in conduit or riser.
Conclusion
In short, the Cat6 Plenum Ethernet cable bulk is designed to meet plenum requirements and lower the risk of a fire hazard. It has a rating of either LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) or a plenum-rated jacket. If you are looking for a reliable and high-performance cable, this is the one.