Structured cabling usually outlasts several generations of network equipment, so the choice you make today will shape what your building can do for the next 15 to 20 years. For most commercial and healthcare facilities, the decision comes down to Cat 6, Cat 6A and fibre optic cabling.
Cat 6 and Cat 6A compared
- Bandwidth: Cat 6 is rated to 250 MHz; Cat 6A to 500 MHz
- 10 Gbps networking: Cat 6 supports 10GBASE-T only over short runs, up to about 55 metres in ideal conditions; Cat 6A supports it over the full 100 metres
- 1 Gbps networking: both support the full 100 metres
- Size: Cat 6A is thicker, around 7.5 mm compared with about 5.8 mm, so it needs more space in trays and conduits
Why Power over Ethernet matters
Wi-Fi access points, CCTV cameras, access control readers and many building systems are now powered through the data cable using Power over Ethernet (PoE). Higher-power PoE generates heat in cable bundles. Cat 6A handles this heat better, which is why it is usually recommended for new PoE-heavy installations.
Where fibre fits in
Fibre optic cable is used for backbone links: between communications rooms, between floors and between buildings on a campus. It carries far higher speeds over much longer distances than copper and is not affected by electrical interference. Most facilities use fibre for the backbone and Cat 6 or Cat 6A to the desk, device or access point.
Which should you choose?
- Cat 6 can suit small fit-outs with short runs and modest speed needs
- Cat 6A is the safer choice for new commercial buildings, hospitals and refurbishments, especially with Wi-Fi, CCTV and PoE devices
- Fibre is the standard for backbones, long runs and links between buildings
Installation, testing and documentation
In Australia, data and communications cabling must be installed by a registered cabler. A quality installation should also include certification testing of every link, clear labelling at both ends, and as-built documentation so faults can be found quickly later.
Data and communications cabling in Perth and WA
Foster’s Services designs, installs, tests and maintains Cat 6, Cat 6A and fibre optic cabling for commercial and healthcare facilities, along with CCTV, access control and building management system cabling. Learn more about our data and communications services. Call 08 9337 3315, email service@fosters.net.au or send us a message. For urgent after-hours faults, call 1300 19 19 42.
This article is general information only. Always refer to the current editions of the relevant Australian Standards and your site’s own requirements.