Defined by the AS/NZS 11801:2019 standard, data cabling is a 20-year investment. It is the #1 question on every trade counter: "Do I really need to run Cat6A, or is Cat6 good enough?"
Spending an extra 20% now to future-proof the link is often the smarter quote, especially as Wi-Fi 7 arrives and file sizes grow. Here is the honest technical breakdown to help you decide for your next fit-out.
1. Bandwidth: The Frequency & Distance Guarantee
The core difference lies in the operating frequency (bandwidth) the cable is certified to pass, which dictates the guaranteed 10 Gigabit distance.
- Cat6: Operates up to 250 MHz. Guarantees 1 Gigabit (1Gbps) over the full 100m channel. It can technically hit 10Gbps, but only up to 55 metres (less if bundled tightly).
- Cat6A: Operates up to 500 MHz. Guarantees 10 Gigabit (10Gbps) over the full 100m channel. If the link is certified, it is ready for any modern application.
2. The Noise Problem: Alien Crosstalk (AXT)
Alien Crosstalk (AXT) is interference from neighbouring, separate cables bundled tightly together—a common issue in modern conduit or trays. It is the leading cause of random, intermittent performance drops.
- Cat6: Has thinner jackets and less internal separation, making it susceptible to AXT when bundled, particularly at 10Gbps speeds.
- Cat6A: Is engineered to resist AXT. It achieves this with a thicker overall diameter, a more tightly twisted internal structure, and may include a central spine or foil/braid shielding.
- Shielding: For high-EMI environments (hospitals, manufacturing, data centres), only Shielded Cat6A (F/UTP or S/FTP) should be quoted, as the foil/braid protection blocks interference entirely.
3. Installation Realities: Effort and Tooling
The cost difference between the two categories is often absorbed by the increased labor required for Cat6A installation.
- Size & Weight: Cat6A cable is thicker (around 7.5mm diameter) compared to Cat6 (around 5.8mm). This means fewer cables fit into a standard conduit, and it has a larger required bend radius.
- Termination: Cat6A requires a larger, purpose-built jack and precision tooling. Tighter termination tolerances are necessary to maintain the AXT protection.
The Verdict: When to Quote Which?
Quote Cat6 for: Residential homes or small offices with standard internet needs where runs are short and the budget is tight. It is flexible, easy to terminate, and highly cost-effective for 1Gbps use.
Quote Cat6A for: Schools, universities, modern offices, medical facilities, and high-density data centres. It is the only choice that guarantees bandwidth for 2030 and beyond, protecting your reputation from future callbacks.
Your Project, Perfected. That's The Access Advantage.
- Expert Local Support, Since 1973: Don't waste time with guesswork. Our experts have seen it all and are ready to provide the right solution, right now. Your success is our business.
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- Your Specs, Your Brand, Our Build: Off-the-shelf not cutting it? We specialise in building custom cables and assemblies to your exact specifications, branded for your business. Let's create it together.
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