SFTP CAT6

SFTP CAT6 cabling provides many advantages and benefits over CAT5E cabling infrastructure. When SFTP CAT6 was first introduced it was approximately 50% more expensive than CAT5E, which made it cost prohibitive for many installations. However, SFTP CAT6 costs have reduced substantially over a number of years to the point where costs are almost on par. SFTP CAT6 provides greater bandwidth over CAT5E and allows for higher data transfer rates. Therefore, SFTP CAT6 has now become the minimum standard for new cabling installations. As well as being able to easily support 1 Gbps network speeds, SFTP CAT6 can also support higher data rates of 10Gbps. However, 10Gbps is only supported over shorter distances of 37-55 metres.

SFTP CAT6A

SFTP CAT6A is capable of supporting data transfer rates of up to 10Gbps at a maximum bandwidth of 500MHz. SFTP CAT6A has additional and tighter twists, with additional insulation to reduce crosstalk. SFTP CAT6A is also backwards compatible with SFTP CAT6 and CAT5E, however, speeds are always limited and will perform to the lowest category cable or connector that is installed in the link. SFTP CAT6A is fast becoming the most cost effective solution as it is seen as a future-proof cable system. SFTP CAT6A components are used in Class EA networks as defined in ISO/IEC 11801 and TIA/EIA 568.