Category 6A Cabling for Emerging Trends
Data rates continue to rise in the field of communications as more devices connect to LANs via wireless and cable connections. Compared to a decade ago, when a single network managed both data and voice.
Access control systems, wireless access points, digital signage, LED lighting, and other devices are now converging on enterprise networks. Along with the expansion of devices, other demands that may arise include:
100W PoE
Makes use of all four pairs by distributing current flow among them in four-pair cable, systems can demand high Power over Ethernet (PoE) levels up to 100 watts. Power is sent alongside data and is compatible with data rates of up to 10GBASE-T. It can also transmit higher power levels to devices while maintaining a lower temperature rise within the same cable bundle, minimizing poor transmission performance. These systems also call for longer reach with devices that can be up to 100m away from a network switch.
Increased Data Sharing & Transferring
Along with the demand to transport large data rapidly, systems demand 100% uptime and network connectivity for data collection and sharing capabilities. Examples include medical imaging, high-definition streaming video, high-end graphics, and surveillance video.
Next-Generation Wireless
Increasing wireless helps to alleviate network overuse concerns. It provides faster speeds and allows more people to connect to the network at the same time, as well as increased bandwidth capacity.
Audio Video over the Internet
Transmission of AV signals via Internet Protocol, using technologies such as HDBaseT, SDVoE, Dante AV, AVB (Audio Video Bridging), and devices with large bandwidth requirements.
In-building Cellular Networks
Distributed antenna systems (DAS) or Wi-Fi systems are examples of two popular in-building cellular networks. These systems can assist in bringing cellular signals into buildings to secure connections, even though glass, wood, and masonry have a detrimental impact on propagation.
Category 6A cabling is the ideal choice to accommodate the expanding demands and applications in each of the situations outlined above.
Networks must be capable of managing many systems that require high performance, higher speeds, low latency, and increased bandwidth. Industry standards that previously recommended Category 6A for data centers are now proposing Category 6A for LAN installations as well.