Ethernet Cables are available in all shapes, sizes, and specifications. And with such diversity in types, it can be a daunting task to buy a cable without first knowing about it.
If you are looking to buy the Cat6 Plenum cable with a solid copper conductor, you are most likely to confuse its uses with other ethernet cables. Especially with the other category 6 cables.
So in this blog, we will walk you through the exact uses of the Cat6 Solid copper cable that has a plenum-rated jacket on it.
Let’s dive right into it.
Bulk Cat6 Cables
Let’s first start by introducing the Cat6 or Category 6 cables. These Ethernet cables are twisted pair cables with 4 pairs of conductors that are twisted to minimize electromagnetic interference and crosstalk. The data transfer speed of Cat6 cables is a whopping 1 GBit/s over 100 meters with a bandwidth capacity of 550MHz.
Cat6 Cables were introduced after the Cat5 and Cat5e ethernet cables for better resistance against interference and crosstalk. Because these cables have more twists per unit length in their conductors, they are better able to minimize external noise and interference. And thus, their unmatched data transfer speed and highly efficient bandwidth capacity.
Cat6 Cables come in many shapes, sizes, and purposes. For instance, these cables are available in plenum, riser, and PVC-rated jackets as well as solid and stranded conductors. These cables are also available in bare copper and copper-clad aluminum conductors.
The cable in question for this blog is the Cat6 Plenum Cable which has a Solid Bare Copper Conductor.
What is Cat6 Plenum Cable?
Cat6 plenum cable is like any other category 6 cable but with a plenum-rated conductor. This conductor is designed for indoor use, particularly in plenum spaces but can also be used in indoor riser spaces and outdoors.
The main highlight of the cable is its plenum-rated jacket. It is made out of lSZH (low smoke zero halogens) materials that give it its state-of-the-art non-toxic smoke and fire-resistance features. It is also coated with an anti-flame material that plays an important role in making the cable fireproof.
What is Cat6 Plenum Solid Copper Cable?
Cat6 Plenum solid copper cable, in addition to the plenum-rated jacket, features a 100% bare copper conductor that is made out of a single (solid) piece of metal. Pertinent to note is that the features of this solid bare copper conductor will determine the uses of this cable – coupled with the plenum-rated jacket.
Features of the Solid Copper Conductor: Solid copper conductor is ideal for minimizing EMI and crosstalk in long-distance transmission due to the design of its structure. It is also rather rigid as compared to its stranded copper counterpart which makes it a go-to choice for long-distance transmissions.
Because of its relative rigidity and resistance against EMI and interference, it is used in long-distance transmissions. However, that is not always necessary. Cat6 Solid Copper Cable is also used in short-distance runs where necessary.
Cat6 Plenum Solid Copper Cable Uses
So as mentioned, the uses of the Cat6 Plenum Solid Pure Copper Cable are determined by the properties of the materials used in the cable. One, the plenum jacket, and two, the solid copper conductor.
Because the plenum jacket does not emit toxic smoke and nor does it carry the flame, it can be used in indoor open spaces. Also, because it is such a thick and weather-resistant insulation, it is used outdoors as well. So the one part of the question: what is the Cat6 plenum cable used for is that it is used in both indoor and outdoor runs.
Moving on to the second part of the answer. The Solid copper conductor makes it easy and reliable for outdoor runs. It can get your data across without attenuation at long distances. However, it is not as flexible as the stranded copper cable which means you will need extra talent and strength to run it indoors making the cable ideal second only to its stranded counterpart for indoor runs.
Put simply, if you can install this cable indoors without much of a hassle, it is virtually used anywhere in a LAN network. Otherwise, the Cat6 plenum solid bare copper cable is ideally used in outdoor runs.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the Cat6 Solid Copper Cable is designed ideally for use in outdoor LAN network runs. But due to its high performance and reliability, it can be used in indoor plenum spaces as well.
