LAN Ethernet

Cat.6A: 10 Gigabit via RJ45

A Cat.6A cabling system installed in accordance with standards supports 10GBASE-T over a single channel up to 100 m. This refers to the total transmission distance, not necessarily the permissible length of a single patch cable.

Cat.7 bulk cable with RJ45

The DINIC Cat.7 patch cables on offer combine Cat.7 bulk cable with Cat.6A-compliant RJ45 connectors. This does not automatically result in a complete Class F cabling system. Cable category, connectors and total length must be assessed separately.

Cat.8.1: short 25/40 Gigabit links

Cat.8.1 is specified up to 2000 MHz. For 25/40GBASE-T, a channel of up to 30 m is permitted under the relevant installation conditions. A Cat.8.1 cable does not increase the speed of a existing Gigabit port.

Copper rather than CCA

CCA stands for copper-clad aluminium. Compared to a copper conductor of the same size, it has a higher electrical resistance. Suitable copper cables should be used for professional PoE cabling; CCA is not an equivalent substitute.

AWG is not a PoE certification

The smaller the AWG number, the larger the conductor cross-section: AWG23 is thicker than AWG26. A larger copper cross-section reduces resistance under otherwise identical conditions. However, approval for a PoE power level is not determined solely by the AWG number.

Length, bundling and temperature

Long cable runs increase the voltage drop. With a high PoE load and densely bundled cables, heating must also be taken into account. Plan the cross-sectional area, length, ambient temperature and heat dissipation together.

Flexible connection or fixed installation?

Patch cables are pre-terminated connection cables for devices, switches and patch panels. The Cat.7 installation cables on offer, with solid AWG23/1 conductors, are intended for fixed cable runs.

Connectors and connection modules must be compatible with the conductor type, AWG range and cable diameter. The reel length does not indicate the permissible Ethernet cable run length.

U/UTP, F/UTP or S/FTP?

U/UTP is unshielded. F/UTP has a common foil shield. S/FTP combines a braided shield with a separate foil shield for each pair of wires.

Select the construction to suit the electromagnetic environment. For shielded systems, ensure that the shielding is connected correctly and that the specified earthing and equipotential bonding concept is followed.

Technical selection

• Determine the data rate and interfaces of the active devices.
• Record the total length, including all patch cables.
• Check the PoE standard, power per end device and switch budget.
• Coordinate copper conductors, cross-sections, connectors and installation conditions.

Procurement and Implementation

• Compile lengths, colours, quantities and roll requirements.
• Specify packaging, labelling and reorder requirements.
• Test a representative combination of devices prior to the roll-out.
• Have fixed cabling professionally measured and documented.

Do I need Cat.8.1 for 10 Gigabit?

No. A suitable Cat.6A cabling infrastructure is sufficient for 10GBASE-T. The Cat.7 RJ45 patch cables on offer are also designed for compatible 10 Gigabit connections.

Is every Cat.7 cable suitable for PoE++?

No. The category describes transmission characteristics, not necessarily the permissible PoE power. Factors such as conductor construction, length, temperature and specific product certification are decisive in this regard.

Does 90 W PoE actually deliver 90 W to the device?

No. For IEEE 802.3bt Type 4, Class 8, in a standards-compliant system, 90 W is available at the supplying port, whilst the end device has a power budget of 71.3 W. End device.

Can I simply extend a network cable?

A suitable RJ45 coupler provides an additional connection point. The category, shielding, PoE suitability and total length must still be correct; an extension does not increase the permissible channel length.