CAT6 Cabling Standard

CAT6 Ethernet Wiring Standard

    Published in 2002, the Telecommunications Industry Association published a formal announcement for Category 6 Cabling Questions and Answers [PDF], known as ANSI/TIA-568-C.2 Category 6.

    To optimize network performance and ensure compatibility with our IT infrastructure, Robinson Park mandates the use of CAT6 cabling for all new network installations and replacements. CAT6 cabling provides superior data transfer speeds, reduced interference, and enhanced noise immunity compared to previous standards like Category 5 (CAT5) and Category 5e (CAT5e). Existing in-production infrastructure using CAT5 and CAT5e (or inferior, including analog cabling) can remain, but must be rewired to the CAT6 standard for all maintenance and new installations.

    CAT6 is an Ethernet cabling standard established by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). It supports data transfer rates up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) over distances up to 100 meters. Additionally, CAT6 cabling can support Power over Ethernet (PoE), PoE Plus (PoE+), and PoE++ for devices requiring electrical power through the network cable.

Installation & Deployment Requirements

Plenum (Air Handling Spaces)

    To meet specific environmental and performance requirements, we require the use of plenum-rated CAT6 cabling in all air handling spaces. Plenum-rated cables are designed to limit fire spread and toxic smoke generation in case of a fire. For other areas, standard CAT6 cabling is sufficient.

Riser (Vertical Cables - Runs Between Floors)

    For any vertical deployments, riser-rated CAT6 cabling is required. Riser-rated CAT6 Ethernet cabling is used for deployment between floors in buildings. The fire requirements on riser cable aren't as strict. Plenum cable can always replace riser cable, but riser cable should never be used in lieu of plenum cable.

Shielded & Unshielded

    Shielded CAT6 (STP) cabling may be necessary in environments with high electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI). However, standard unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) CAT6 cabling is generally sufficient for most office environments.

Crimping

    It's crucial to adhere to the T568B wiring standard for all CAT6 cabling installations. Other wiring configurations can lead to network connectivity issues.

Up and Over

   Running cables safely overhead is always best. Installing cables at ground level in almost all situations can lead to trip, and other hazards. The only exception is if the floor is faux and raised, designed for tiles to be lifted so cables can be ran underneath. Professional raceways, tracks, containers, and other cable management methods can be employed for a safe and professional aesthetic.

Cost & Inspection

   While frugality is always at the heart of making choices, it's unacceptable to skimp on cost when installing Ethernet cabling. This can be a very serious injury related situation, so close attention to detail must be observed and exercised.

    Use the appropriate cable for the appropriate use-case so that IT does not fail your work if inspected. Failure to adhere to the above standards, will result in IT failing its inspection, and will result in the party installing the cable being expected to complete the work again at no additional cost.

    Example: Vendor runs 3 UTP CAT 6 cables. All run up and along ceiling tiles, and down to outlets, all on the same floor. One of them runs down to an outlet adjacent to a large furnace blower. This cable would be failed by Robinson Park IT because it should be using STP in case it's negatively impacted from EMI while the blower is in operation, and IT would expect the vendor to make the oversight right at no additional cost.