CABLING
37
Making the most
of category 6A
By Leviton Network Solutions
Europe
www.leviton.com
Category 6A cable is a mainstay of data centres and networks, and there
are some simple considerations that will make installation easier…
Category 6A cabling systems have come a long way since
the original augmented Category 6” standard was first
introduced in 2008. Today, Cat 6A is a popular specification
for a wide range of applications, including enterprise
networks, wireless access points, Power over Ethernet, data
centres and more.
Cabling for data centres differs from horizontal
installations in several ways: typical distances, network
function, pathways and spaces. Cat 6A cabling may affect
requirements for all of these, but especially pathways and
spaces as Cat 6A cable has a larger outside diameter (OD)
than your average Cat 6 cable and is heavier. If you’re
new to installing Cat 6A, you can make your first projects
easier with some best practices to streamline design and
installation. First, you’ll need to know how best to work with
the cabling. Here’s our advice:
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Most 6A cable typically comes on reels, so be prepared
with an appropriately-sized rack or cart.
To maintain Cat 6A performance, choose spray
or wipe lubricants specifically designed for data
communications cables. Using other lubricants can
degrade performance; the majority of insertion loss
failures have been traced back to the use of general-
purpose lubricants.
In pathways, stronger anchors and threaded rods are
needed to support heavier Cat 6A cable. Limit bundles
to 24 cables (in accordance with EN 50174-2) to
prevent damage to cables on the bottom.
Cable slack in bundled or excessive loops has been
shown to degrade cable performance and is associated
with return loss failures. Plan carefully to ensure there’s
sufficient space and support for Cat 6A cable slack. Be
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sure to check with local guidelines for requirements
regarding cable slack loops.
Use Velcro fasteners to secure all cable bundles. Hook
and loop fasteners won’t crush or damage cables like
tie wraps can, and are reusable for moves, adds and
changes.
There are three typical data centre Cat 6A cable run
configurations: power and data cabling both under a raised
floor, both overhead, or power below and data overhead.
The chosen configuration will affect other data centre
design elements:
If power and communications cable are both overhead,
cable trays must be properly sized, separated and configured
to support 6A cables and accommodate power runs.
If both are underfloor, pedestals must be higher to
accommodate larger 6A cables, room for expansion,
segregation from power runs and proper airflow.
Well-organised racks and cabinets are essential. Angled
panels, narrow-plug patch cords, and symmetrically
distributed cable bundles will all help reduce cable
congestion. The larger Cat 6A cable OD, tight twist rate
and thicker conductor insulation make termination a little
challenging. Tool-free jacks make for easier termination, and
pair separation towers make it easier to set the wire pairs
into position.
Cat 6A installations will add new alien crosstalk (AXT)
tests to the familiar roster of requirements. These tests can
be time-consuming, so budget extra test time for this. Use
an industry-recognised field tester capable of testing to
500 MHz. Contact the test equipment manufacturer for any
necessary hardware or software upgrades, including AXT
testing capabilities, for testing Cat 6A installations. n
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