Category 6 / 6A Ethernet Cable
The backbone of modern AV-over-IP systems and control networks.
Specifications
- Cat6: 250MHz bandwidth, 10Gbps up to 55m
- Cat6A: 500MHz bandwidth, 10Gbps up to 100m
- Shielded (STP/FTP): Better noise rejection, required for some AV-over-IP
Max Cable Length
- 100m (328ft) per TIA/EIA-568 standard
- HDBaseT: 100m for video + control + power
Common Uses in AV
- AV-over-IP (Dante, NDI, SDVoE, NVX)
- HDBaseT extenders
- Control system communication
- PoE for devices (cameras, touch panels, speakers)
Key Considerations
- Cat6A preferred for all new AV installations (future-proofing for 10GbE)
- Shielded cable recommended for AV-over-IP to avoid crosstalk
- PoE budget: check switch capacity vs. device requirements
- Terminate to T568B standard in North America