need help network CAT6 or cat6a about POE
need help network CAT6 or cat6a about POE
The cat specifications seem focused solely on frequency, not on wire gauge or PoE requirements. How much power are you delivering through PoE? If you're using standard PoE or PoE+, you should be able to use most modern cables, but PoE++ might require checking the cable's rating. I've tested PoE++ on various unusual cables without problems. Just steer clear of CCA cables.
You receive PoE up to 100 meters, which sets the upper limit for cable length. The actual power delivered at the end depends on various factors. Common Ethernet standards like Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a focus on data transfer rates rather than power transmission. Most cables use thick 8-wire pairs with AWG24 insulation, while some employ thicker 8-wire pairs with smaller AWG23 wires. A 10-meter Cat6a cable can handle high speeds like 10 Gbps using either thinner or thicker wires, but it may not efficiently carry substantial power due to the reduced wire thickness. Certain flat Cat6a cables even use the thinnest 30 AWG wires and still manage 10 Gbps, though they’re poor for power delivery. The real power output is influenced by the PoE standards supported by both sender and receiver, as well as cable quality. For instance, with 802.3af, a sender can provide up to 57 volts at 15.4 watts, which translates to around 37 volts at the end—enough for most devices. If the cable supports only 13 watts, it might not meet the requirement, necessitating a shorter cable or thicker wires to minimize losses.
I believe there are more affordable and effective options available. I’ve installed this throughout my attic and exterior conduits. POE performs well in every wire. My longest installation was around 35 meters, perhaps a bit shorter. There were no major issues except at the connections. The cables are 23 AWG thick and fit snugly into RJ45 terminals. Still, I’d recommend a wire straightener to protect your hands, regardless of the cable you choose. Our workplace uses Cat6 cables with runs over 100 meters, and our POE phones functioned perfectly. So it seems the difference isn’t significant. Most devices don’t operate at their advertised maximum capacity. People rarely use APs, cameras, phones, or key cards to their full potential.
It's not about forcing maximum performance; it's about how electrical resistance changes with distance and chance. For devices meeting the requirements, you're assured 100 meters without issues. Beyond that, results vary—maybe up to 101 meters with errors or possibly longer stability at 125 meters. I've noticed inexpensive home switches that struggle to transmit data past 30 meters due to poor construction and internal components, ignoring the cost savings of cheaper options.