Cat6 Round Cable

Comprehensive Analysis of Cat6 Round Cable
Category 6 circular cable is the circular structure version of the sixth-generation standard Ethernet network cable, conforming to the TIA/EIA 568C.2 and ISO/IEC 11801 standards. It is mainly used for Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) and below rate networks, providing a bandwidth of 250MHz and a maximum transmission distance of 100 meters.
I. Core Definition and Structural Characteristics
Definition: Category 6 round cable is a traditional round-looking Category 6 unshielded (UTP) or shielded (STP/FTP) twisted-pair cable, which is different from the flat-structured Category 6 network cable. It features a cross-shaped isolation skeleton design inside.
Detailed description of structural composition
The conductor is usually 23AWG (0.57mm) high-purity oxygen-free copper (OFC), single-strand solid or multi-strand twisted, arranged in 4 pairs with 8 cores
The insulating layer is made of low dielectric constant materials such as HDPE/LDPE/PP, with a wire diameter of approximately 0.95-1.02mm
The signature design of the cross-skeleton Category 6 cable effectively isolates four pairs of twisted wires, reducing crosstalk and return loss
The filling material maintains a circular structure, reduces frictional heat generation, and enhances mechanical protection
Sheathed PVC/PE/LSZH (low smoke zero halogen) material, with a diameter of approximately 6mm (standard) or 2.8mm (fine round wire)
The shielding layer shielding version (STP/FTP) adds aluminum foil or woven mesh to enhance the ability to resist electromagnetic interference
Ii. Key Performance Parameters
Explanation of standard values for parameter items
The bandwidth is 250MHz, supporting 10GBASE-T (short distance) and 1000BASE-T full rate
An impedance of 100Ω ensures efficient signal transmission and reduces loss
A permanent link with a maximum length of 100 meters, and the channel length can reach up to 100 meters
The common specification of 23AWG wire gauge, and some products have 24/26AWG variants
The conductor resistance is ≤9.38Ω/100m. The oxygen-free copper material ensures low resistance and reduces signal attenuation
Crosstalk/return loss complies with TIA-568C.2 Class E requirements. The cross-skeleton significantly improves these key indicators
Iii. Core Differences from the six types of flat Wires
Compare the six types of round lines and six types of flat lines
The exterior dimensions are approximately 6mm in diameter, circular in shape with a thickness of about 1.5-2mm, flat, and easier to store and carry
The internal structure of the four pairs of twisted wires is isolated by a cross skeleton. There is no cross skeleton, and the wire cores are arranged side by side
Stronger anti-interference ability (cross skeleton + circular structure), weaker (small wire pair spacing, no isolation)
The transmission performance is more stable over long distances (>30m) and is suitable for short distances (<30m), but it tends to deteriorate over long distances
It has better mechanical strength, but poorer compressive and torsional resistance, and is prone to breakage, which affects its performance
Cabling scenarios include data centers, wall/pipe cabling, long-distance transmission desktop connections, temporary cabling, and the use of portable devices
Iv. Applicable Scenarios
Enterprise network engineering: Office, computer room, and server cluster cabling, pursuing stable and reliable transmission
Data center: High-density cabinet connection, supports high-speed data exchange, and has a high demand for anti-interference
Security monitoring: IP cameras, NVRS and other devices are networked, ensuring stable picture quality over long-distance transmission
Smart home: Pre-buried wiring for smart home appliances, home theaters, and high-speed WiFi coverage
Outdoor/industrial environment: The shielded version (STP) is suitable for scenarios with severe electromagnetic interference
V. Key Points for Selection and Use
Material priority: Select oxygen-free copper (OFC) conductors and avoid inferior materials such as CCA (copper-clad aluminum) to ensure transmission performance and lifespan
Certification Assurance: Recognize authoritative certifications such as CE/UL/ISO, and comply with TIA/EIA 568C.2 standards
Sheath selection: PVC for indoor use, LSZH low smoke zero halogen sheath for public areas/high-rise buildings
Shielding requirements: For normal environments, select UTP; for strong interference environments (industrial/computer room), choose FTP/STP shielding versions
Construction specifications: The bending radius should be no less than 8 times the cable diameter to avoid excessive stretching. The crystal heads/modules need to match Class 6 specifications
Vi. Summary
Category 6 round cables have become the mainstream choice for network cabling due to their stable performance, good anti-interference ability and wide applicability. Compared with flat wires, it is more suitable for long-term fixed wiring and long-distance transmission scenarios, and is an ideal choice for enterprises, data centers and home pre-burial.