CAT6 Round Cable

Category 6 round cable is a circular structure Category 6 network cable that complies with TIA/EIA 568 C.2 and ISO/IEC 11801 standards. It is one of the most commonly used high-performance copper cables in network cabling, featuring a 250MHz bandwidth and supporting Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T). It can support 10-gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T) transmission over short distances (≤55 meters).
I. Core Definition and Structural Characteristics
Basic structure
4-pair (8-core) twisted pair cable with differentiated twist pitch design reduces crosstalk between pairs
The signature cross-shaped isolation skeleton (divider) fixes the four pairs of wire cores in a circular structure, ensuring stable performance
Conductor: 23AWG (approximately 0.57mm) or 24AWG (approximately 0.51mm) high-purity oxygen-free copper (purity 99.99%)
Insulation layer: PE/HDPE material, with a thickness of approximately 1.02mm
Outer sheath: Made of materials such as PVC/LSZH/PE, with a standard outer diameter of approximately 5.8-6.5mm
The key difference from the six types of flat wire:
Characteristics: Category 6 round wire, Category 6 flat wire
The structure features a cross-shaped skeleton and a circular sheath. The wire pairs are separated without a cross-shaped skeleton and arranged side by side
The outer diameter is approximately 6mm or 1.5mm, and it is flat, thin and light
Strong anti-interference ability (skeleton isolation + circular structure), relatively weak (small wire pair spacing)
The transmission distance supports a standard 90-meter permanent link plus a 10-meter patch cord, which is usually ≤30 meters. Long-distance performance declines
Applicable scenarios: engineering cabling, data centers, through-wall home use, portable, short-distance connection
Ii. Key Performance Parameters
Explanation of standard parameter values
The bandwidth is 250MHz, 2.5 times that of Category 5e cable (100MHz)
Impedance of 100±15Ω(1-250MHz) ensures stable signal transmission
The working capacitance is ≤5.6nF/100m to reduce signal loss
Minimum bending radius for fixed installation: 10× outer diameter
Dynamic bending: 20× outer diameter ensures installation reliability
Transmission rate: 1Gbps (90 meters)
10Gbps (≤55 meters) is compatible with all network standards below Category 6
Iii. Application Scenarios
Mainstream applications
Enterprise network engineering cabling, data center infrastructure
Server clusters, switch interconnection, storage area networks (SAN)
Support PoE/PoE + power supply devices (such as IP cameras, wireless aps)
Smart home backbone network and multimedia classroom wiring
Recommended situations for choosing a circular line:
Scenarios that require 90-meter standard permanent link performance
High requirements for anti-interference capability (industrial environment, dense wiring in computer rooms)
Concealed works that need to pass through walls/pipes/cable trays
Critical business systems that require long-term stable performance
Iv. Types and Key Points for Selection
Type classification
UTP (Unshielded) : Low cost, suitable for ordinary environments
FTP/STP (Shielded) : Enhances anti-electromagnetic interference capability, suitable for industrial/medical environments
Outdoor type: Waterproof and sun-proof sheath, suitable for connection between buildings
Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) : Environmentally friendly and flame-retardant, suitable for public areas and high-rise buildings
Purchase suggestions
Confirm the certification: TIA/EIA 568 or ISO/IEC 11801 standard. It is best to have a third-party test report
Conductor material: Oxygen-free copper (OFC) is preferred, and copper-clad aluminum/copper-clad steel (with poor transmission performance and short service life) should be avoided
Sheath quality: Smooth surface, clear marking (brand, specification, meter)
Customized requirements: The length, color, sheath material, shielding type, etc. can be customized according to the requirements of foreign trade customers
V. Summary
Category 6 round cables, with their stable performance, excellent anti-interference ability and standard engineering applicability, have become the preferred choice for mid-to-high-end network cabling. As a custom manufacturer of network cables, it is essential to focus on controlling the precision of the cross frame, the purity of the conductors, and the uniformity of the pitch to ensure that the products comply with international standards and meet the global customers' demands for high-speed and stable network connections.