Cat6 Flat Cable

A Comprehensive Analysis of Category 6 Flat Cables (Cat6 Flat Network Cables)
Category 6 Flat Cable (also known as flat Cat6 network cable or Cat6 Flat Cable) is a flat-shaped network patch cord that complies with the TIA/EIA 568-C.2 Category 6 standard. It features a flat sheath design, which is different from the concentric circle structure of traditional circular Category 6 network cables. It is optimized for high-density cabling and installation in narrow Spaces. It takes into account both gigabit transmission performance and flexible deployment requirements.
I. Core Definition and Structural Characteristics
Basic definition: Category 6 flat cable is an 8-core network cable with UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) structure. The conductors are made of 28/30/32AWG multi-strand oxygen-free copper. The four pairs of twisted wires are arranged in parallel and side by side, and are covered with a flat environmentally friendly PVC or LSZH (low smoke zero halogen) sheath, with a thickness of only about 1.5mm and a width of about 6.0mm. It is much thinner than the traditional circular Category 6 cable (with a diameter of approximately 6.1mm).
Structural elements: Type 6 flat wire, traditional circular Type 6 wire
The sheath shape is flat (1.5×6.0mm) and circular (φ6.1mm)
The line pairs are arranged parallel and side by side, with concentric circles and a cross-shaped skeleton
The shielding types are almost all UTP, including UTP, FTP and STP, which are diverse
Conductor specifications: 28/30/32AWG, 23/24AWG
Typical applications include patch cords (≤50m), desktop cabling permanent links (≤90m), and structured cabling
Ii. Key Performance Parameters
Transmission performance
Bandwidth: 250MHz (Some high-end products reach 550MHz)
Rate: Supports 1000Base-T (Gigabit Ethernet)
Transmission distance: It is recommended that the distance be ≤50 meters (performance degradation is significant over long distances)
Crosstalk index: Complies with TIA-568-D.2 Class 6 standards, with near-end crosstalk (NEXT) and far-end crosstalk (FEXT) meeting the standards
Physical properties
Conductor: Multi-strand oxygen-free copper (BC/BS), with better flexibility than single-strand wire
Sheath: Environmentally friendly flame-retardant PVC or LSZH, temperature resistance -20 ℃ to 70℃
Bending radius: approximately four times the width of the cable, making it easier to bend and deploy
Iii. Core Strengths and Limitations
✅ Main advantages
Ultra-thin and invisible: With a thickness of only 1.5mm, it can be easily hidden under carpets, in door gaps, or at the edges of walls without affecting the appearance
Convenient wiring: It can pass through narrow gaps (such as furniture gaps, narrow gaps in wire troughs), and can also be deployed in places where round wires cannot pass
High-density optimization: It occupies less space and is suitable for dense wiring in data center cabinets and office areas, reducing heat dissipation pressure
Efficient installation: The wall-mounted wiring fits more closely without the need for additional fixation, increasing the construction speed by over 30%
Cost advantage: Less material is used for the same length, and the price is usually lower than that of circular lines of the same specification
⚠️ main limitations
Weak anti-interference: UTP structure + flat design, the electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection capability is lower than that of shielded circular wires
Long-distance attenuation: The conductor is thinner (32AWG), and the resistance is greater. After 50 meters, the signal attenuation is significant, making it unsuitable for permanent links
Mechanical strength: The flat sheath has weaker resistance to compression and tension than the circular line
Iv. Applicable Scenarios and Selection Suggestions
Best application scenarios
Desktop connection: short-range patch cords such as computer - switch, router - set-top box, game console - TV, etc
Office environment: Temporary wiring in meeting rooms and open office areas to avoid messy cables
Smart home: Hidden wiring for TV walls, set-top boxes, and smart home devices to enhance the aesthetic appeal
High-density data center: Internal patch cords in server cabinets reduce space occupation and optimize airflow
Temporary deployment: Rapid networking at exhibition and event sites, ready to be dismantled after use, leaving no trace
Not applicable scenarios
Vertical cabling for buildings, long-distance permanent links (>50m
Strong electromagnetic interference environments (such as near industrial plants and substations)
Frequent movement and dragging situations (such as temporary networks in public areas)
Key points for selection
Certification priority: Select products that have passed UL/TIA certification to ensure performance meets standards
Conductor specification: 28AWG outperforms 32AWG and is suitable for slightly longer distances (30-50m).
Sheath material: Household PVC is sufficient. For public areas/computer rooms, LSZH low smoke zero halogen is recommended
Connector quality: The RJ45 crystal head needs to be gold-plated (≥50μm) to ensure the insertion and extraction life and contact stability