CAT-Cables
What is a CAT cable?
CAT cables (category cables), also known as twisted-pair cables or network cables, are an essential component of modern network infrastructures that enable the cost-effective transmission of data in various application scenarios. They offer different speeds, ranges and application possibilities. They transmit signals through an electric current and the wires are made of metal.
The core component of the cable is already in the name: ‘twisted pair’. This means that 2 insulated wire pairs are always twisted together.
Typically, 4 twisted wire pairs are twisted together to form a network cable.
At Sommer cable, we offer the right cable for every application with our SC-Mercator CAT cable series. We offer most categories in various mobile and installation versions.
What are the categories (CATs) of twisted-pair cables?
CAT5e (Enhanced):
CAT5e cables enable data transfer rates of up to 1 Gbit/s at a cable length of 100m. The signal transmission takes place in the frequency range of up to 100MHz. CAT5e is the most common cable category for standard network applications.
Typically, the twisted wire pairs in a CAT5e cable are not additionally
shielded from each other by a foil, which makes the cable structure
less expensive, but, especially over longer transmission distances,
makes the cable more susceptible to interference and crosstalk.
CAT6:
CAT6 cables offer excellent performance with speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s over distances of 100 metres. When it comes to shorter distances of up to 55 metres, up to 10 Gbit/s are theoretically possible. In practice, however, it is advisable to use CAT6a cables for applications that require transmission rates of 10 Gbit/s. Attenuation due to connectors should always be taken into account.
CAT6 cables must be able to transmit a frequency of up to 250 MHz and therefore require a structure that is less sensitive to crosstalk and interference than Cat5e cables. In the cable structure, for example, an additional insulator is inserted between the cable bundles in order to additionally shield 2 of the 4 pairs from each other.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
CAT6a (Augmented):
As an improved version of CAT6, CAT6a cables offer data transmission rates of up to 10 Gbit/s over 100 metres. They operate at a frequency of 500 MHz and are characterised by excellent shielding against noise and line crosstalk. To achieve this, additional foil shields are placed around the wire pairs and better jacket insulation and shielding are used.
These cables are particularly suitable for demanding applications such as professional video streaming services, audio transmissions or larger office networks where high data rates are required. These cables are also ideal for mobile applications as they are well shielded from unknown sources of interference and also reliably guarantee lower transmission rates over longer distances. The art of cable construction is to make the cable as flexible as possible despite the complex and thicker shielding.
CAT7:
CAT7 cables are even more powerful than the previous categories and operate at frequencies of up to 600 MHz. The transmission speed is identical to CAT6a cables and is up to 10 Gbit/s with a maximum range of 100 metres. Due to the bandwidth, the advantage of CAT6a over CAT7 is not really apparent.
The biggest difference between CAT6a and CAT7 is that CAT7 requires the individual wire pairs to be fully shielded in order to classify the cable as a CAT7 cable, i.e. there must be absolutely no crosstalk between the wires. With CAT7, it is even more important in practice that connectors are assembled correctly, as the outer shielding (earthing) must be form-fit. CAT7 is therefore for all those who want to play it safe and the price plays a subordinate role.
CAT8:
CAT8 cables are currently the most powerful network cables on the market and support speeds of up to 40 Gbit/s over distances of up to 30 metres. They operate at a frequency of up to 2,000 MHz and have been specially developed for use in data centres and high-performance networks.
Due to their high data rate and excellent shielding, CAT8 cables are the ideal choice for demanding applications. Few end devices currently offer the option of utilising these high data rates. However, as there is downward compatibility for all CAT categories, CAT8 cables offer the most future-proof alternative.
Shielded and unshielded CAT cable
The choice between shielded (STP - Shielded Twisted Pair) and unshielded (UTP - Shielded Twisted Pair) twisted pair cables depends on the intended use.
Shielded cables have additional shielding against noise and crosstalk. As mentioned above, the CATs (categories) result in different shielding requirements.
CAT7 cables, for example, are not available as UTP cables. One advantage of unshielded cables is the lower price and smaller cable diameter. From CAT6a upwards, shielding is required for technical reasons.
Overview of cable designations and their meaning
The various designations of network cables provide information about the type of shielding and the structure of the wire pairs. An overview of the common terms:
U - Unshielded: without shielding.
F - Foil: Shielding with foil around the wire pairs.
S - Shielded: The wire pairs are shielded with a metal braid.
UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair): UTP cables have no additional shielding and only utilise the degree of twisting of the wire pairs to reduce interference.
STP (Shielded Twisted Pair): In STP cables, the wire pairs are surrounded by a protective layer that blocks electromagnetic interference.
FTP (Foiled Twisted Pair): FTP cables have an aluminium foil shield that encases the wire pairs to minimise crosstalk
S/FTP (Shielded/Foiled Twisted Pair): This cable has double shielding - a foil layer around each individual wire pair and an additional overall shield around the entire cable.
What is PoE (Power over Ethernet) and which cables are compatible?
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a process that makes it possible to transmit electrical energy together with data via the same network cable. It is used for end devices that require a maximum of 100 watts of power and exchange data at the same time.
Typically, these are IP cameras, VoIP telephones or access points. In the professional audio and video sector, many devices that rely on Ethernet transmission protocols are also PoE-capable.
The various PoE standards define the maximum power that can be transmitted via the cables.
IEEE 802.3af (PoE): Delivers up to 15.4 watts per port, ideal for simple devices such as IP cameras and VoIP telephones.
IEEE 802.3at (PoE+): Provides up to 30 watts, suitable for more power-intensive devices such as PTZ cameras and larger access points.
IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++): Has two power levels - 60 watts and 100 watts. Used for devices such as high-performance switches or LED lighting.
Suitable CAT cables for PoE:
PoE can be realised with all the CAT5e CAT6, CAT,6a, CAT7 and CAT8 classes described here.
The cross-section of the individual wires is very important when transmitting electrical energy. The power loss over the length of a network cable should definitely be taken into account when planning the cables and should not be underestimated. We will be happy to advise you on this topic and work with you to find the right CAT cable for your application.
Our ready-to-use connection cables
Twisted-Pair CAT.5E BASIC RJ45RJ45
$0.00*
C5BS
For the 100 Ω patch cabling we offer two quality grades both in CAT.5e (300 MHz) and CAT.6 (600 MHz):First the budget-priced BASIC model (with length overprint), and second the superior, halogen-free version with HIROSE connectors.Miscellaneous:assignment: 1:1 TIA/EIA 568 B
Variants from $4.32*
HICON CAT6A Armored Cable 10G
$0.00*
HI-C6ACU
CAT.6A Armored – “The 10G flex knight” …in his steel armor protects the vulnerable 10G-CAT.6A interior. Its reinforced construction enables a high resilience with a flexibility unknown in network cables so far. The cable falls and lies like a somewhat thicker microphone cable – it’s perfect for heavy-duty wirings in the studio, on stage or in other harsh, rough environments! Despite its great mechanical advantages you don’t have to cut corners as to the technical values. Here we use an AWG28 U/FTP construction with a 100 % shielding made of real copper wires with an outer diameter of 7.3 mm (0.29 in.). The robust RJ45 connectors are plated with a 50 μ gold coating. The very elastic design allows a very small bending radius of 50 mm (1.97 in.). The overall construction guarantees to meet both the CAT.6A performance up to 500 MHz and also the POE+ requirements (802.3at) for at least up to 30 m (98.4 ft.) patch cable length. The NEUTRIK NE8MX / NE8MX-B etherCON protective sleeve can be retrofitted to the supplied TIA568B pin assigned patch cable anytime. In additon, the cable is fitted with two clear unshrunk 50 mm (1.97 in.) shrinking tubes for your individual lettering.Advantages:ultra robust and flexiblewith stainless steel reinforcement, t=0,35mmtread stablehighly elastic PVC outer sheathMiscellaneous:Cable construction: 4 x 2 x AWG28/7 U/FTP with support crossTemperature range: -20°C ... +75°Cguaranteed CAT6a performance up to 30mPoE++ compatibleAssignment according to TIA 568incl. 5cm unshrunk clear heat shrink tube for labeling
Variants from $40.82*
Cat.6A Easy Pull patch cable RJ45 RJ45, 500 MHz, 10Gbit/s
$0.00*
C6EP
Especially in data cabinets where, in view of hundreds of installed patch cables, space is often very limited, the big adcvantage of the Easy-Pull patch cables becomes evident: due to their smart cap design, the RJ45s are unlocked automatically when somebody pulls on the rear blue cap (directly or with the optional C6EP-TOOL). This allows an easy, fast and clean patching anytime, even in places hard to access. The cables support a CAT.6A performance of up to 500 MHz and offer a maximum bandwidth of 10 GBit/s. They are available in various colors and lengths. Please specify color as order suffix.
Variants from $17.60*
Cat.6a patch cable S/FTP HIGHFLEX RJ45 RJ45, 500MHz
$0.00*
C6AFU
Even the curviest banana will be amazed …when the SC-MERCATOR CAT.6a highflex patch cable with only 6 mm [0.23“] in outer diameter and an extremely small bending radius of <20 mm [0.78“] is winding its way through narrow patch panels, data cabinets and touring racks. And this despite its sturdy, robust PVC jacket plus S/FTP design with a braided shield and AL/PT foil screen around the 4x2xAWG26/7 wire pairs. The overall construction is guaranteed to meet the CAT.6a performance up to 500 MHz. The TIA 568 B standardized ready-made C6AFU patch cable comes with ultra compact 25 mm [1“] short RJ45 connectors and 50 mm [2“] transparent shrinking tubes for individual labeling. The NEUTRIK NE8MX / NE8MX-B etherCON cable plug protection can be retrofitted anytime, ideal for the robust cabling of touring racks.
Variants from $7.13*
Cat.6a patch cable S/FTP 10Gbit/s PiMF GHMT certified
$0.00*
C6AB
These high-quality GHMT-certified Cat.6A patch cables are ideally suited for data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbit and transmission frequencies of 500 Mhz max. The processed jacket material is halogen-free and flame-retardant; the wires are shielded per pair; in addition, the cables have an overall braided copper screen. The assembled RJ45 connectors are equipped with a slim, molded kink protection sleeve and a retainer tab protection. Therefore these connection cables are ideal for an increased demand for bandwidth of up to Gbit. The cables are available in different colors and lengths.
Variants from $5.30*
Cat.6a patch cable 2xRJ45 10Gbit/s PiMF
$0.00*
C6HQ
Miscellaneous:assignment: 1:1 TIA/EIA 568 B600MHz Cat.6a
Variants from $16.22*
Network cable SC-MERCATOR CAT.6a ARMORED U/FTP AWG28/7, 8 x 0,14 mm² | RJ45 / RJ45, NEUTRIK®
$0.00*
KATE
Example KATE-0200-SW contents:2,00 m Cat.6a SC-MERCATOR CAT.6a ARMORED U/FTP AWG28/7; PVC; black, Ø 7,30 mm (580-0571)1 x RJ45 CAT.6a, 8-pole , plastic-, IPC - 3 contact pins-male connector, gold plated 50µ contact(s), straight, black (RJ45-C6AC)1 x NEUTRIK® Protective sleeve for RJ45 Connector (NE8MX-B-TOP)1 x RJ45 CAT.6a, 8-pole , plastic-, IPC - 3 contact pins-male connector, gold plated 50µ contact(s), straight, black (RJ45-C6AC)1 x NEUTRIK® Protective sleeve for RJ45 Connector (NE8MX-B-TOP)1 x Cardboard packaging for blister hooks, Design Sommer cable###TIA568B
Variants from $112.70*
Network cable SC-MERCATOR CAT.6 PUR SUPERFLEX, 8 x 0,14 mm² | RJ45 / RJ45, NEUTRIK®
$0.00*
X6TE
Example X6TE-0200-SW contents:2,00 m Cat.6 SC-MERCATOR CAT.6 PUR SUPERFLEX; PUR; black, Ø 8,00 mm (580-0201)1 x RJ45C6-WOB1 x NEUTRIK® Protective sleeve for RJ45 Connector (NE8MX-B-TOP)1 x RJ45C6-WOB1 x NEUTRIK® Protective sleeve for RJ45 Connector (NE8MX-B-TOP)1 x Cardboard packaging for blister hooks, Design Sommer cable###TIA568B
Variants from $90.85*
Cat.7 Basic flat cable U/FTP RJ45 RJ45
$0.00*
C7FC
CAT.7 Patch cable - super flat and compactNot only for the small purse, but also for small, tight space conditions like baseboard, doorframe, under the floor, behind the wallpaper, mini rack layings to name but a few, this flounder patch cable is a star. It’s perfect for modern 10 Gbit applications with transmission frequencies up to 500 MHz. The jacket material used is halogen-free and flame-retardant and the U/FTP 4x2xAWG30/7 construction enables POE applications up to 5 m (16.4 ft.). The compact RJ45 connectors are equipped with a moulded, sleek sleeve support and a snap-in nose protector. The series is available in many color and length variants.
Variants from $5.65*
Network cable SC-Mercator CAT.7 PUR, 8 x 0,14 mm² | RJ45 / RJ45, NEUTRIK®
$0.00*
P7TE
Example P7TE-3000-SW contents:30,00 m Cat.7 SC-Mercator CAT.7 PUR; PUR; black, Ø 6,50 mm (581-0071)1 x HIROSE RJ45 CAT.6a, 8-pole , plastic-, crimp-male connector, gold plated contact(s), straight black (RJ45C6A-SW)1 x NEUTRIK® Protective sleeve for RJ45 Connector (NE8MX-B-TOP)1 x HIROSE RJ45 CAT.6a, 8-pole , plastic-, crimp-male connector, gold plated contact(s), straight black (RJ45C6A-SW)1 x NEUTRIK® Protective sleeve for RJ45 Connector (NE8MX-B-TOP)1 x Cardboard packaging for blister hooks, Design Sommer cable###TIA568B
Variants from $93.15*
Network cable SC-Mercator CAT.7 PUR, 8 x 0,14 mm² | RJ45 / RJ45, NEUTRIK®
$0.00*
P7RE
Example P7RE-1500-SW contents:15,00 m Cat.7 SC-Mercator CAT.7 PUR; PUR; black, Ø 6,50 mm (581-0071)1 x HIROSE RJ45 CAT.6a, 8-pole , plastic-, crimp-male connector, gold plated contact(s), straight black (RJ45C6A-SW)1 x NEUTRIK® Protective sleeve for RJ45 Connector, retractable (NE8MXR-B-TOP)1 x HIROSE RJ45 CAT.6a, 8-pole , plastic-, crimp-male connector, gold plated contact(s), straight black (RJ45C6A-SW)1 x NEUTRIK® Protective sleeve for RJ45 Connector, retractable (NE8MXR-B-TOP)1 x Cardboard packaging for blister hooks, Design Sommer cable###TIA568B
Variants from $98.90*
Cat.8.1 patch cable 2xRJ45 40Gbit/s 2000 MHz F/FTP
$0.00*
C8BS
Advantages:The Cat 8.1 F/FTP (LSZH) patch cable is designed for a transmission speed of up to 40 Gbit/s and a transmission bandwidth of up to 2000 MHz.It is ideal for superfast high-speed networks, e.g. backbone connections between switches in the server rack.It is 100% compatible with all devices with RJ45 network connector and also backward compatible with other CAT variants, e.g. Cat.5 Cat.5e Cat.6 Cat.6a Cat.7Miscellaneous:CAT8.1, LSZH black, F/FTP, AWG30/7Compatible with 40GBASE-T, 25GBASE-T and below
Variants from $6.62*
Cat. 8.1 SLIM patch cable 2xRJ45 40Gbit/s 2000 MHz U/FTP
$0.00*
C8SL
Advantages:The Cat 8.1 SLIM U/FTP (PiMF) patch cable is designed for a transmission speed up to 40 Gbit/s and a transmission bandwidth up to 2000 MHzIt is ideal for superfast high-speed networks, e.g. backbone connections between switches in the server rack.It is 100% compatible with all devices with RJ45 network connector and also backward compatible with other CAT variants, e.g. Cat.5 Cat.5e Cat.6 Cat.6a Cat.7Miscellaneous:CAT8.1, PIMF black, U/FTP, AWG30/74.3 mm diameterCompatible with 40GBASE-T, 25GBASE-T and below
Variants from $5.06*
Cat.8.1 patch cable 2xRJ45 40Gbit/s 2000 MHz SFTP
$0.00*
C8HQ
Advantages:The Cat 8.1 S/FTP (PiMF) patch cable is designed for a transmission speed up to 40 Gbit/s and a transmission bandwidth up to 2000 MHzEach cable is tested CAT 8.1 Channel LinkIt is ideal for superfast high-speed networks, e.g. backbone connections between switches in the server rack.It is 100% compatible with all devices with RJ45 network connector and also backward compatible with other CAT variants, e.g. Cat.5 Cat.5e Cat.6 Cat.6a Cat.7The Ethernet cable is double shielded, the twisted pair wires made of high quality 99.9% OFC (Oxygen-free copper) oxygen-free copper ensure a loss-free signal transmissionThe shielded RJ45 Cat8.1 plug according to industry standard is perfectly protected against corrosion with 50µ gold-plated contact surfaces, even after many mating cycles.The purple bend protection sleeve with integrated latching lug protection prevents the cables from snagging and the latching lug from breaking offPower-over-Ethernet compatible (PoE, PoE+, PoE++) and HDBaseT suitable.Miscellaneous:CAT8.1, PIMF blue, S/FTP, AWG24/78.0 mm diameterPins gold plated 50µCompatible with 40GBASE-T, 25GBASE-T and below