How to Install Cat6a Plenum Cable in Structured LAN?

Cat6a plenum ethernet cable is the best on the market. It comes with the most durable jacket, the plenum. And it features 23 AWG bare copper conductors which are built for high performance and longevity. The thick plenum and the copper conductors of the cable make it ideal for structured LAN networks.

It can be installed easily and even without much experience. Read on if you want to install the Cat6a plenum 1000ft in your next structured LAN project.

In this blog, we will walk you through the entire process. From choosing and selecting the right cat6a plenum cable to measuring,  pulling, terminating, and testing it. 

Getting to know the 6a plenum cable?

To execute a flawless installation of the cat6a plenum cable, it is important that you first know what it is. This cable is the augmented category 6 of bulk ethernet cables. It offers up to a 10 Gbit/s data transfer rate over 100 meters. 

At its core, the cable features 23 AWG bare copper conductors which are twisted into pairs. There are a total of 8 wires which constitute 4 pairs. Each pair is kept separate using a spline. This results in reduced EMI and crosstalk. 

However, the main benefit of using bare copper conductors is that it is pliable. And that makes installing the cables effortless. 

Cable Types

The cat6a cable in general comes in two types. Namely, cat6a plenum 1000ft and riser. 

Both types of the Cat6a cable are safe, high performing, and offer unparalleled features. 

The cat6a plenum, as we will discuss in more detail later, has a thick jacket. It does not emit toxic smoke, should it catch fire, and it can withstand extreme weather conditions. 

Its counterpart cat6a riser cable is also a thick material and it is coated with a fire-retardant material. In case of a fire hazard, the riser cable resists the flame propagation. 

The riser variant of the cat6a cable is used in indoor horizontal spaces. And its counterpart is used in vertical installations where it must be run in enclosed spaces. 

What is a Structured LAN?

A structured local area network is a complete set of appliances, tools, and devices connected together using bulk ethernet cables such as the cat6a plenum. The benefit of using structured lan networks is that you can control all of your devices from a single location. You also have the ability to run maintenance, replace cables, and perform other tasks. 

These features make structured local area networks the go to choice for all kinds of businesses. 

Read on to learn how to install the cat6a plenum 1000ft in your next structured lan project. 

How to Install Cat6a Plenum Cable in Structured LAN?

1. Plan the Network

The process of installation begins with planning the network. First, figure out where you will be running the cables. 

This includes, tangibly sketching your structured lan project on paper. Make sure you include all the points where you will have pin-outs. 

Also be sure to measure the distances to each point from the server room – speaking of  which – you need to decide where you will host all of your cables. 

A server room is necessary to ensure impeccable cable management. And it is important that you decide in advance where you will put all of your cables, patch panels, etc. 

2. Pick Your Cat6a Plenum 1000ft

Once you have planned your LAN network, it is time to pick the right cat6a plenum. 

If you have not purchased it already, look up ‘ethernet cable near me’ and you will find plenty of options to choose from. 

It comes in shielded and unshielded variants. The cable also comes with the plenum jacket in different colors. 

For easier cable management, follow a systematic color scheme. This will allow you to identify the cables easily. If you are pulling the cables through a high cable density environment, be sure to use shielded cables. They will keep EMI and various other types of interference out of your network. 

If you are pulling the cables through a space where interference is not too much, feel free to use unshielded cables. 

The pro cable installers, network engineers, and network admins know that in indoor runs, unshielded cables are the best option. Because interference cannot be a major problem in indoor runs. Especially when you know how to install them properly. 

3. Cut the Cables

Once you have decided on which cable to use, cut it. 

Now wait. 

Before you cut the cables, make sure to measure the distances properly. 

There is a saying in networking. Measure twice and cut once. It means that if you measure your cables twice, you won;t have to cut them twice. 

So it is a good practice to take the measurements properly before cutting the cables at their appropriate lengths. 

4. Pull the Cat6a Plenum Cables

Once you have cut the cables, it is time to pull them through the ducts, conduits, etc. Use proper tools to make this process easier. 

If you are using shielded cables, this step will require some patience and practice to perfectly execute. 

But if you are using unshielded cables, pulling them should be easy. 

Once you have run the cables through all spaces, it is time to proceed to the termination step. 

5. Terminate the Wires

Terminating each cat6a plenum will require time and energy. Now that your structured network has taken a basic shape, you can terminate the cables and test it. 

To terminate the cables, you can either use the EIA/TIA T568 A or T568B wiring scheme. 

6. Testing the Cables

The bulk cat6 plenum cables, once installed, must be tested. 

You can use any cable tester. Such as a fluke cable tester to check the speed, frequency, latency, and signal attenuation. 

If you are not getting signals, the problem is most probably with the connector. 

Conclusion

Cat6a Plenum cable is a great choice for structured LAN networks. To install it, you first need to plan your network. Then you need to choose from the shielded and unshielded variants of the cable. Then you cut it and pull it through ducts, conduits, etc. finally, you terminate and test the cables to ensure that they are working perfectly. Using these best practices, you can set up a highly adaptable, futureproof, and functional LAN network.