CAT 6A shielded systems offer the added benefit of providing excellent protection against electromagnetic and radio magnetic frequencies (EMI/RFI). This protection is essential for eliminating EMI/RFI noise from sources such as machinery, generators, or medical imaging equipment, making shielded systems an ideal choice for industrial environments and healthcare facilities. EMI protection also leads to improved security. The electromagnetic fields emitted by unshielded cables can be detected by equipment used to eavesdrop and monitor network traffic. Even when risk is minimal, IT managers choose shielded systems for high security networks to eliminate any risk of external eavesdropping. Shielded systems are by far the best choice for military networks.

Another advantage of a CAT 6A shielded cable is its smaller diameter as compared to CAT 6A UTP cable. The typical diameter of a CAT 6A shielded cable is .29” (7.2mm), whereas the typical diameter of a CAT 6A UTP cable is .35” (9mm). Cable diameters can have a major impact when

planning for 10G Ethernet networks. System designers must pay careful attention when designing containment systems for CAT 6A cabling systems. Pathways must be designed to accommodate the larger cable diameters, heavier cable weight and the cable’s minimum bend radius. Cable pathways and cable managers designed for CAT 5e or CAT 6 cable may not be suitable for CAT 6A UTP cables. Some cable manufactures will argue that the diameter difference between CAT 6A

UTP and CAT 6A shielded cable is insignificant. However, cable diameters do have a significant impact on perimeter raceways, cable trays, furniture systems, and pathways. System designers should refer to the latest ANSI/TIA/EIEA-569-B, Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces or the ISO/IEC 18010, Information Technology – Pathways and Spaces for Customer Premises Cabling.

A drawback that designers must plan for with CAT 6A UTP cable containment is that it’s not recommended to mix CAT 6 UTP, CAT 5e UTP, or even multiple manufacturer’s CAT 6A UTP cables due to potential AXT issues. There are basically two options here: either clear existing

containment or build a new containment system. Mixing CAT 6A shielded cable with CAT 6 UTP or CAT 5e UTP cables isn’t an issue.Misconceptions such as shielding systems being costly and difficult to install have prevailed for decades. The truth is that installing CAT 6A UTP systems can be more tedious and troublesome due to more rigid and larger cable diameters. CAT 6A shielded cable typically does cost more than CAT 6A UTP and shielded jacks typically do require a few more steps to terminate than unshielded jacks. However, when the cost of AXT testing, reduced cable tray fill, and reduced cabinet densities due to larger cable diameters are considered, the benefits of a CAT 6A UTP cabling system quickly fade away.