Cat 6A U/UTP Cable for 10 Gigabit Ethernet Networks

Cat 6A U/UTP Cable provides unshielded copper connectivity for 10 Gigabit Ethernet, data centers, enterprise LANs, structured cabling and other high-bandwidth network environments. ETK Kablo manufactures Cat 6A U/UTP cables with solid 23 AWG copper conductors and PVC, LSOH or PE outer jackets for different indoor and outdoor installation requirements.

The ETK Kablo Cat 6A U/UTP range uses four twisted pairs, solid copper conductors, solid polyethylene insulation and a star-shaped separator. The cables provide Category 6A transmission performance through 500 MHz and support 10GBASE-T when the complete installed channel meets the applicable structured-cabling requirements.

U/UTP contains no overall metallic screen and no individual pair screens. Instead, controlled pair geometry, tighter twist design and the internal separator help manage crosstalk and alien crosstalk. This makes Cat 6A U/UTP suitable where 10 Gigabit performance is required without the additional complexity of a screened cabling system.

What Is Cat 6A U/UTP Cable?

Cat 6A U/UTP is a four-pair balanced copper Ethernet cable with no overall metallic screen and no individual pair screens.

The designation means:

• U – no overall metallic screen
• UTP – unshielded twisted pairs

Cat 6A UTP is a common commercial shorthand. U/UTP is the more precise notation because it identifies both the overall cable screen and the screening status of the individual pairs.

ETK Kablo Cat 6A U/UTP Cable Range

Product	Outer Jacket	Main Selection Direction
Cat 6A U/UTP PVC	PVC	General structured cabling where PVC is permitted
Cat 6A U/UTP LSOH	Halogen-free / low-smoke material	Projects requiring specific smoke and halogen characteristics
Cat 6A U/UTP PE	Polyethylene	Outdoor-oriented Ethernet routes

All three constructions share the same basic unshielded Category 6A architecture while using different jacket materials for different installation environments.

Cat 6A U/UTP Cable Construction

Component	ETK Kablo Construction
Conductor	Electrolytic solid copper
Conductor Size	23 AWG
Insulation	Solid polyethylene
Pair Construction	Four twisted pairs
Separator	Star-shaped separator
Overall Metallic Screen	None
Individual Pair Screens	None
Outer Jacket	PVC, LSOH or PE according to product

23 AWG Solid Copper Cat 6A Cable

The ETK Kablo Cat 6A U/UTP products use 23 AWG solid copper conductors.

Solid copper provides predictable DC resistance and stable transmission characteristics for fixed structured-cabling installations.

The product documentation specifies a maximum conductor resistance of 94 Ω/km at 20°C.

Professional buyers should distinguish solid-copper Cat 6A cable from copper-clad conductor alternatives when 10 Gigabit Ethernet, Power over Ethernet and project compliance are important.

Why Cat 6A U/UTP Uses a Star Separator

ETK Kablo places a star-shaped separator between the four twisted pairs in its Cat 6A U/UTP constructions.

The separator helps maintain physical spacing between pairs and supports the stricter crosstalk requirements associated with Category 6A.

Controlled pair spacing becomes increasingly important at higher transmission frequencies because Cat 6A must operate through 500 MHz.

The separator therefore forms part of the electrical design rather than serving only as a mechanical filler.

500 MHz Cat 6A U/UTP Performance

ETK Kablo Cat 6A U/UTP technical data covers transmission characteristics through 500 MHz.

Relevant parameters include:

• Insertion loss
• Near-end crosstalk (NEXT)
• Power-sum NEXT
• Equal-level far-end crosstalk
• Power-sum equal-level far-end crosstalk
• Return loss
• Characteristic impedance
• Propagation velocity

Cat 6A doubles the standardized frequency range of Cat 6, increasing it from 250 MHz to 500 MHz.

Cat 6A U/UTP for 10 Gigabit Ethernet

Cat 6A is specifically designed to support 10GBASE-T 10 Gigabit Ethernet over standard structured-cabling channel distances when the complete installed system meets the applicable requirements.

This makes Cat 6A U/UTP relevant for applications such as:

• Data centers
• Enterprise LAN networks
• Server and equipment rooms
• High-density office networks
• Wi-Fi infrastructure
• IP surveillance
• Building-management networks
• High-bandwidth commercial systems

Cable performance alone does not define the complete channel. Patch panels, connectors, patch cords, termination quality and installation practice all contribute to 10GBASE-T performance.

10GBASE-T up to 100 Meters

One of the main reasons to select Cat 6A instead of Cat 6 is standardized support for 10GBASE-T over a full structured-cabling channel.

A typical balanced-copper Ethernet channel can extend to 100 meters, normally including up to 90 meters of permanent-link cable together with patch and equipment cords.

The actual installation should follow the applicable structured-cabling standard and component specifications.

Alien Crosstalk in Cat 6A U/UTP

Alien crosstalk describes unwanted signal coupling between neighboring Ethernet cables rather than between pairs inside the same cable.

This becomes especially important in Cat 6A because 10GBASE-T operates at higher frequencies and can be deployed in dense cable bundles.

U/UTP does not use metallic screening to control alien crosstalk. Instead, cable geometry, pair design, separation and installation practices play a major role.

Bundle size, pathway density and installation quality should therefore be considered carefully when designing high-density Cat 6A U/UTP systems.

Cat 6A U/UTP vs Cat 6 U/UTP

Characteristic	Cat 6 U/UTP	Cat 6A U/UTP
Nominal Frequency	250 MHz	500 MHz
Gigabit Ethernet	Yes	Yes
Full-Distance 10GBASE-T	Not the standard design target	Yes
Overall Screen	None	None
Individual Pair Screens	None	None
Typical Design Emphasis	Professional Gigabit networks	10 Gigabit Ethernet and alien-crosstalk control

Both constructions use unshielded twisted pairs, but Cat 6A requires tighter transmission performance and additional control of high-frequency crosstalk.

Cat 6A U/UTP vs U/FTP

U/UTP and U/FTP differ in the screening of the individual twisted pairs.

Feature	Cat 6A U/UTP	Cat 6A U/FTP
Overall Screen	None	None
Individual Pair Screens	None	Foil around each pair
Screen Termination	No metallic data-cable screen to terminate	Requires compatible screened components
EMI Protection	Relies on balanced pair geometry and cable design	Additional pair-level electromagnetic screening

U/UTP provides a simpler unshielded channel, while U/FTP adds individual foil screens where the project requires greater electromagnetic isolation.

Cat 6A U/UTP vs F/FTP

F/FTP uses both an overall foil and individual foil screens around each twisted pair.

This creates a substantially more screened architecture than U/UTP.

U/UTP can remain appropriate where electromagnetic conditions and cable-density requirements allow an unshielded Cat 6A system, while F/FTP can suit more demanding screened installations.

Cat 6A U/UTP vs S/FTP

S/FTP combines an overall metallic braid with individual foil screens around each twisted pair.

It therefore provides a highly screened construction for demanding electromagnetic environments.

Cat 6A U/UTP offers a simpler installation where metallic screening is unnecessary, while S/FTP can provide additional isolation where the network environment requires it.

Cat 6A U/UTP PVC Cable

Cat 6A U/UTP PVC Cable combines the unshielded 500 MHz Cat 6A architecture with a UV-resistant PVC outer jacket.

The ETK Kablo product uses 23 AWG solid copper conductors, solid polyethylene insulation, four twisted pairs and a star-shaped separator.

The published approximate cable diameter is 6.0 mm, with packing lengths of 305 m, 500 m and 1000 m.

PVC provides a conventional material option for structured-cabling projects where PVC is permitted.

Cat 6A U/UTP LSOH Cable

Cat 6A U/UTP LSOH Cable combines the same 500 MHz unshielded Ethernet architecture with a halogen-free outer jacket.

The ETK Kablo LSOH product documentation includes applicable testing for:

• Smoke density
• Single-cable flame retardancy
• Corrosive-gas characteristics
• Halogen content

The published approximate cable diameter is 6.0 mm, with 305 m, 500 m and 1000 m packing options.

LSOH or LSZH does not mean fire resistant. It describes material behavior during combustion rather than guaranteed circuit integrity during fire exposure.

Cat 6A U/UTP PE Outdoor Cable

Cat 6A U/UTP PE Cable combines Category 6A transmission performance with a polyethylene outer jacket for outdoor-oriented network routes.

Potential applications include:

• Building-to-building Ethernet links
• Outdoor IP surveillance
• Campus networks
• External Wi-Fi access points
• Outdoor automation networks
• External enterprise infrastructure

A PE outer jacket should not automatically be interpreted as steel armor, water blocking or direct-burial qualification. Those requirements should be evaluated separately.

PVC vs LSOH vs PE Cat 6A U/UTP

Jacket	Main Selection Consideration
PVC	General fixed installations where PVC is permitted
LSOH / LSZH	Projects requiring defined low-smoke and halogen-related material characteristics
PE	Outdoor-oriented routes requiring polyethylene jacket characteristics

Changing the outer jacket does not change the underlying Cat 6A U/UTP 500 MHz transmission architecture.

Cat 6A U/UTP for Data Centers

Cat 6A is widely relevant to data-center copper infrastructure because it supports 10GBASE-T over standard structured-cabling distances.

U/UTP can provide a straightforward unshielded solution where pathway design, bundle management and electromagnetic conditions are suitable.

High-density installations should pay particular attention to alien crosstalk and cable-bundle design.

Where additional electromagnetic isolation is required, U/FTP, F/FTP or S/FTP Cat 6A architectures can provide alternative screened solutions.

Cat 6A U/UTP for Wi-Fi Access Points

Modern wireless access points can require multi-gigabit wired backhaul together with remote power.

Cat 6A U/UTP can provide a high-bandwidth structured-cabling platform for compatible Wi-Fi infrastructure.

Where access points use Power over Ethernet, cable resistance, bundle size, ambient temperature and the required PoE level should be included in the design.

Cat 6A U/UTP for IP CCTV

High-resolution IP surveillance systems can generate substantial network traffic and can also use Power over Ethernet.

Cat 6A U/UTP can provide 10G-capable network infrastructure for camera aggregation, network switches and other surveillance-system connections.

The exact cable construction should follow whether the route is indoor, LSOH-sensitive or outdoor-oriented.

Cat 6A U/UTP for Power over Ethernet

Cat 6A U/UTP can form part of compatible Power over Ethernet systems.

PoE performance depends on electrical and thermal characteristics rather than the absence or presence of shielding alone.

Important factors include:

• Solid copper conductors
• Conductor resistance
• Resistance unbalance
• Bundle size
• Ambient temperature
• Pathway conditions
• Required PoE level

High-power PoE installations should evaluate bundle heating and conductor performance carefully.

Cat 6A U/UTP Electrical Characteristics

ETK Kablo Cat 6A U/UTP product documentation includes key electrical parameters including:

Parameter	Value
Conductor Resistance at 20°C	Max. 94 Ω/km
Insulation Resistance at 20°C	5000 MΩ/km
Mutual Capacitance	Max. 56 nF/km
Resistance Unbalance	2%
Propagation Velocity	78–80%
Characteristic Impedance	100 Ω ±5%
Operating Voltage	125 V DC
Test Voltage	1200 V DC for 1 minute

Cat 6A U/UTP Mechanical Characteristics

The PVC and LSOH Cat 6A U/UTP products have the following characteristics:

• 23 AWG solid copper conductors
• Approximate cable diameter: 6.0 mm
• Minimum bending radius: 8xD
• Operating temperature: -20°C to +60°C
• Packing lengths: 305 m, 500 m and 1000 m

The exact values should be confirmed from the selected product datasheet during quotation.

Cat 6A U/UTP Standards

ETK Kablo Cat 6A U/UTP documentation references standards including:

• ANSI/TIA-568-C.2
• IEC 61156-5
• IEC 11801

Project specifications can require different editions or additional approvals, so procurement teams should verify the required standard against the exact supplied product documentation.

How to Specify Cat 6A U/UTP Cable

A complete RFQ should define both network performance and installation requirements.

Specification Item	Information to Provide
Category	Cat 6A
Screening	U/UTP
Bandwidth	500 MHz
Network Requirement	10GBASE-T or project-specific Ethernet application
Conductor	23 AWG solid copper
Jacket	PVC, LSOH or PE
Installation Environment	Indoor, data center, enterprise or outdoor-oriented route
PoE Requirement	Required PoE application where applicable
Fire Requirement	Required flame, smoke, halogen and CPR classification where applicable
Packing Length	305 m, 500 m, 1000 m or applicable project requirement
Documentation	Datasheet, DoP where applicable and project documentation

Why Choose ETK Kablo for Cat 6A U/UTP Cable?

ETK Kablo manufactures Cat 6A U/UTP cable in PVC, LSOH and PE constructions for high-bandwidth structured-cabling applications.

The range uses 23 AWG solid copper conductors, four unshielded twisted pairs and a star-shaped separator with transmission performance through 500 MHz.

This gives data centers, enterprise networks, contractors, distributors and infrastructure projects a 10GBASE-T-capable copper platform without requiring a metallic screening system.

ETK Kablo can evaluate jacket material, network density, PoE requirements, packing length, CPR requirements and project documentation during the quotation process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat 6A U/UTP Cable

What is Cat 6A U/UTP cable?

Cat 6A U/UTP is a four-pair Ethernet cable with no overall metallic screen and no individual pair screens, designed for Category 6A performance through 500 MHz.

What does U/UTP mean?

U/UTP means that neither the complete cable nor the individual twisted pairs use metallic screening.

Is U/UTP the same as UTP?

UTP is the common commercial shorthand. U/UTP is the more precise structured-cabling notation.

What speed does Cat 6A U/UTP support?

Cat 6A U/UTP supports 10GBASE-T 10 Gigabit Ethernet over standard structured-cabling channel distances when the complete installed channel meets the applicable requirements.

What frequency is Cat 6A U/UTP?

Category 6A transmission performance extends through 500 MHz.

Is ETK Kablo Cat 6A U/UTP 23 AWG?

Yes. The ETK Kablo Cat 6A U/UTP products use 23 AWG solid copper conductors.

Does Cat 6A U/UTP have shielding?

No. It contains no overall metallic screen and no individual pair screens.

What is the difference between Cat 6 and Cat 6A U/UTP?

Cat 6 operates through 250 MHz and primarily targets Gigabit Ethernet, while Cat 6A operates through 500 MHz and supports full-distance 10GBASE-T structured cabling.

What is the difference between U/UTP and U/FTP?

U/UTP has no metallic screening. U/FTP has no overall screen but places foil around each individual twisted pair.

Can Cat 6A U/UTP be used in data centers?

Yes. Cat 6A U/UTP can provide 10GBASE-T connectivity in data centers where the pathway, bundle density and electromagnetic environment are suitable for unshielded cabling.

Can Cat 6A U/UTP be used outdoors?

Yes, when the exact product uses an appropriate outdoor-oriented construction. ETK Kablo offers a Cat 6A U/UTP PE version.

Does ETK Kablo manufacture LSZH Cat 6A U/UTP?

Yes. The range includes Cat 6A U/UTP LSOH cable with a halogen-free outer jacket.

Can Cat 6A U/UTP support PoE?

Cat 6A U/UTP can form part of compatible PoE systems. Conductor resistance, cable length, bundle size, ambient temperature and the required PoE level should be evaluated during network design.

What packing lengths are available?

The PVC and LSOH products are available in 305 m, 500 m and 1000 m packing lengths.

What information should I provide when requesting a quotation?

Provide the Cat 6A U/UTP requirement, PVC/LSOH/PE jacket, network application, PoE requirement where applicable, packing length, quantity and required project documentation.