Double-Shielded Cat6a (Category 6 Augmented) Network Patch Cord

Double-shielded Cat6a network patch cords offer the highest level of EMI protection among Cat6a cables, combining the augmented performance of the Cat6a standard with a dual-shield design (typically foil around each wire pair plus a braided shield around the entire bundle). The Cat6a standard enhances the Cat6 specification, supporting 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 Gbps) over 100 meters—double the distance of Cat6—with improved resistance to crosstalk and signal loss at high frequencies (up to 500 MHz). The double shielding (often referred to as SSTP) provides exceptional protection against EMI, making these cords ideal for mission-critical applications, large data centers, industrial facilities, and environments with severe interference.

The structure of a double-shielded Cat6a cord is more complex than single-shielded alternatives: each of the four twisted wire pairs is wrapped in a foil shield (to prevent crosstalk between pairs), all four foiled pairs are bundled together with a drain wire for the inner shields, the entire bundle is wrapped in a braided metal shield (to block external EMI), a second drain wire for the outer shield, and an outer jacket (rugged LSZH for durability and fire safety). The inner foil shields eliminate internal crosstalk, while the outer braided shield blocks external EMI from sources like high-power transmitters, industrial machinery, and data center server racks.

Double-shielded Cat6a cords are used in high-demand environments where reliability and performance are non-negotiable, such as large data centers (connecting servers to top-of-rack switches and storage area networks), industrial facilities (industrial control systems and automation equipment), and military/aviation applications (critical communication systems). For example, a large data center handling high-volume data transfers for cloud services will rely on the 10 Gbps speed and 100-meter distance of Cat6a, while the double shielding ensures that signals are not disrupted by the dense concentration of servers and power equipment.

Installation of double-shielded Cat6a cords requires precision: both the inner foil shields and outer braided shield must be properly grounded (using their respective drain wires) to avoid ground loops and maximize EMI protection. The cords are thicker and less flexible than single-shielded Cat6 or unshielded Cat5e, but their durability and performance make them a worthwhile investment for mission-critical systems. When selecting double-shielded Cat6a cords, it is important to choose products that meet ANSI/TIA-568-C.2-1 standards, ensuring compatibility with existing network infrastructure and reliable long-term performance.

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