Plenum ethernet cables are comprised of high-quality polyvinyl chloride and are specifically suited for installation in building plenum spaces. Plenum cables come in a variety of forms, including Cat5e Plenum cable, Cat6 Plenum cable, and Cat6a Plenum cable.
Before you go any further, you must first understand what plenum spaces are.
Spaces between the floors of all buildings are designed to facilitate air conditioning and air circulation systems by providing paths for heated/conditioned or return airflows at greater than atmospheric pressure. Because oxygen is present in greater quantities in plenum areas of structures, these spaces are always at risk of catching fire. As a result, you'll need an ethernet cable with a jacket that can endure these severe temperatures.
Plenum Cables
Communications Multipurpose Cable (CMP) is the abbreviation for plenum cables. The jackets of CMP-rated cables are comprised of high-quality polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Because their coat is non-toxic, these cables emit no smoke or dangerous substances when exposed to fire. These wires are also flame-resistant. This means that if a fire breaks out, these cables will put a stop to it. They also provide exceptional protection against all sorts of crosstalk and EMI thanks to their thick coatings.
Plenum cables can also be used in riser and outdoor places due to their high-quality jackets. However, because they are made of high-quality PVC, they are more expensive than riser and PVC ethernet cables.
Plenum Cables Come in a Variety of Shapes and Sizes
Plenum cables are classified as follows:
Cat5e Plenum Cable
A Cat5e plenum cable, which belongs to the fifth generation of ethernet cables, has data transfer rates of 1Gbps and 100Mbps across lengths of 50 meters and 100 meters, respectively. Despite the fact that the TIA/EIA bandwidth capacity standards are 100MHz, manufacturers are producing this cable with a bandwidth capacity of up to 350MHz.
Cat6 Plenum Cable
A Cat6 Plenum cable, which belongs to the sixth generation of ethernet cables, has data transfer rates of 10Gbps and 1Gbps at distances of 50 meters and 100 meters, respectively. Despite the fact that the TIA/EIA bandwidth capacity requirements are 350MHz, manufacturers are producing this cable with a bandwidth capacity of up to 550MHz.
Cat6a Plenum Cable
The letter "a" stands for "augmented" in the Cat6a Plenum cable. Though it is part of the 6th generation of ethernet cables, it has been enhanced to deliver a massive data transfer rate of 10Gbps across a 100-meter span. Furthermore, despite the fact that the TIA/EIA bandwidth capacity standards are 350MHz, manufacturers are producing this cable with a bandwidth capacity of up to 750MHz.
When should you use plenum cables with Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat6a?
Plenum-rated cables can be used to install in the plenum regions of buildings. However, only plenum-rated cables are permitted in the plenum spaces.
Plenum ethernet cables can also be used in riser areas and outdoor locations because to their superior jackets. It cannot, however, be turned in any other way. If you're looking for a cable for a residential installation, the Cat5e plenum cable will suffice. If you need an ethernet cable for gaming, however, a Cat6 plenum cable will suffice. For commercial uses, you'll require either a Cat6 plenum cable or a Cat6a plenum cable. Cat6a plenum cable is the only option for data centers.