Not all CAT6 is created equal. If you're planning a network upgrade, it’s easy to assume any cable labeled “CAT6” will do the job. But the truth is, choosing the wrong spec can limit performance, shorten equipment lifespan, and create costly rework down the line.

This guide breaks down what really matters when selecting CAT6 cable—from shielding and interference protection to PoE capability and future scalability. Whether you're outfitting a new facility or upgrading an existing network, this is your roadmap to making the right choice the first time.

CAT6 Variants: What’s the Difference?

The first step in selecting the right CAT6 cable is understanding the technical differences that determine how well it will perform in your environment.

Shielding & Interference Resistance

CAT6 cabling is available in both Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) and Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) variations. UTP is the most common and cost-effective option, offering easy installation and solid performance in standard office environments. However, in areas with high electromagnetic interference (EMI)—such as hospitals, manufacturing facilities, tv or radio broadcast stations, or data centers—UTP may struggle with signal integrity issues.

For these environments, STP could be a better choice. Its foil or braided shielding reduces EMI and alien crosstalk, ensuring stronger, more stable connections for high-bandwidth applications and PoE-driven devices.

Fire Safety & Compliance Considerations

The physical placement of network cabling plays a major role in fire safety and compliance with local building codes. Plenum-rated cables (CMP), though more expensive, are required for air-handling spaces, such as HVAC return space or ducts which include most drop ceilings, since they emit fewer toxic fumes in the event of a fire. Riser-rated cables (CMR) by contrast are typically used for vertical runs between floors, in floor duct systems, and spaces not used for air-handling, providing flame resistance without the need for plenum-level protection.

Using the wrong type of cable in a regulated space can result in failed inspections, liability issues, and costly reinstallation. Ensuring compliance from the start saves both time and expense.

PoE & Power Considerations

With more devices relying on Power over Ethernet (PoE)—such as security cameras, WiFi, access control systems, paging/public address, LED lighting, and smart building sensors—choosing the right CAT6 cable for power delivery is essential.

PoE generates significant heat within cable bundles, which can degrade performance over time. Standard CAT6 uses 24 AWG conductors, though there are higher grade CAT6 cables that use a spline or separator between pairs, which improves performance of both POE capability and the network.

Better still, CAT6A offers 23 AWG or even 22 AWG for improved heat dissipation, current carrying capacity, and networking speed, making it the better choice for higher-wattage PoE applications.

Another overlooked factor is patch cords. Many networks suffer from unexpected performance issues because the structured cabling is properly rated, but low-quality patch cords introduce voltage drops and data loss.

Choosing the Right Cable for the Job

The best CAT6 cable for your network depends on where and how it will be used.

For high-speed office networks, standard CAT6 is sufficient for most wired connections, supporting Gigabit Ethernet (1Gbps) up to 100m and 10Gbps over shorter distances. However, in high-density office environments where multiple access points or heavy data loads are expected, CAT6A is the smarter choice for future-proof bandwidth, higher end POE currents, and reduced crosstalk.

Healthcare facilities demand even greater reliability and interference resistance. In hospitals, low-latency, interference-free cabling is critical for patient monitoring, medical imaging, and real-time communication systems. Shielded CAT6A STP cabling minimizes EMI and ensures the integrity of these mission-critical applications.

Similarly, smart buildings depend on PoE-driven IoT devices for lighting, HVAC automation, security, and access controls. These networks require higher-wattage PoE capabilities, which means choosing cables with greater current carrying capacity and improved heat dissipation—another case for CAT6A over standard CAT6.

In industrial and high-EMI environments, such as manufacturing facilities and large warehouses, shielded CAT6A is often the only viable option. Electrical interference from heavy machinery, high-voltage power lines, and dense wireless networks can wreak havoc on unshielded cabling. Using ruggedized CAT6 cables with reinforced jackets also protects against abrasion, moisture, and temperature fluctuations.

Cost vs. Long-Term Investment: Making the Right Choice

Balancing Cost, Performance, and Longevity

Choosing the right CAT6 cable isn’t just a technical decision—it’s a business decision. Cutting costs now might seem smart, but choosing the lowest-grade cable that meets today’s minimum requirements can lead to expensive rework, performance limitations, and network failures as technology evolves.

If your network is expected to scale, support higher PoE loads, or handle increasing data demands, investing in higher-grade CAT6 today can save you time and money in the long run. Key considerations include:

• Building Occupancy Timeline: If you plan to use the space for only a few years, going with the bare minimum might be acceptable. But if your company is settling in for the long haul, a future-ready network is worth the investment.

• PoE and Bandwidth Demands: Higher PoE loads generate more heat, and bandwidth requirements only increase over time. Cheaper cables might meet today’s specs but won’t perform when tomorrow’s devices demand more power and speed. Even today’s LAN WiFi Networks already require two CAT6a cables to operate at the designed performance capacity and function using POE.

• Risk of Rework: Replacing inadequate cabling is far more expensive than installing the right cables upfront. Poor-quality materials degrade faster, requiring costly replacements sooner than expected.

Network cabling is one of the hardest things to upgrade after installation, yet it’s often an afterthought in budgeting. So if you plan to occupy your building for the long term, consider choosing a cable that supports your organization’s needs for the next 10+ years—not just today.