What characteristic differentiates Cat 6a from Cat 6?

The differentiation between Cat 6a and Cat 6 primarily lies in their capability to support higher bandwidth over longer distances, which is encapsulated in the characteristic of maximum length for higher bandwidth. Cat 6a, or Category 6 augmented, is designed to operate at frequencies up to 500 MHz, compared to Cat 6 which is limited to 250 MHz. This enhanced performance allows Cat 6a to maintain its specifications over a maximum length of 100 meters for 10 Gigabit Ethernet, whereas Cat 6 can support 10 Gigabit Ethernet only for distances up to 55 meters.

This characteristic is critical for network planning since it influences how and where these cables can be deployed, particularly in environments that demand higher data rates and longer distances without degradation in performance. Understanding this distinction is essential for technicians involved in cabling infrastructure to ensure optimal network performance and capacity.