CAT-Cables
What is a CAT cable?
CAT cables (category cables), also known as twisted-pair cables or network cables, are an essential component of modern network infrastructures that enable the cost-effective transmission of data in various application scenarios. They offer different speeds, ranges and application possibilities. They transmit signals through an electric current and the wires are made of metal.
The core component of the cable is already in the name: ‘twisted pair’. This means that 2 insulated wire pairs are always twisted together.
Typically, 4 twisted wire pairs are twisted together to form a network cable.
At Sommer cable, we offer the right cable for every application with our SC-Mercator CAT cable series. We offer most categories in various mobile and installation versions.
What are the categories (CATs) of twisted-pair cables?
CAT5e (Enhanced):
CAT5e cables enable data transfer rates of up to 1 Gbit/s at a cable length of 100m. The signal transmission takes place in the frequency range of up to 100MHz. CAT5e is the most common cable category for standard network applications.
Typically, the twisted wire pairs in a CAT5e cable are not additionally
shielded from each other by a foil, which makes the cable structure
less expensive, but, especially over longer transmission distances,
makes the cable more susceptible to interference and crosstalk.
Cat.5e SC-Mercator CAT.5e; PVC; grey, Ø 5,70 mm
€2.94*
580-0106
It‘s better to be on the safe side...For computer cables are made in such huge quantities that often the quality suffers under the enormous price pressure. Bad transmission as well as cost-intensive, time-consuming troubleshooting are the consequences. Ideal for installation purposes for the transmission of high class-D bit rates pursuant to ISO/IEC 11801, EN 50173 Approbation (FAST ETHERNET, ATM155 Protocols).Advantages:Short twist pitch and high-quality insulationGreat durability due to special jacket compoundLength overprint on cableApplication:Connection of computers and media technical equipment
Cat.5e SC-Mercator CAT.5e PUR; PUR-FRNC; black, Ø 6,20 mm
€8.62*
581-0051
Cat-Mobile is not a roaming cat...but a CAT.5e PUR Twisted Pair for mobile and movable applications! The SC-Mercator CAT.5e PUR is the perfect cable for mobile and movable outdoor applications. On the cable reel, in the OB van, on cable slides and even in cable carriers it will stand out with its high bending cycles and great durability. The halogen-free and flame-retardant PUR jacket (according to IEC60332.1) makes it extremely notch- and cold-resistant. A silicone-like hose on the stranded wire pairs guarantees lasting transmission quality and optimal tread resistance. Of course, the cable is RJ45-compatible. Its smallest bending radius is 40 mm and according to the editorial staff at “Ethersound“, the maximum transmission length is 67 m.Advantages:Safe data transfer due to short twist pitch and high-quality insulationGreat durability due to a special, extremely robust jacket compoundResistant to outdoor temperaturesEasy to reelApplication:Connection of computers and media technical equipmentFor mobile OB van use and outdoor applications
CAT6:
Cat.6 SC-MERCATOR CAT.6 PUR SUPERFLEX; PUR; black, Ø 8,00 mm
€6.75*
580-0201
CATlike agility and mobility...The SC-Mercator CAT.6 SUPERFLEX is the ideal cable for mobile outdoor transmissions of digital audio or network signals, e.g. for use in the OB van. The double-jacket design results in an unprecedented flexibility. The outer jacket is made of an extremely notch and tread resistant and also cold flexible PUR compound, whereas the inner jacket consists of a highly flexible S-PVC. Between the two jackets is a braided shield of tin-plated copper. This construction makes the cable extremely flexible and very easy to reel.For AoIP transmission lengths > 75m we recommend our multimode and singlemode fiber systems with the connectors HI-FIBER4, FIBERLENS and opticalCON®.Advantages:Safe data transfer due to high-quality insulation and shieldingGreat durability due to a special, extremely robust jacket compoundResistant to outdoor temperatureseasy to windMiscellaneous:Ultra flexible and easy-to-reel network cable with a large wire cross-section for outdoor applications.Outstanding network performance also for cable lengths >100 m (328 ft.).Double-jacket construction: The outer jacket is made of an extremely notch and tread resistant and also cold flexible PUR compound, whereas the inner jacket consists of a highly flexible S-PVC. Between the two jackets is a braided shield of tin-plated copper with >80 % coverage.Great durability due to a special, extremely robust jacket compoundApplication:For mobile OB van use and outdoor applicationsFor mobile sound, light or video transmissionsFor all CAT.5e, CAT.6, CAT.6a and CAT.7 transmissions
CAT6 cables offer excellent performance with speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s over distances of 100 metres. When it comes to shorter distances of up to 55 metres, up to 10 Gbit/s are theoretically possible. In practice, however, it is advisable to use CAT6a cables for applications that require transmission rates of 10 Gbit/s. Attenuation due to connectors should always be taken into account.
CAT6 cables must be able to transmit a frequency of up to 250 MHz and therefore require a structure that is less sensitive to crosstalk and interference than Cat5e cables. In the cable structure, for example, an additional insulator is inserted between the cable bundles in order to additionally shield 2 of the 4 pairs from each other.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
CAT6a (Augmented):
As an improved version of CAT6, CAT6a cables offer data transmission rates of up to 10 Gbit/s over 100 metres. They operate at a frequency of 500 MHz and are characterised by excellent shielding against noise and line crosstalk. To achieve this, additional foil shields are placed around the wire pairs and better jacket insulation and shielding are used.
These cables are particularly suitable for demanding applications such as professional video streaming services, audio transmissions or larger office networks where high data rates are required. These cables are also ideal for mobile applications as they are well shielded from unknown sources of interference and also reliably guarantee lower transmission rates over longer distances. The art of cable construction is to make the cable as flexible as possible despite the complex and thicker shielding.
Cat.6a SC-MERCATOR CAT.6a; PVC; black, Ø 8,70 mm
€8.25*
580-1331
In a flexible onion look...the dual jacket version of our SC-MERCATOR CAT.6a PROFLEX patch cable hits the scene – also available with a more compact single jacket (art. 580-1301).Many applications require cables with enhanced flexibility – which in turn may affect the durability of a cable. With these facts in mind, we have developed an excellent solution and fitted our SC-MERCATOR CAT.6a PROFLEX network cable with a dual jacket construction to combine maximum flexibility with ultimate ruggedness.The cable with its outer diameter of 8.7 mm (0.34“) features a cold-flexible soft PVC jacket that is extruded in two work steps. The outer jacket is applied like a tube to keep the wire pairs in a tight position even when in motion. The second, inner jacket serves as an extra protection against abrasion, pressure or kinks or as a reset force to maintain flexibility – for very good reeling properties and only little memory effect without causing annoying loops and trip hazards. The S/FTP construction with the high cross-section of AWG24/7 also works without hesitation over longer distances.Users who find conventional CAT cables too stiff can fall back on this PROFLEX variant with its high-quality mat finish. However, one must take into account that this design represents a compromise between rigid standard lines and heavy-duty cables with an adamant PUR jacket. For applications under high pressure, strong tensile forces and temperatures below freezing point we recommend a PUR version.With the RJ45 ONESIZE plug RJ45C6XL (optionally with HICON HI-C6XL-HD protective sleeve), which can be mounted without tools, or the NE8MX6 from NEUTRIK, we also have perfectly matching connectors in our range. The PROFLEX cable is ideally suited for use in live entertainment and studio applications, as well as for industrial applications. Most current standards are supported, such as 10GBaseT & 1GBaseT Ethernet, Dante, AVB, ACE, GigaACE, ARTNET, MA-Net, HDBaseT.Advantages:Reliable shieldingflexible and easy to windRobust double jacket constructionApplication:CAT.6a cable for maximum bandwidthAnalog/digital quadruple audio cable
Cat.6a SC-MERCATOR CAT.6a highflex; PVC; black, Ø 6,20 mm
€3.86*
580-0401
SC-MERCATOR CAT.6a HIGHFLEX
Even the brittlest banana will be amazed ...[/i]
when our SC-MERCATOR CAT.6a HIGHFLEX patch cable with an outer diameter of just 6 mm and an extremely small bending radius of < 20 mm winds its way through narrow patch panels, data cabinets and touring racks. And this despite its tough, robust jacket material made of
PVC and S/FTP construction with braided shielding and paired AL/PT foil shielding around the 4x2xAWG26/7 cores. The overall design guarantees fulfilment of CAT.6a performance up to 500 MHz.
Cat.6a SC-MERCATOR CAT.6a; PVC; black, Ø 7,90 mm
€7.10*
580-1301
It‘s better to be on the safe side...For computer cables are made in such huge quantities that often the quality suffers under the enormous price pressure. Bad transmission as well as cost-intensive, time-consuming troubleshooting are the consequences. Ideal for installation purposes for the transmission of high class-D bit rates pursuant to ISO/IEC 11801, EN 50173 Approbation (FAST ETHERNET, ATM155 Protocols).Advantages:Safe data transfer due to high-quality insulation and shieldingeasy to windApplication:For all CAT.5e, CAT.6, CAT.6a and CAT.7 transmissions
Cat.6a SC-Mercator CAT.6a CPR-Version; FRNC; orange, Ø 7,10 mm; Eca
€3.50*
580-0465FC
It‘s better to be on the safe side...We deliver a high-quality 4-twisted pair CAT version with a short twist pitch and a durable FRNC jacket. The CAT.6a distinguishes itself from the CAT.5e cable by a higher transmission frequency of 500 MHz (EN 50173-1, EN 50288-5-1, IEC 61156-5, ISO/IEC 11801-2ed, TIA/EIA 568-B.2-10 Draft 5.0) which is achieved by a special insulation of the opposite wire pairs. The SC-Mercator CAT.6a CPR-Version has been designed for 10 Gbit (10GBASE-T) and is downward compatible with all existing network protocols (10/100/1000 Mbit). Thus the SC-Mercator CAT.6a CPR-Version can also be used for CAT.5 (100 MHz), CAT.5e (250 MHz) and CAT.6 (350 MHz) transmissions.For mobile CAT.6 and CAT.6a applications we recommend our SC-MERCATOR CAT.7 PUR, see the following pages.Advantages:Short twist pitch and high-quality insulationGreat durability due to special LSZH jacketApplication:Connection of computers and media technical equipment in the 10/100/1000 Mbit and 10 Gbit network standard
Cat.6 SC-MERCATOR CAT.6 PUR SUPERFLEX; PUR; black, Ø 8,00 mm
€6.75*
580-0201
CATlike agility and mobility...The SC-Mercator CAT.6 SUPERFLEX is the ideal cable for mobile outdoor transmissions of digital audio or network signals, e.g. for use in the OB van. The double-jacket design results in an unprecedented flexibility. The outer jacket is made of an extremely notch and tread resistant and also cold flexible PUR compound, whereas the inner jacket consists of a highly flexible S-PVC. Between the two jackets is a braided shield of tin-plated copper. This construction makes the cable extremely flexible and very easy to reel.For AoIP transmission lengths > 75m we recommend our multimode and singlemode fiber systems with the connectors HI-FIBER4, FIBERLENS and opticalCON®.Advantages:Safe data transfer due to high-quality insulation and shieldingGreat durability due to a special, extremely robust jacket compoundResistant to outdoor temperatureseasy to windMiscellaneous:Ultra flexible and easy-to-reel network cable with a large wire cross-section for outdoor applications.Outstanding network performance also for cable lengths >100 m (328 ft.).Double-jacket construction: The outer jacket is made of an extremely notch and tread resistant and also cold flexible PUR compound, whereas the inner jacket consists of a highly flexible S-PVC. Between the two jackets is a braided shield of tin-plated copper with >80 % coverage.Great durability due to a special, extremely robust jacket compoundApplication:For mobile OB van use and outdoor applicationsFor mobile sound, light or video transmissionsFor all CAT.5e, CAT.6, CAT.6a and CAT.7 transmissions
CAT7:
Cat.7 SC-Mercator CAT.7 PUR; PUR; black, Ø 6,50 mm
€8.87*
581-0071
CATlike agility and mobility...Advantages:Safe data transfer due to high-quality insulation and shieldingGreat durability due to a special, extremely robust jacket compoundOutdoor temperature resistant, easy to reelApplication:For mobile OB van use and outdoor applicationsFor all CAT.5e, CAT.6, CAT.6a and CAT.7 transmissions
Cat.7 SC-Mercator CAT.7 CPR-Version; FRNC; orange, Ø 7,60 mm; Dca
€4.27*
580-0255FC
It‘s better to be on the safe side...for computer cables are produced in such great quantities that due to the tremendous pricing pressure, the quality often falls by the wayside. This results in a poor transmission and an expensive, time-robbing fault tracing. We deliver a high-quality version with a short twist pitch and a durable FRNC jacket. The perfect installation line for the transmission of high Class F bitrates in compliance with theapprobation (FAST ETHERNET, ATM155 Protocols, EN 50173 2ed, EN 50288-1, EN 50288-5-1, IEC 61156-5, ISO/IEC 11801 2ed). It is downward compatible with all existing network protocols CAT.5, CAT.6 und CAT.6a.Advantages:Short twist pitch and high-quality insulationGreat durability due to special jacket compoundLength overprint on cableApplication:Connection of computers and media technical equipment
Cat.7 SC-Mercator CAT.7 PUR XL; PUR; black, Ø 8,50 mm
€12.15*
581-0251
CATlike agility and mobility...The SC-Mercator CAT.7 PUR XL is the perfect cable for mobile outdoor transmissions of digital audio or network signals, e.g. for use in OB vans. Ethersound signals can be transmitted easily over > 100 m. Its halogen-free, flame-retardant PUR jacket (according to IEC60332.1) is extremely notch- and tread-resistant, cold-flexible andeasy to reel. The wires are fitted with a foam-skin PE insulation and shielded in pairs with an AL-PT foil (PimF). The overall screen consists of Cu mesh plus fleece. This ensures optimal transmission properties over long distances.The SC-Mercator CAT.7 PUR XL with its large wire cross-section (AWG23) is the ideal choice for extremely long transmission distances of up to 125 m.Advantages:Safe data transfer due to high-quality insulation and shieldingGreat durability due to a special, extremely robust jacket compoundOutdoor temperature resistant, easy to reelApplication:For mobile OB van use and outdoor applicationsFor all CAT.5e, CAT.6, CAT.6a and CAT.7 transmissions
Cat.7 SC-Mercator CAT.7 PUR; PUR; purple, Ø 6,50 mm
€8.87*
581-0078
CATlike agility and mobility...The SC-Mercator CAT.7 PUR is the perfect cable for mobile outdoor transmissions of digital audio or network signals, e.g. for use in OB vans. Ethersound signals can be transmitted easily over up to 75 m. Its halogen-free, flame-retardant PUR jacket (according to IEC60332.1) is extremely notch- and tread-resistant, cold-flexible and easy to reel. The wires are fitted with a foam-skin PE insulation and shielded in pairs with an AL-PT foil (PimF). The overall screen consists of Cu mesh plus fleece. This ensures optimal transmission properties over long distances.Advantages:Safe data transfer due to high-quality insulation and shieldingGreat durability due to a special, extremely robust jacket compoundOutdoor temperature resistant, easy to reelApplication:For mobile OB van use and outdoor applicationsFor all CAT.5e, CAT.6, CAT.6a and CAT.7 transmissions
Cat.7 SC-Mercator CAT.7; FRNC; grey, Ø 6,50 mm
€4.01*
580-0306F
It‘s better to be on the safe side...For computer cables are made in such huge quantities that often the quality suffers under the enormous price pressure. Bad transmission and cost-intensive, time-consuming troubleshooting are the consequences. We deliver a high-quality version with a short lay length and a durable FRNC jacket. Ideal for the installation for the transmission of high class-F bit rates, pursuant to the approbation (FAST ETHERNET, ATM155 Protocols, EN 50173 2ed, EN 50288-1, EN 50288-5-1, IEC 61156-5, ISO/ IEC 11801 2ed). It's downward compatible with all existing network protocols CAT.5, CAT.6, and CAT.6.A. The installation cable is also available as a duplex version with a braided shield. CAT.7a (1200 MHz) available on request.Advantages:Short twist pitch and high-quality insulationGreat durability due to special jacket compoundLength overprint on cableApplication:Connection of computers and media technical equipment
Cat.7 SC-Mercator CAT.7 PUR; PUR; grey, Ø 6,50 mm
€8.87*
581-0076
CATlike agility and mobility...The SC-Mercator CAT.7 PUR is the perfect cable for mobile outdoor transmissions of digital audio or network signals, e.g. for use in OB vans. Ethersound signals can be transmitted easily over up to 75 m. Its halogen-free, flame-retardant PUR jacket (according to IEC60332.1) is extremely notch- and tread-resistant, cold-flexible and easy to reel. The wires are fitted with a foam-skin PE insulation and shielded in pairs with an AL-PT foil (PimF). The overall screen consists of Cu mesh plus fleece. This ensures optimal transmission properties over long distances.Advantages:Safe data transfer due to high-quality insulation and shieldingGreat durability due to a special, extremely robust jacket compoundOutdoor temperature resistant, easy to reelApplication:For mobile OB van use and outdoor applicationsFor all CAT.5e, CAT.6, CAT.6a and CAT.7 transmissions
Cat.7 SC-Mercator CAT.7 CPR-Version; FRNC; orange, Ø 7,60 mm; Cca
€4.75*
580-0275FC
It‘s better to be on the safe side...for computer cables are produced in such great quantities that due to the tremendous pricing pressure, the quality often falls by the wayside. This results in a poor transmission and an expensive, time-robbing fault tracing. We deliver a high-quality version with a short twist pitch and a durable FRNC jacket. The perfect installation line for the transmission of high Class F bitrates in compliance with theapprobation (FAST ETHERNET, ATM155 Protocols, EN 50173 2ed, EN 50288-1, EN 50288-5-1, IEC 61156-5, ISO/IEC 11801 2ed). It is downward compatible with all existing network protocols CAT.5, CAT.6 und CAT.6a.Advantages:Short twist pitch and high-quality insulationGreat durability due to special jacket compoundLength overprint on cableApplication:Connection of computers and media technical equipment
CAT7 cables are even more powerful than the previous categories and operate at frequencies of up to 600 MHz. The transmission speed is identical to CAT6a cables and is up to 10 Gbit/s with a maximum range of 100 metres. Due to the bandwidth, the advantage of CAT6a over CAT7 is not really apparent.
The biggest difference between CAT6a and CAT7 is that CAT7 requires the individual wire pairs to be fully shielded in order to classify the cable as a CAT7 cable, i.e. there must be absolutely no crosstalk between the wires. With CAT7, it is even more important in practice that connectors are assembled correctly, as the outer shielding (earthing) must be form-fit. CAT7 is therefore for all those who want to play it safe and the price plays a subordinate role.
CAT8:
CAT8 cables are currently the most powerful network cables on the market and support speeds of up to 40 Gbit/s over distances of up to 30 metres. They operate at a frequency of up to 2,000 MHz and have been specially developed for use in data centres and high-performance networks.
Due to their high data rate and excellent shielding, CAT8 cables are the ideal choice for demanding applications. Few end devices currently offer the option of utilising these high data rates. However, as there is downward compatibility for all CAT categories, CAT8 cables offer the most future-proof alternative.
CAT.8.1 40Gbit/s 2000 MHz SC-Mercator CAT.8.1 CPR-Version; LSZH; blue, Ø 8,20 mm; B2ca
€4.58*
580-0802FC
The Transrapid among network cablessupports a bandwidth of up to 40 Gbit/s and is suitable for setting up high-speed Ethernet networks in building cabling. The CAT.8 network cable in the halogen-free LSZH jacket impresses with large performance reserves and excellent quality, among others to meet the standards IEC 60332-1-2, IEC 60754-1/2, IEC 61034-1/2 as well as the high fire protection class B2ca (flame retardant, low heat release). It has a high-quality 2-fold shielding of individually shielded wire pairs (PimF) plus overall braiding of tinned copper and is suitable for applications up to a transmission frequency of 2000MHz, as well as Power over Ethernet (PoE/PoE+), the transmission of digital and analog signals, video, data, voice and VoIP (Voice over IP). The cable meets all requirements according to application class 1, which provides for a maximum link length of 30m, and is backward compatible with CAT.7a, CAT.7, CAT.6a, CAT.6, CAT5e and CAT.5 categories.
CAT.8.2 40Gbit/s 2000 MHz SC-Mercator, B2ca, GHMT, red lilac
€6.20*
580-0828FC
The Transrapid among network cablessupports a bandwidth of up to 40 Gbit/s and is suitable for setting up high-speed Ethernet networks in building cabling. The CAT.8 network cable in the halogen-free LSZH jacket impresses with large performance reserves and excellent quality, among others to meet the standards IEC 60332-1-2, IEC 60754-1/2, IEC 61034-1/2 as well as the high fire protection class B2ca (flame retardant, low heat release). It has a high-quality 2-fold shielding of individually shielded wire pairs (PimF) plus overall braiding of tinned copper and is suitable for applications up to a transmission frequency of 2000MHz, as well as Power over Ethernet (PoE/PoE+/POE++), the transmission of digital and analog signals, video, data, voice and VoIP (Voice over IP). The cable meets all requirements of application classes 1 and 2 (CAT8.1 and CAT8.2), which provide for a link length of max. 30 m, and is also downward compatible with all lower network classes. Thus, the categories CAT.7a, CAT.7, CAT.6a, CAT.6, CAT5e and CAT.5 are also met.Advantages:GHMT-certifiedMiscellaneous:compatible with the GG45 and AR45 connector formatsApplication:medical technologymilitary communication technologyHigh-speed networks for data centers and demanding industrial applications
Shielded and unshielded CAT cable
The choice between shielded (STP - Shielded Twisted Pair) and unshielded (UTP - Shielded Twisted Pair) twisted pair cables depends on the intended use.
Shielded cables have additional shielding against noise and crosstalk. As mentioned above, the CATs (categories) result in different shielding requirements.
CAT7 cables, for example, are not available as UTP cables. One advantage of unshielded cables is the lower price and smaller cable diameter. From CAT6a upwards, shielding is required for technical reasons.
Overview of cable designations and their meaning
The various designations of network cables provide information about the type of shielding and the structure of the wire pairs. An overview of the common terms:
U - Unshielded: without shielding.
F - Foil: Shielding with foil around the wire pairs.
S - Shielded: The wire pairs are shielded with a metal braid.
UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair): UTP cables have no additional shielding and only utilise the degree of twisting of the wire pairs to reduce interference.
STP (Shielded Twisted Pair): In STP cables, the wire pairs are surrounded by a protective layer that blocks electromagnetic interference.
FTP (Foiled Twisted Pair): FTP cables have an aluminium foil shield that encases the wire pairs to minimise crosstalk
S/FTP (Shielded/Foiled Twisted Pair): This cable has double shielding - a foil layer around each individual wire pair and an additional overall shield around the entire cable.
What is PoE (Power over Ethernet) and which cables are compatible?
Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a process that makes it possible to transmit electrical energy together with data via the same network cable. It is used for end devices that require a maximum of 100 watts of power and exchange data at the same time.
Typically, these are IP cameras, VoIP telephones or access points. In the professional audio and video sector, many devices that rely on Ethernet transmission protocols are also PoE-capable.
The various PoE standards define the maximum power that can be transmitted via the cables.
IEEE 802.3af (PoE): Delivers up to 15.4 watts per port, ideal for simple devices such as IP cameras and VoIP telephones.
IEEE 802.3at (PoE+): Provides up to 30 watts, suitable for more power-intensive devices such as PTZ cameras and larger access points.
IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++): Has two power levels - 60 watts and 100 watts. Used for devices such as high-performance switches or LED lighting.
Suitable CAT cables for PoE:
PoE can be realised with all the CAT5e CAT6, CAT,6a, CAT7 and CAT8 classes described here.
The cross-section of the individual wires is very important when transmitting electrical energy. The power loss over the length of a network cable should definitely be taken into account when planning the cables and should not be underestimated. We will be happy to advise you on this topic and work with you to find the right CAT cable for your application.