Austin businesses are adding workstations, IP cameras, VoIP phones, and cloud devices at a pace that aging network infrastructure cannot support. CAT6 cabling is the answer.
What Is CAT6?
Category 6 ethernet cable is the current commercial standard for horizontal cabling: 23 AWG twisted-pair rated at 250 MHz. Compared to CAT5e (100 MHz), CAT6 delivers higher bandwidth and lower crosstalk, supporting 1 Gbps at 100m and 10 Gbps at 55m. It supports Power over Ethernet (PoE+) for access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones.
CAT6A: The Upgrade for Future-Proofing
CAT6A runs at 500 MHz, supporting 10 Gbps over the full 100-meter distance. For new installations in Austin medical facilities, tech campuses near the Domain, or large office buildouts in Williamson County, CAT6A is the recommended standard. It requires slightly wider conduit due to larger cable diameter.
CAT6 vs. Fiber Optic
| Feature | CAT6 Copper | Single-Mode Fiber |
|---|---|---|
| Max speed | 10 Gbps/55m | 100 Gbps+ |
| Max distance | 100m (1 Gbps) | 40km+ |
| Best use | Horizontal workstation runs | Building backbone, campus |
Most Austin businesses use a hybrid approach: fiber backbone between floors and buildings, CAT6 or CAT6A for the last 100 meters to workstations.
Our Austin Installation Process
Free site survey, cable route planning, pull through walls/ceilings per local codes, TIA-568-B termination, Fluke DSX certification, and labeled documentation. Most 20-50 drop installations complete in 1-3 days. Request a free Austin CAT6 quote or call (817) 383-1764.
Related: CAT6 and Fiber Services - Travis County Service Area