I'm considering using Black Box CAT6a plenum cables for my Ethernet setups, but I can't find any reviews or experiences with this brand. Has anyone used their cables? I'm looking at a deal for a 1000ft spool, but I want to ensure it's not a waste of money. Any insights would be appreciated!
5 Answers
Maybe just ask your cabling contractor? This is more of a cable puller's question than something tech-related.
I've used Belden and TrueCable before, and I'm a fan of solid copper CAT6A. The foil wrapping looks like it could be a hassle to terminate, though. Make sure you're looking at options that state they are solid – that's key for performance.
I get that. I’ve used Belden too and this Black Box CAT6A you mentioned looks interesting, especially since it's so much cheaper!
Black Box cables have a spec of 650 MHz, which is a bit higher than Belden's 550 MHz, but lower than True Cable's 750 MHz. This higher MHz allows for better performance over longer runs, especially if you're planning to use PoE or 10GB. It really depends on how long your cable runs are – if they're around 200 feet, you should be fine! Just keep in mind that TIA-ANSI compliance differs as Black Box still uses T568-C.2, while others are on T568-D.2. It might be worth looking into what that means for your setup.
Exactly! For Cat 6A, 500 MHz is sufficient for 10GBASE-T up to 100 meters. Unless you're planning to go beyond that, you might find that the extra MHz is unnecessary. Also, consider investing in future-proof solutions like fiber optics if you think you'll need more speed later.
That's good to know, thanks! I'm leaning towards Black Box since I can get it for a better price than Belden. But I also want to make sure I'm not compromising on quality.
To be honest, I've been using Black Box products for years and never had any concerns. They’ve been reliable, but generally their cables are pricier than others. Always focus on the specs rather than just the brand name because cable commodities can be comparable if they meet the requirements.
Totally agree! It's often the case that you get what you pay for. Interested to know how Black Box cables stack up in terms of durability and performance.
I’ve had issues in the past with cheaper brands even under spec, so I understand your hesitation.
I've not used their cabling specifically, but I have a range of their KVM devices. Quality is decent, though they can be quirky at times. But the support from the company is pretty accessible if you need it.
True! I'm curious if you've had issues with lesser-known brands? Quality control can really differ.