The frequently overlooked risks: Cat 6A mix-and-match

The majority of brand names or manufacturers in the industry are either connectivity manufacturers or cable suppliers. Some of them provide a total solution by offering a portfolio that includes cables, patch cords, and connectors, along with issuing a system warranty.

HCI specializes in connectivity solutions, offering a range of products such as Keystone Jacks, Patch Panels, and Patch Cords. While we strive to provide a total solution, we understand that customers prefer to mix and match their own solution based on their specific needs, rather than relying solely on a single supplier for all their requirements. This means they may choose to procure Patch Cords from Supplier A, Keystone Jacks & Patch Panels from Supplier B, and Spool Cables from Supplier C, or any other combinations they believe will suit their needs. We respect and accommodate these preferences to ensure our customers have the flexibility to create their desired configurations.

Obtaining a total solution from one single source is highly advantageous as it eliminates the need to invest time and effort in verifying the interoperability of each individual component. On the contrary, there are inherent risks involved when deciding to mixed-and-match components on your own. If you choose to take this route, it is strongly advised to thoroughly test each part together to assess their compatibility in various worst-case scenarios. This proactive approach will help mitigate potential issues and ensure that the combined components function optimally as a cohesive system.

In real-world scenarios, mix-and-match can lead to a wide variety of configurations. Enforcing restrictions on end users concerning the cabling setups they can or cannot implement can be a daunting task. Even if someone is capable of foreseeing all the worst-case scenarios in real-world installations, testing for Alien Crosstalk can only be effectively conducted in a laboratory setting. This reality further complicates mix-and-match solutions offered by importers and distributors.

Is there a middle-ground solution to address the situation? The answer is clear: simplifying complexity. One approach is to consolidate all connectivity needs with a single supplier. By doing so, the associated risks are reduced, as we handle all the mix-and-match complexities on your behalf.

 Cat 6A Shielded cabling is undeniably the best cost-performance solution you can get.

In addition to the "Cat 6A Component-Rated" Keystone Jacks and Patch Panels we have introduced, we would like to bring your attention to two increasingly popular items: Inline Couplers and Field Termination Plugs. Although Couplers and Field Term. Plugs may not be officially regulated as "Component-Rated", they provide convenient usability that is attracting significant attention.

Couplers provide a user-friendly Plug-and-Play functionality for establishing cross-connections between cable runs and equipment using patch cords. While Couplers can be advantageous, a noteworthy drawback is the potential deterioration of overall cabling performance caused by the pronounced Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT) within the Coupler's RJ-45 to RJ-45 mechanism. It is crucial to be aware of this limitation and consider it when incorporating Couplers into your network infrastructure. Proper testing and validation should be carried out to ensure that the Couplers do not adversely impact the overall performance and reliability of the cabling system.

Field Termination Plug for MPTL applications is another sought-after product. Modular Plug Terminated Link (MPTL) is increasingly prevalent in advanced site projects. Previously, installing a WiFi AP or surveillance camera in a remote area required pulling separate data and power cables. However, with the advent of Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, a single data cable can now carry both data and power. This development has significantly contributed to the growing demand for MPTL in buildings. With PoE, it is now possible to directly plug in a WiFi AP or surveillance camera without the need for a keystone jack, faceplate, and patch cord combination. This streamlined approach simplifies installation and enhances efficiency in deploying network devices. Similarly to inline couplers, as there is no Component-Rated standard for Field Termination Plugs, we evaluate their transmission performance by conducting interoperability tests on both the Longest Link (90 meters) and Shortest Link (0.5 meters).

In the absence of specific connecting hardware test limits for Couplers and Field Termination Plugs, ensuring cabling quality becomes a crucial consideration. To uphold cabling quality, our proposed solution involves utilizing Couplers and Field Termination Plugs in conjunction with Component-Rated products. The exceptional performance of Component-Rated Keystone Jacks and Patch Panels helps counterbalance any potential degradation caused by Couplers and Field Termination Plugs.

Discover the Benefits of HCI Cat 6A Shielded Cabling Solution

1. Shielded connectors give you the privilege of EMI prevention & free from Alien Crosstalk.
2. Shielded system outperforms in terms of heat dissipation and attenuation performance, making it the optimal choice for Power over Ethernet (PoE) utilization.
3. You have the liberty to mix and match HCI Cat 6A Shielded Cabling connectivity with horizontal cables sourced from different suppliers to construct your cabling system.
4. Each connectivity used in the cabling channel is safeguarded by at least one U.S. patent, providing protection against potential intellectual property infringement.
5. MIT - Products manufactured in Taiwan are eligible for participation in U.S. government contracts and can be supplied to government agencies that follow TAA regulations. 

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