26AWG: the perfect fit to fuel your 10G network

While the market offers slimmer options like 30AWG or 32AWG patch cords, HCI recommends sticking with 26AWG for Cat 6A UTP patch cords.

Here’s why: it’s all about balancing performance and practicality.

Cat 6A standards demand the following:

1. Alien crosstalk limits must be met.
2. Internal crosstalk must stay within strict thresholds.
3. Full 100-meter channel length support.

But beyond the technicalities, there are practical concerns:

• Overly stiff cables are tough to work with.
• Thick cords obstruct airflow in racks and cabinets.
• PoE readiness is a must for future power-driven device setups.

HCI’s 26AWG patch cords check all the boxes. Built with S/FTP stranded wires, they effectively mitigate alien crosstalk while maintaining a slim profile. The small size ensures minimal untwisting, preserving signal integrity. With a derating factor below 1.5, these cords can support a full 90-meter permanent link plus a 10-meter patch cord length—meeting Cat 6A standards with ease. 

Compared to older 24AWG patch cords from the 1000BASE-T era, 26AWG cords are more flexible, easier to route, and less obstructive to airflow. They’re also fully capable of supporting IEEE 802.3bt 90W PoE applications across distances up to 20 meters.

For unshielded 10GBASE-T networks, 26AWG delivers the perfect combination of size, performance, and practicality.