CAT 6A

Reference Guide

Thank you for choosing Leviton Network Solutions. Our copper, fiber, power, and
Connected Home solutions are ideal for today's most demanding applications,
consistently exceeding our customers expectations. Leviton CAT 6A structured
cabling solutions are no exception. UTP eXtreme 6A channel- and component-rated
performance options plus a shielded solution meet the needs of any application.
Our component-rated UTP CAT 6A connectivity solution is the first in the industry to
achieve third party verification through Intertek/ETL. Our channel-rated UTP solution
balances economy with Leviton performance. And shielded connectivity delivers the
signal isolation and data security essential in government, gaming, medical,
and financial installations.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CH
1

CH
2

UNDERSTANDING CAT 6A
02
03
05

Standards
Leviton CAT 6A Expertise
Leviton CAT 6A Systems

HORIZONTAL CABLING
08
09
11

CAT 6A Cable Types

Routing & Handling
Pathways & Spaces

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ROOM
CH
3

CH
4

14
15
17
18

Patch Panels
Cable Management Products
Cable Assemblies
Managing Cords

WORK AREA
20 Cabling
21 Workstation

CH
5

DATA CENTER APPLICATIONS

24
25

Pathways & Spaces

New CAT 6A DC Solutions

CAT 6A TERMINATION
CH
6

CH
7
CH
8
CH
9

28
29
31
33

Tips
110-Style Patch Panels
UTP Connectors
Shielded Connectors

CAT 6A TESTING
36
37

Performance Tests
AXT Testing

39

LEVITON PART NUMBERS

43

GLOSSARY

1.

INTRODUCTION

Understanding CAT 6A
Equipment, design and planning, and installation practices for CAT 6A
projects are all significantly different from previous generation structured
cabling systems. Use this guide to gain a better understanding of these
unique requirements, which will in turn help you accurately bid jobs and
shorten installation time. The final result will be a high-performance
system that supports todays requirements and provides a smooth
migration path toward 10G network performance.

STANDARDS

INTRO

The Category 6A
(Augmented Category 6)
standard addresses the
performance demands
of 10 Gigabit Ethernet
(10GBASE-T). Several
organizations detail
aspects of the standard,
but all define 6A
performance as up to
500 MHz and a maximum
distance of 100 meters
(328 feet). CAT 6A is
backward compatible
with CAT 6, 5e, 5, and
3 performance and
applications.

Organization:
TIA (Telecommunications
Industry Association)

Organization:
ISO (International Standards
Organization)

Organization:
IEEE (Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers)

Standard:
568-C.2 (replaces 568-B.2-10)

Standard:
11801; Class EA Specification

Standard:
802.3an

Defines:
Performance requirements for
CAT 6A channels, permanent
links, and components

Defines:
Class EA cabling and component
performance requirements
for customer premises. ISO
equivalent of CAT 6A; commonly
specified outside of North America

Defines:
Channel performance for
10GBASE-T Ethernet over
balanced twisted pair cables

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

CH. 1

CH. 1

LEVITON CAT 6A EXPERTISE

INTRO

Technical Support & Applications Engineering

When you need assistance with your next CAT 6A project, from selecting the
best products for an application to tips on building or installing a system,
contact our technical support team. Team members have extensive training on
CAT 6A standards and applications, and can help work through your questions
as you complete your first 10G installations.
Levitons expert team of applications engineers provides CAT 6A infrastructure
design assistance. Each design is built around the specific needs of your
active equipment, network topology, and transmission methods. The unique
requirements of facilities such as data centers, government agencies,
health care facilities, and high-rise structures are also incorporated. Just as
important, the team utilizes its thorough understanding of industry standards
and product functionality to plan systems that will accommodate industry
trends and future needs.
Call 800.824.3005 or +1.425.486.2222 or email appeng@leviton.com for
technical support or applications engineer assistance.

LEVITON CAT 6A EXPERTISE

INTRO

Leviton Contractor Program

Specification Support

For guaranteed product performance, choose a Leviton Contractor

Program installer. The program builds on contractor experience
and knowledge to ensure quality installation of Leviton Network
Solutions products. Program installers attend Levitons training
course, which includes the latest structured cabling standards,
industry technologies, installation techniques, and field-testing
methods. Most importantly, they offer more value to their
customers with a lifetime product and performance warranty on
qualified projects.

Levitons nationwide team of specification engineers supports

consultants, architects, specifiers, and engineers who design
network systems. All team members hold BICSIs RCDD
certification, and are members of the Construction Specifications
Institute. These engineers thoroughly understand the demands
placed on different network environments, and specify only
the equipment that will provide optimal performance in each
installation. In addition, Leviton offers direct field support and
materials for use in bids, design plans, RFPs, and specification
documents, including BIM (building information modeling) objects,
CAD drawing files, Visio stencils, and bid spec/RFP documents.

Visit leviton.com/lcp or email contractorprograms@leviton.com

for more information.

Contractor Program

Visit leviton.com/specteam or email specteam@leviton.com for

more information.

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

CH. 1

CH. 1

LEVITON CAT 6A SYSTEMS

INTRO

Channel-Rated UTP System

Component-Rated UTP System

Shielded System

All category-rated solutions are channel

rated, meaning that the end-to-end
system has been tested to perform at
or above its standards requirements.
Levitons channel-rated system balances
economy with Leviton quality and
performance. Our exclusive Cone of
Silence helps suppress alien crosstalk, a
dual layer wiring scheme label simplifies
termination, and patented Retention Force
Technology protects against damage from
four- or six-pin plugs.

Levitons component-rated system delivers

industry-leading performance for todays
high bandwidth applications. Componentrated performance is more stringent than
channel-rated; each connectivity element
is guaranteed to meet or exceed the
standards performance. To provide greater
headroom in high-density and short-link
installations, Leviton has designed and
engineered a component-rated CAT 6A
connector with patent-pending triple-stage
compensation. An advanced rigid circuit
board design, engineered tine geometry,
and a flexible circuit provide compensation
to minimize the adverse effects of return
loss, near end crosstalk, and alien crosstalk.

Like our CAT 6A UTP solutions, Levitons

shielded solutions exceed CAT 6A
performance standards and protect
network traffic from alien crosstalk.
Our shielded solutions offer a high level of
data security and EMI/RFI protection for
government, healthcare, gaming, financial,
manufacturing, and other sensitive
environments. With shielding, internal
data signals are securely contained and
isolated from interference.

LEVITON CAT 6A SYSTEMS

INTRO

UTP Channel- &

Component-Rated
QuickPort connectors
SlimLine patch cords
110-style patch panels
QuickPort patch panels
110-style wiring blocks

Shielded
Die-cast QuickPort connectors
SlimLine patch cords
QuickPort patch panels

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

CH. 1

2.

HORIZONTAL CABLING
CAT 6

CAT 6A

CAT 6A cable is considerably different from previous generation cable.

Its larger outside diameter (OD), corresponding larger minimum bend radius,
and heavier weight will change installation requirements for routing and
handling as well as design of pathways and spaces.

How is CAT 6A Cable Unique?

TIA standard allows up to .354" outside diameter (OD), a 54% increase over
CAT 6 OD average of .23"
More than twice the weight of typical CAT 6 cable
Tighter twists and larger conductor size than CAT 6 and 5e
Typically comes on large reels and requires special reel-handling equipment

2nd Generation
UTP
1st Gen

Most 1st generation UTP cable

is designed and manufactured
with tighter twists, larger
conductor size, and more
complex center splines
than CAT 6 cable. These
characteristics increase cable
OD and result in heavier cable
weight, reduced fill capacity,
and a larger bend radius.

2nd Gen

shielded
1st Gen

Shielded
2nd Gen

2nd generation UTP cable also has

tighter twists and larger conductors
than CAT 6, but incorporates new
cable design elements such as filler
tubes or non-conductive isolation
wraps that allow a smaller cable
OD while retaining 6A performance.
2nd generation cable is lighter and
offers better performance with a
smaller bend radius.

1stshielded
Gen

2nd Gen

shielded

Shielded cable provides higher

immunity to EMI/RFI and has a
smaller OD, typically .29" - .32".
However, the cable has a drain
wire and foil shield that will
increase installation time. In
addition, every component in
the system must be shielded
and properly bonded to ground
in order to be effective.

Cable Type

5e

6A Gen1

6A Gen2

6A Shielded

6A Max

Average OD

.185"

.230"

.330"

.300"

.290"

.354"

Maximum Horizontal
Cable Distance
TIA specifies 90 meters
(295 feet) as the maximum
permanent link length and
100 meters (328 feet) for
maximum channel length.
The standards do not specify
a minimum length, but 10
feet is recommended to avoid
return loss and NEXT issues
due to the higher signal
frequency. Leviton is the only
manufacturer to provide lifetime
warranty coverage on qualified
installations for a 10 foot
permanent link, critical in data
center applications.

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

1st Generation
UTP

TECH TIP

CAT 6A Cable Types

HORIZ.

ROUTING & HANDLING

CABLING

Larger, heavier CAT 6A cables require

modifications to traditional cable
routing and handling techniques.
Follow the tips here to help ensure a
smooth installation.

Cable Reels

Cable Pulling

Typically, CAT 6A cable will come on

reels instead of in pull boxes and will
require racks/carts that can support
their larger size.

The maximum pulling tension for a

4-pair balanced twisted pair cable must
not exceed 25 lbf (110N). Exceeding
this tension will result in transmission
degradation and may affect the systems
ability to pass certification testing.

SPOTLIGHT

CH. 2

Leviton VELCRO Brand Fasteners

Use Leviton's VELCRO Brand
fasteners to secure all cable bundles.
Our genuine VELCRO Brand products
wont crush or damage cables like
tie wraps can, and are reusable for
moves, adds, and changes.
DO

DON'T

ROUTING & HANDLING

CABLING

Bend Radius

Placement

To maintain CAT 6A performance, minimum bend radius

should exceed 4x OD for UTP and shielded cable. This radius
is significantly larger than CAT 6 and 5e. Plan carefully to
ensure there is sufficient space throughout cable runs to
maintain proper bend radius.

Leviton approved-partner CAT 6A cable may be placed in the same

tray with CAT 6, 5e, and other category-rated cables. In addition,
Leviton warrants its product performance whether strict combing or
randomizing dressing methods are used. As with all cable runs, large or
heavy cable bundles should be positioned under other cable to prevent
crushing. Follow NEC code for separating power and data cables.

Note: In 568-B.2-10, CAT 6A shielded cable bend radius was 8x OD.

Slack Loops
TIA recommends storing 10 feet of extra cable in
the telecom room and 12-18 inches above work area
installations for re-terminations and to accommodate
moves, adds, and changes. Use an extended or figure 8
loop configuration to alleviate cable stress. Cable slack in
bundled or excessive loops has been shown to degrade
cable performance and is associated with return loss
failures. Plan carefully to ensure there is sufficient space
and support for heavy CAT 6A cable slack loops.

Pulling Lubricants
To maintain CAT 6A performance, choose spray or wipe
lubricants specifically designed for data communications
cables. Using other lubricants can degrade performance;
the majority of insertion loss failures have been traced
back to the use of general purpose lubricants.

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

HORIZ.

TECH TIP

CH. 2

10

PATHWAYS & SPACES

Structural & Cable Supports

TIA-569 recommends 25% fill at initial installation and up to 50% with unplanned additions.
If a single cable tray will also carry power cables, a physical barrier is required to comply with
the NEC. Finally, ensure tray support spacing is sufficient to prevent excessive sagging.
Consider solid bottom tray for higher density applications.

Stronger anchors and threaded

rods are needed to support heavier
CAT 6A cable

Conduit Fill
A maximum conduit fill ratio
of 40% is recommended
by TIA-569 standards to
accommodate cable bundle
bend radius requirements and
allow for future expansion.

Typical Tray & Conduit Capacity (# of cables)

Average OD
Cable
Tray*

HORIZ.

CABLING

Cable Tray Fill

Conduit**

CH. 2

5e

6A1

6A2

6AS
.290"

.185"

.230"

.330"

.300"

2" x 6"

111

72

35

42

45

4" x 8"

298

192

93

113

121

1116

722

350

424

454

11

1 1/4

19

14

1 1/2

25

19

11

12

6" x 20"
3/4

*25% fill ratio

**EMT Trade Size. Calculations based on industry standards of 53% capacity for
1 cable, 31% for 2 cables, and 40% for 3 or more cables.
Note: 6A1 = 1st generation, 6A2 = 2nd generation, 6As = Shielded

Use properly sized J hooks and

other supports to accommodate
bundle size
Limit bundles to 50 cables to prevent
damage to cables on the bottom
Do not exceed cable support
manufacturers recommended
capacity
Space cable supports randomly
between 3 and 4 feet apart to
prevent system degradation due
to sagging
Do not use ceiling support wires or
other ceiling components to support
communications infrastructure

11

HORIZ.

CABLING

Cable Tray Sizing

Consolidation Points & Zone Enclosures

To determine the proper tray size based on 25% fill, use the
following calculation:

TIA standards allow an optional consolidation point (CP) within

a permanent link. A CAT 6A 110 block is Levitons standard
CP solution; density is 1/3 less than CAT 6 110 blocks (64-pair
CAT 6A capacity vs. 96-pair for CAT 6 in the same footprint).

Instructions

Example

Determine cable diameter and total number of cables

.30" diameter each,

100 cables total

Square the cable diameter

.30 x .30 = .09

Multiply result by number of cables

.09 x 100 = 9

Multiply result by .785 to factor for cable roundness

(This result is the total cross-sectional area of your cables)

9 x .785 = 7.065 sq in

Multiply result by 4 to obtain pathway size at 25% fill

7.065 x 4 = 28.26 sq in

At 25% fill, a 28 sq in area is needed, so a standard 4" x 8" tray would be adequate.
Note: For conduit, size for 40% fill by substituting 2.5 as the multiplier in Step 5

Consolidation points may be mounted into a Leviton zone

enclosure, which are available in several styles:
Ceiling- or floor-mount
Plenum-rated
Active or passive equipment rated
Zone enclosures also accept patch panels and/or active
equipment, and are then considered telecom enclosures (TEs).
TELECOM ROOM

TECH TIP

PATHWAYS & SPACES

Step

Firestopping
CAT 6A cables may require larger firewall penetrations. Always follow
applicable national code (e.g. NEC or CEC) or a superceding authorityhaving jurisdiction (AHJ) codes for firestopping requirements.

HORIZONTAL UTP CABLE

CONSOLIDATION POINT

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

CH. 2

12
PERMANENT LINK (90m)
CHANNEL (100m)

3.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ROOM

Organizing cable runs at racks and cabinets is essential

to a well-managed network. Larger, heavier CAT 6A
cables may require special planning and equipment for a
successful installation. Select the best patch panels, cable
management, and patch cords or trunks for your application
to speed installation and simplify ongoing management.

PATCH PANELS

ROOM

Shielded

VertiGO Zero-U

1RU 24-port flat and angled

2RU 48-port flat and angled

1RU 24-port flat and angled QuickPort

2RU 48-port flat and angled QuickPort

12-port panel only, 3" rear

channel, or 6" rear channel

Flat 110-style panels are our most popular

models; they can be used in a wide variety of
applications and offer a standard IDC field with
easy punchdown.

Shielded panels are ideal for installations where data

security and signal isolation are critical, including
government agencies, banking, gaming, and hospitals.

Patented VertiGO Zero-U panels can be

mounted on racks or cabinets, to a ladder
tray or wire basket, directly to the wall, under
a raised floor, or even onto modular furniture.

QuickPort

C1 Ultra QuickPort

Flat, angled, recessed angled, and

recessed flat:
1RU 24-port
2RU 48-port
2RU 72-port high-density

2RU 48-port flat composite

Flat and angled:

1RU 48-port high-density
Our QuickPort panels allow you to color-code your
CAT 6A installations, mix-and match media, and to
add connectors as more capacity is needed.

Our newest panel offers a high-end aesthetic,

superior strength, and customization
capabilities perfect for data centers and
other showroom-style applications.

C1 Ultra Composite Patch Panel

For the ultimate in panel design and customization
capabilities, choose Levitons new C1 Ultra.
Polymer construction has a higher strength-toweight ratio than 16-gauge metal and a look
totally unique in the industry. Custom labeling
options include A/B switch fabric color-coding,
corporate or school logos, or virtually any front
panel design.

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

TELECOM

110-Style

SPOTLIGHT

CH. 3

14

CH. 3
TELECOM

CABLE MANAGEMENT

ROOM

Vertical Management
8" High-Capacity Versi-Duct

5" Versi-Duct

80" length, standard hinged black cover, front only

80" length, standard hinged black cover, front and rear
80" length, designer hinged grey cover, front only
80" length, designer hinged grey cover, front and rear
Center mounting bracket, 8" channel
Cable retainer and slack loop organizer, 8" channel

80" length, standard snap-on black cover, front only

80" length, standard snap-on black cover, front and rear
40" length, standard snap-on black cover, front only
40" length, standard snap-on black cover, front and rear
Grey snap-on designer cover, front and rear
Mounting bracket, 5" channel
Choose 5" Versi-Duct for smaller installations where its capacity meets
installation needs, including future growth (see capacity chart below).

High-capacity Versi-Duct is ideal for CAT 6A installations, especially large

deployments. Choose a designer cover for a sleek look in showroom environments.

Versi-Duct Capacity (# of cables)

CAT 6A Gen1

CAT 6A Gen2

.330"

Average OD

CAT 6A Shielded

.300"

.290"

Fill Rate

25%

50%

25%

50%

25%

50%

5" Channel Size

45

90

55

110

59

118

8" Channel Size

145

290

177

354

190

380

15

CABLE MANAGEMENT

ROOM

Versi-Duct

Rear Cable Management Support Bars

Standard Front Cable Management

Front only
Front and rear
1 and 2RU grey designer covers
Bend radius limiters

Standard flat, angled, and recessed angled

Extended flat
High-density flat
Rear manager for active equipment flat

1, 2, and 4RU managers with metal rings

1 and 2RU managers with plastic saddles
SpaceMaker manager

Rear support bars complement specific panel styles

and are included with all Leviton flat panels.

Choose horizontal Versi-Duct as part of a complete

Versi-Duct cable management solution, or in installations
where aesthetics or large finger spacing are priorities.

Standard front managers complement Leviton panel styles

and keep patch cords visible for easy identification.

Leviton VELCRO Brand Fasteners

Need cable management for use

5", 8", and 12" tie wraps in four colors plus plenum-rated maroon
in air handling spaces? Levitons
15' and 75' bulk rolls in four colors plus plenum-rated maroon
large selection of genuine VELCRO
600' bulk rolls
Brand fasteners includes several
15" compression straps in four colors
styles in plenum-rated maroon.
75' SoftCinch Lite 1/2" wide rolls
Utility fasteners including saddle ties, J hooks, workstation loops, and storage rings

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

TELECOM

Horizontal Management

SPOTLIGHT

CH. 3

16

TELECOM

CABLE ASSEMBLIES

ROOM

Leviton Pre-Terminated Copper Trunks

Copper trunks are part of Levitons extensive, quick turnaround make-to-order
(MTO) program. The custom-configured cable assemblies speed installation
at data centers and other large, critical applications. By shifting much of the
assembly work to the factory, field installation time is reduced by up to 80%.
All Leviton trunks include a braided sleeve with pulling eye to protect
terminations during shipment, ensure easy installation, and keep trunk
assembly organized. In addition, our pre-terminated trunks are 100% factory
tested and shipped with test results and individual cable serial numbers.
No further testing is necessary after installation, and qualified installations
are eligible for our limited lifetime product and performance warranty.
Custom-configuration options:
Cable type
Breakout and overall length (10-295 feet/90 meters)
Jack, plug, or open termination
Even or staggered connector alignment
Cable and jack color
Plenum or riser sleeve

SPOTLIGHT

CH. 3

Leviton SlimLine Patch Cords

Leviton CAT 6A patch cords feature our exclusive
SlimLine plug design. The narrow profile plugs reduce
congestion in high-density applications. In addition,
they feature a strain relief boot for long-term network
performance, and a snagless design to prevent tab
breakage. An industry-leading outside diameter of
.240" further reduces congestion while 26-gauge
stranded cable provides maximum flex-life.
Cable construction provides excellent alien crosstalk
(AXT) suppression and EMI/RFI protection. In fact,
the same cord is deployed for UTP and shielded
applications. SlimLine patch cords are componentrated for optimum channel performance. The cords are
available in 6 standard lengths from 3 to 20 feet, and
in 8 popular colors.
17

Managing CORDS

ROOM

Cable & Cord Dressing

Bend Radius

Rear of Rack (cables)

Whether routing cables from above or below, symmetrically distribute
bundles to feed into each panel from left and right. This will balance
the cable bundles, allow easier access to connections, and reduce
congestion at the rear of the panels. Leviton rear cable managers,
Versi-Duct vertical and horizontal finger duct (front/rear versions), and
VELCRO Brand fasteners all support CAT 6A cable at the rear of racks
and cabinets.

To maintain CAT 6A performance, minimum bend radius

should exceed 4x OD for both UTP and shielded. For CAT
6A cables, this radius is significantly larger than CAT 6
and 5e. Plan carefully to ensure there is sufficient space
to maintain proper bend radius.

Front of Rack (cords)

Symmetrically dress cords and route into cable management. Levitons
CAT 6A cords have been independently and field-tested to ensure 10G
performance whether they are strictly combed or randomized in cable
managers. Our horizontal ring-type cable managers as well as horizontal
and vertical Versi-Duct products help manage patch cords at the front
of the rack. To reduce cord bundle sizes, consider using angled patch
panels with vertical Versi-Duct. Also consider Leviton SlimLine CAT 6A
patch cords; their low-profile will reduce congestion at the face of the
patch panel and on high-density switch equipment.

Note: In 568-B.2-10, CAT 6A shielded cable bend radius was 8x OD.

Color Coding
Enhance data center and telecom room organization by
color-coding connectors and patch cords. Choose from
several schemes, depending on application and system
management priorities:
A/B switch fabric for data center redundancy
Connectivity types such as WAN/corporate data, LAN,
engineering networks, voice, and more
Campus location
Company colors

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

TELECOM

TECH TIP

CH. 3

18

4.

WORK AREA

Connectivity in the work area requires a finished look,

ease of maintenance, and performance, all while meeting
installation codes and guidelines. Simplify work area
connectivity planning, design, and installation with the
following tips.

CAT 6A cables require additional depth

behind faceplates and at all directional
changes to maintain proper bend
radius. Before installation, verify that
the design allows sufficient depth
throughout the run.

Drop Ceiling Applications

Cable infrastructure must be independently
suspended by components designed
for this purpose, separate from all other
building systems. Do not use ductwork,
piping, earthquake bracing, or the drop
ceiling grid to suspend cable or cabling
support infrastructure.

Leviton Consolidation Points & Zone Enclosures

Reduce the cost and complexity of moves, adds,
and changes with Levitons consolidation point
(CP) solutions. Our TIA-compliant solutions allow
businesses to add an interconnection point within a
horizontal cabling permanent link. When work areas
are modified, cabling need only be reconfigured
back to the consolidation point, rather than all the
way to the telecom room.
Levitons standard CAT 6A consolidation point
solution is our 110-style wiring block. Mount into a
Leviton zone enclosure, available in several styles:

110-Style Wiring Block

Active Ceiling Enclosure

Ceiling- and floor-mount

Plenum-rated
Active or passive equipment rated
Zone enclosures also accept patch panels and/or
active equipment, and are then considered telecom
enclosures (TEs).

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

WORK AREA CABLING

WORK
AREA

In-Wall Applications
SPOTLIGHT

CH. 4

20
Passive Raised-Floor Enclosure

WORKSTATION

WORK
AREA

Junction Boxes and Mud Rings

Surface Mount Boxes

Verify that the connectivity design specifies the

proper junction box size before drywall is installed.
Consider an oversized junction box to accommodate
CAT 6A cabling and bend radius requirements, or use
mud rings (box eliminators) instead.

To maintain proper bend radius, consider exiting

cable from modular furniture pathways into
a surface mount box instead of directly to a
faceplate. Levitons extended depth four-port
surface mount box works with most modular
furniture and is an excellent solution for larger
CAT 6A bend radius requirements.

TECH TIP

CH. 4

Modular Furniture Installations

Cubicle furniture and walls often have restricted
wireways. Determine cable capacity before finalizing
specifications to verify there is adequate space for
cables and bend radius requirements. Consider mocking
up a cubicle. Most cubicle installations use surface
mount boxes or modular furniture faceplates, which help
offset the space restrictions of narrow cubicle walls.
21

Leviton QuickPort Faceplates & Inserts

Leviton offers numerous QuickPort opening faceplates to match any dcor. Choose from:

Standard commercial, Decora or Acenti designer, or Excella British Standard styles

Stainless steel construction or thermoplastic in seven popular colors
Single- or dual-gang with 1- to 12-port capacity
Openings for data connectors or multimedia connectivity
With or without ID windows

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

WORKSTATION

WORK
AREA

SPOTLIGHT

CH. 4

22
Standard Commercial

Acenti

Decora

Angled

Excella

5.

DATA CENTER APPLICATIONS

Data centers are one of the most critical parts of any data network
and thus require the highest levels of performance and reliability.
Cabling for data centers differs from horizontal installations in
several ways: typical distances, network function, pathways and
spaces, and more. CAT 6A cabling may affect requirements for all
of these, but especially pathways and spaces. Careful planning and
proper specifications will help ensure a successful installation.

There are three typical data center CAT 6A cable run

configurations: power and data cabling both under a raised floor,
both overhead, or power below and data overhead. The chosen
configuration will affect other data center design elements:
If power and communications cable are both overhead,
cable trays must be properly sized, separated, and
configured to support 6A cables and accommodate
power runs.
If both are underfloor, pedestals must be higher to
accommodate larger 6A cables, room for expansion,
segregation from power runs, and proper airflow.

Follow best-practice CAT 6A installation guidelines to achieve and

maintain optimum performance:
Pathways should be sized for 25% initial fill ratio, which allows space
for up to 50% fill with future additions. Pathways should be no more
than 6" deep; larger deployments may use multiple trays or pathways
to support cabling requirements.
Space cable bundle supports every three to four feet at irregular intervals.
Leviton trunks can be pre-terminated or field terminated. There are
numerous advantages to using pre-terminated trunks, including factory
testing for alien crosstalk (AXT); see page 17 for a detailed discussion.

Leviton Component-Rated Performance

Leviton component-rated CAT 6A solutions offer guaranteed performance at permanent link distances as short as 10
feet, which is critical in data center applications. How? With patent-pending triple-stage compensation. An advanced rigid
circuit board design, engineered tine geometry, and a flexible circuit combine to enhance permanent link and channel
performance, and minimize the adverse effects of near end crosstalk (NEXT), return loss (RL), and alien crosstalk (AXT).

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

PATHWAYS & SPACES

DATA
CENTER

Raised Floor vs. Overhead Cable Runs

SPOTLIGHT

CH. 5

24

CH. 5

NEW CAT 6A SOLUTIONS

DATA
CENTER

Pre-Terminated Copper Trunks

Leviton C1 Ultra Composite Patch Panel

Reduce installation time by up to 80%

with Leviton make-to-order (MTO)
copper trunks. All MTO trunks are
100% factory tested and shipped
with test results and individual cable
serial numbers. No further testing
is necessary after installation, and
qualified installations are eligible
for our limited lifetime product and
performance warranty.

The new Leviton C1 Ultra combines strength and durability with

a sleek look ideal for data centers. Polymer construction has a
higher strength-to-weight ratio than 16-gauge metal and a look
totally unique in the industry. Custom labeling options include A/B switch
fabric color-coding, corporate or school logos, or virtually any front panel
design. The 2RU 48-port flat QuickPort panel accepts eXtreme CAT 6A
component- or channel-rated connectors.

Configuration options:
Cable type
Breakout and overall length (up to
90 meters)
Jack, plug, or open termination
Even or staggered plug alignment
Cable and jack color
Plenum or riser sleeve

8" x 8" Versi-Duct Cable Management

High-Capacity Versi-Duct is ideal for CAT 6A data center
installations. The large channels accommodate larger outside
diameter CAT 6A cables, while channel covers help create a
finished look in showroom-style installations. Managers can be
side or center mounted for optimal space utilization.
80" length with standard hinged black cover, front only or front and rear
80" length with designer hinged grey cover, front only or front and rear
Center mounting bracket
Cable retainer and slack loop organizer

25

For unparalleled performance, choose the eXtreme CAT 6A

component-rated connector the first in the industry to achieve
this stringent benchmark. It has the best available performance
for short run applications, down to a 10' permanent link. In fact,
it's so well designed, it even meets component requirements
when loaded in a 1RU 48-port QuickPort panel.

Leviton-exclusive features combine to deliver a connector with

best-in-class performance and functionality:
Patented dual-layer T568A/B label with larger wiring diagrams
Patented Cone of Silence and metalized body help suppress
alien crosstalk (AXT)
Patented Retention Force Technology protects against
damage from four- or six-pin plugs
Patent-pending triple-stage compensation enhances margin
performance and augments AXT suppression
Sharper Pair Separation Towers ease conductor separation
Conductor retention feature holds wires during termination

Leviton SlimLine patch cords feature a narrow profile plug to reduce

congestion in high-density data center applications. A wealth of
features maximizes performance:
Exceptional alien crosstalk suppression and EMI/RFI protection
The same cord is used for both UTP and shielded applications
Strain relief boot ensures long-term network performance
Snagless design prevents tabs breakage during moves, adds, and changes
26-gauge stranded cable and .24" OD provide maximum flexibility
Leviton Data Center Specialists
Need help with a CAT 6A data center infrastructure project? Our DC
specialists provide technical support including design, layout, elevations,
pathways, and specifications to support any data center architecture
and equipment requirements. Team members average more than two
decades of industry experience and have a deep understanding of
industry best practices and our customers needs.
Email dcteam@leviton.com for more information.

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

NEW CAT 6A SOLUTIONS

DATA
CENTER

SlimLine Component-Rated Patch Cords

Component-Rated Connectors

SPOTLIGHT

CH. 5

26

6.

CAT 6A TERMINATION

Termination steps for CAT 6A connectors are much the same as for CAT 6,
with the major exception of handling the cables larger OD. To compensate,
Leviton has designed several exclusive features into its new CAT 6A connectors
to speed termination. Read on for details of these features, other tips for
a seamless installation, and for termination instructions for our 110-style
panel, UTP connectors, and shielded connector.

SPOTLIGHT

TIA recommends storing 10 feet of extra cable in

the telecom room and 12-18 inches above work area
installations for re-terminations and to accommodate
moves, adds, and changes. Use an extended or figure
8 loop configuration to alleviate cable stress. Cable
slack in bundled or excessive loops has been shown
to degrade cable performance and is associated with
return loss failures.

All eXtreme CAT 6A UTP connectors include several

features that deliver ease-of-use and superior performance:
Patented dual-layer T568A/B label with larger wiring diagrams
Patented Cone of Silence and metalized body to help
suppress alien crosstalk (AXT)

Component-Rated CAT 6A

Patented Retention Force Technology protects against

damage from four- or six-pin plugs
Our component-rated UTP connectors add performanceenhancing features:
Patent-pending triple-stage compensation enhances
margin performance and augments AXT suppression

Leviton Palm Termination Tool

Use Levitons Palm Termination Tool to quickly and
easily punch down connectors at the jobsite. The Palm
Tool offers an ergonomic comfort grip, increased
connector stability, and integrated holes that allow
rack mounting for QuickPort panel terminations.
The Palm Tool is compatible with all CAT 6A/6/5e and
standard QuickPort A/V connectors.

Leviton CAT 6A Connectors

Channel-Rated CAT 6A

Sharper Pair Separation Towers ease conductor separation

Conductor retention feature holds wires during termination

Shielded CAT 6A

CAT 6A shielded connectors offer superior signal isolation

and EMI/RFI protection, a 270 hinge for easy access,
no punchdown tool needed, and snap-close cap when
termination is complete.

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

TERMINATION TIPS

TERMINATION

Extra Cable for Re-terminations

SPOTLIGHT

CH. 6

28

CH. 6

INSTRUCTIONS

TERMINATION

eXtreme CAT 6A 110-Style Patch Panel Termination

1

Mount the eXtreme CAT 6A 110-Style Patch Panel to

a standard 19" equipment rack or wall-mount bracket,
using the provided screws.

Determine which color-coded wiring scheme is desired

(T568A or T568B).

NOTE: If wires appear to be bridged over the IDC, rather than securely
seated into the slot, pull out the wires and reseat and repunch them
(Figure B).

NOTE: The color codes and port numbers are located on

the panel labels between termination (IDC) slots.

Remove approximately 3" of the jacket and center

spline/separator from cable.

Route jacketed wire to the termination field so that the

jacket is centered near the IDCs (Figure A).
CAUTION: Use of mass termination impact tool is not
permissible for this product.

Starting with the middle two pairs (orange/white and green/

white) use your fingers to carefully seat and secure the wires into
the IDC slots. Maintain wire pair twisting to within 1/2" of the IDC
contact. Then position a 110-style impact tool (set to low impact)
perpendicular to the IDC slot, seat and trim the cable.

Once the CAT 6A module has been terminated, snap the 3-port
retention cap to the back of the connector top and bottom sides.
The retention cap can also be broken into single pieces (Figure C).
After the panel has been fully terminated, attach the cable
management bar to the back of patch panel (Figure D).
29

CH. 6
TERMINATION

B.

C.

INSTRUCTIONS

"Bridged" Wire

D.

Retention Dust Cap

Cable
Management
Bar

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

A.

30

CH. 6

INSTRUCTIONS

TERMINATION

eXtreme CAT 6A Component- and Channel-Rated Connector Termination

1

Remove about 3" of cable jacket and center spline (stiff plastic separator
inside CAT 6A cable).

Determine whether to use wiring scheme T568A or T568B. Note the

associated color codes and connector pin number on the label located
between the IDC connector slots (Figure A). Peel back label for T568A wiring.

Leave the cable jacket within 1/8" of the connector side, then route the wires
for termination using the selected wiring scheme (Figure B). Route cable
perpendicular to the IDC field. Ensure there is enough slack in the twisted
pairs, and do not place the cable jacket into the termination field.

Use your fingers to carefully seat wires into the IDC slots. Maintain wire pair
twisting to within 1/2" of the IDC. Set a 110-style impact tool to low and
position it perpendicular to the connector. Seat and trim the cable one pair at
a time to prevent crushing the inside pairs (Figure C).
Place the Cone of Silence over the terminated wires for secure connection
and guaranteed CAT 6A performance (Figure D).

T568A & T568B WIRING STANDARDS IDC

COLOR ASSIGNMENTS
CONNECTOR
Pin #

T568A
Wire Colors

T568B
Wire Colors

White/Green

White/Orange

Green

Orange

White/Orange

White/Green

Blue

Blue

White/Blue

White/Blue

Orange

Green

White/Brown

White/Brown

Brown

Brown

31

CH. 6
TERMINATION

B.

C.

D.

eme
eXtrT 6A
CA

eme
eXtrT 6A
CA

eme
eXtrT 6A
CA

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

INSTRUCTIONS

A.

32

CH. 6

INSTRUCTIONS

TERMINATION

CAT 6A Shielded Connector Termination

1

Strip a minimum of 1.5" of jacket from the end of the

cable. For F/UTP cable, pull the foil or braided shield back
over the jacket, and wrap the drain wire around the shield.
For U/FTP cable, fold the foil from each twisted pair over
the jacket and wrap the drain wire around the shield.

Insert the wires from the stripped cable into the stuffer
cap through the hole (Figure A).

Determine whether to use wiring scheme T568A or

T568B. Insert the wires into their correct positions per
the desired wiring scheme (Figure B).

Using a flush cutter, cut the excess wire off as close

to the edge of the cap as possible (Figure C). Wire tips
should not protrude more than 1/32 of an inch.

Make sure that arrows on both connector and cap point in

the same direction, align the cap with the IDC towers, and
press into position. Rotate the cap wings toward each other
until they snap closed (Figure D).

Ensure that the drain wire is wrapped around the cable and
shield. Tie-wrap the drain wire to the shield. Do not overtighten the tie wrap! It should be snug, but not so tight that
it crushes the wires (Figure E).

33

INSTRUCTIONS

TERMINATION

A.
B.

D.
E.

B
A

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

CH. 6

C.

B
A
B

34

7.

CAT 6A TESTING

Field testing of CAT 6A installations is much like field testing for CAT 5e and
CAT 6. However, CAT 6A testing is performed out to the higher frequency of
500 MHz. In addition, CAT 6A adds several tests for alien crosstalk (AXT).

PERFORMANCE TESTS

CAT 6A
TESTING

CAT 6A Performance Tests

Field Testing

Wire map

Return loss (RL)

Length

PSFEXT power sum far-end crosstalk

Attenuation

PSACRF power sum attenuation-to-crosstalk

ratio, far-end

Propagation delay
Delay skew
NEXT near-end crosstalk
PSNEXT power sum near-end crosstalk
FEXT far-end crosstalk
ELFEXT (ACRF) equal level far-end
crosstalk (attenuation-to-crosstalk ratio,
far-end)
PSELFEXT (PSACRF) power sum equal
level far-end crosstalk (power sum
attenuation-to-crosstalk ratio, far-end)

AACRF alien attenuation-to-crosstalk ratio,

far-end
AFEXT alien far-end crosstalk
ANEXT alien near-end crosstalk
PSAACRF power sum alien attenuation-tocrosstalk ratio, far-end
PSAFEXT power sum alien far-end crosstalk
PSANEXT power sum alien near-end crosstalk

Use an industry-recognized
UL Level 4 field tester
capable of testing to 500
MHz. Contact the test
equipment manufacturer for
any necessary hardware or
software upgrades, including
AXT testing capabilities, for
testing CAT 6A installations.
Perform permanent link or
channel tests for all installed
drops. Upon completion,
provide the customer with all
test results.

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

CH. 7

36

CH. 7

AXT TESTING

PSANEXT

PSAACRF
SPOTLIGHT

CAT 6A
TESTING

Frequency (MHz): (Blue - Worst Case, Green - Average)

Frequency (MHz): (Blue - Worst Case, Green - Average)

Independent (ETL) Test Results for Leviton Short Channel (30 ft.) CAT 6A System

Leviton AXT Performance

Alien crosstalk (AXT) can have a
serious impact on CAT 6A cabling
system performance. Choose
Leviton and get guaranteed
AXT suppression. Independent
3rd-party and Leviton tests have
proven that properly installed
Leviton CAT 6A solutions have
significant AXT headroom over
the standards requirements,
even for permanent links as short
as 10 feet. As a result, properly
installed Leviton systems with
approved cable do not require
field alien crosstalk testing. In
addition, Leviton pre-terminated,
pre-tested trunk cables do not
require any field testing.
37

Is AXT Testing Required?

Even though Leviton does not
require field AXT testing for its
CAT 6A solutions, you may still be
required to perform this testing.
Read project specifications
carefully to determine if they
call for field AXT testing. If
they do, ask for a waiver based
on the proven performance of
Levitons CAT 6A solutions. If the
customer wont grant a waiver,
youll need to perform the testing.
Read the following AXT Testing
Preparation section to gain a
better understanding of field AXT
testing requirements.

AXT Testing Preparation

AXT testing measures the unwanted noise coupled to the cable being tested
(called the Victim or Disturbed) by six surrounding cables (called Disturbers).
Two tests need to be performed: The Power Sum Alien Near-end Crosstalk
(PSANEXT) test and the Power Sum Alien Attenuation-to-Crosstalk Ratio, Far-end
(PSAACRF) test. Results for the remaining AXT tests are taken as part of these
two, so although they are not directly provided, a pass result for PSANEXT and
PSAACRF ensures passing results for AACRF, AFEXT, ANEXT, and PSAFEXT. A 2%
sample of the installed cables is typically recommended; testing the longest cables
in the installation will provide the most meaningful results.
AXT testing requires special planning, equipment and training:
AXT tests are time-consuming! Budget AXT test time into your bid
Handheld test instruments (field testers) require an adjunct AXT module
A laptop computer is also typically used with the field tester
The field testers AXT application software must be loaded onto the laptop
Installation personnel will require training prior to performing AXT testing

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

AXT TESTING

CAT 6A
TESTING

TECH TIP

CH. 7

38

8. PART NUMBERS

PART NO.

DESCRIPTION

PART NO.

Flat, 1RU, 24-port

6A586-U24

1RU, 24-port, black connectors included

6910G-U24

Flat, 2RU, 48-port

6A586-U48

1RU, 24-port, empty

49255-H24

Angled, 1RU, 24-port

6A587-U24

1RU, 48-port, black connectors included

6910G-D48

2RU, 48-port, black connectors included

6910G-U48

2RU, 48-port, empty

49255-H48

2RU, 72-port, empty

49255-D72

1RU, 24-port, empty

49256-H24

1RU, 48-port, empty

(for use with 6A10G CAT 6A connectors)

49256-D48

2RU, 48-port, empty

49256-H48

2RU, 72-port, empty

49256-D72

1RU, 24-port, empty

4W256-H24

2RU, 48-port, empty

4W256-H48

2RU, 72-port, empty

4W256-D72

Angled, 2RU, 48-port

6A587-U48

C1 ULTRA COMPOSITE Patch Panels

QuickPort, flat, 2RU, 48-port, empty

C1255-H48

VertiGO Zero-U Patch Panels

12-port, panel only, empty

49280-QP0

12-port with 3" channel, empty

49280-QP3

12-port with 6" channel, empty

49280-QP6

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

DESCRIPTION

FLAT

UTP PATCH PANELS

QUICKPORT PATCH PANELS

ANGLED

PART

NUMBERS

110-STYLE EXTREME 6A Component-Rated Patch Panels

RECESSED
ANGLED

CH. 8

40

CH. 8
PART

NUMBERS

UTP

Shielded
CONNECTORS

CONNECTORS
PART NO.

DESCRIPTION

PART NO.

eXtreme 6A component-rated

6A10G-R6

CAT 6A shielded

6S10G-S6A

eXtreme 6A channel-rated

6110G-R6

PATCH CORDS

DESCRIPTION

eXtreme CAT 6A component-rated SlimLine

UTP/SHIELDED

PATCH CORDS
eXtreme 6A component-rated SlimLine

6AS10-xx*

6AS10-xx*

PATCH PANELS

CROSS CONNECT

QuickPort, flat, 1RU, 24-port, empty

4S255-S24

eXtreme 6A 110-style wiring block kit, with legs and

C-4 clips, 64-pair

QuickPort, flat, 2RU, 48-port, empty

4S255-S48

QuickPort, angled, 1RU, 24-port, empty

4S256-S24

QuickPort, angled, 2RU, 48-port, empty

4S256-S48

41D6A-1F4

= Connector colors: Choose from any of the colors below.

xx = Length: (03), (05), (07), (10), (15), or (20) feet.

Custom length cords available, call inside sales at 800.722.2082 or +1.425.486.2222
for more information.
White (W) Light Almond (T) Almond (A)

Dark Red (R)

Purple (P)

Blue (L)

Ivory (I)

Yellow (Y)

Orange (O)

Crimson (C)

* = Patch Cord colors: Choose from any of the colors below.

Green (V)

Grey (G)

Black (E)

Brown (B)

White (W) Yellow (Y)

Orange (O)

Red (R)

Blue (L)

Green (G)

Grey (S)

Black (E)

41

VERSI-DUCT CABLE MANAGERS

8" X 8" CHANNEL

5" x 4"
Channel
Horizontal

CABLE MANAGEMENT

FRONT ONLY

FRONT & REAR

BLACK

COLORS

80" length, standard cover

8980L-VFO

8980L-VFR

5" tie wrap

43105-005

43105-05*

80" length, designer cover

8C80L-VFO

8C80L-VFR

8" tie wrap

43108-008

43108-08*

43112-012

43112-12*

DESCRIPTION

PART

NUMBERS

VELCRO Brand Fasteners

DESCRIPTION

Center-mount bracket

89265-BKT

12" tie wrap

Slack loop organizer

89265-SL1

15' bulk roll

43115-015

43115-15*

Cable retainer

89265-wr1

75' bulk roll

43115-075

43115-75*

80" length, standard cover

4980L-VFO

4980L-VFR

600' bulk roll

43115-600

40" length, standard cover

4940L-VFO

4940L-VFR

15" compression strap

44115-15E

Center-mount bracket

49265-BKT

44115-15*
(no maroon)

75' SoftCinch Lite roll

4S115-75E

Designer cover, grey

59265-5DC

2RU, black cover

492RU-HFO

492RU-HFR

1RU, black cover

491RU-HFO

491RU-HFR

2RU designer cover, grey

49265-DC2

1RU designer cover, grey

49265-DC1

Cable retainer

49265-WR1

* = Colors: Choose from any of the colors below. Maroon fasteners are plenum-rated.

Blue (L)

Yellow (Y)

Orange (O) Maroon (P)

See Levitons full product catalog for more VELCRO Brand utility fastener part numbers.
Leviton offers a wide variety of metal front and rear cable managers. Go online to Leviton.com
or see our full product catalog for the complete selection.

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

CH. 8

42

9. GLOSSARY

ANSI (American National Standards Institute)

ANSI oversees the creation, circulation and use
of standards and guidelines that directly impact
businesses in various sectors. ANSI is also actively
engaged in accrediting programs that assess
conformance to standards.
Attenuation The loss of volume during
transmission, or decrease in the power of a signal,
light beam, or light wave. Attenuation is the opposite
of gain and is measured in decibels (dB).
AWG (American wire gauge) is the standard
measuring gauge for nonferrous conductors (i.e.,
non-iron and non-steel). Gauge measures the
diameter of a conductor (thickness of cable).

AXT (alien crosstalk) is electromagnetic noise that

can occur in a cable run alongside other signalcarrying cables. The term alien arises from the fact
that this form of crosstalk occurs between different
cables in a group or bundle, rather than between
individual wires or circuits within a single cable.

Category 5e (enhanced category 5 or CAT 5e)

is a standard for balanced twisted pair cable and
components supporting signaling rates up to
100 MHz. CAT 5e is intended to support systems up
to 1000BASE-T or Gigabit Ethernet up to distances
of 100 m (328 ft).

Bandwidth The difference between the highest and

the lowest frequencies of a transmission channel
(path for information transmission). Identifies the
amount of data that can be sent through a given
channel. Measured in hertz (Hz); higher bandwidth
numbers mean higher data capacity.

Category 6 (CAT 6) is a standard for balanced

twisted pair cable and components supporting
signaling rates up to 250 MHz. CAT 6 is intended
to support systems up to 1000BASE-T or Gigabit
Ethernet up to distances of 100 m (328 ft).

Bend Radius The amount of bend that can

occur before a cable may sustain damage or
increased attenuation.
BICSI (Building Industry Consulting
Services International) is a non-profit
professional association for the promotion of
telecommunications industry standards.

Category 6A (augmented category 6 or CAT 6A)

is a standard for balanced twisted pair cable and
components supporting signaling rates up to 500
MHz. CAT 6A is designed to support 10GBASE-T or
10 Gigabit Ethernet up to distances of 100 m (328 ft).
Category of Performance Cabling and
cabling component standards adopted by the
telecommunications industry.

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

10GBASE-T (10 Gigabit baseband over twisted

pair) This IEEE standard, 802.3an, defines 10 Gigabit
Ethernet running 10Gbps over balanced twistedpair cabling.

44

Channel In the horizontal cabling portion of a

structured cabling system, the channel contains
all of the elements of the permanent link, plus the
equipment cords at the horizontal cross-connect
(HC) and the patch cords in the work area.
Channel-rated Category-rated structured cabling
components are said to be channel-rated if, when
installed as a system in an industry-defined
channel, they meet all of the transmission and noise
characteristics defined in the standard. Compare
with Component-rated.

specifications are more stringent than channel

specifications and may provide greater permanent
link and channel test margins. Compare with
Channel-rated.
Conductor Any substance, usually a wire or cable,
that can carry an electrical current.

Compliance A wiring device that meets all

characteristics of a standard is said to be in
compliance with that standard.

Connecting Block Also called a terminal block,

punch-down block, quick-connect block, or crossconnect block, this plastic block contains metal
wiring terminals to establish connections from one
group of wires to another. Usually each wire can be
connected to several other wires in a bus or common
arrangement. There are several types of connecting
blocks: 66, 110, etc.

Component-rated Category-rated structured

cabling components are said to be componentrated if they exceed all of the transmission and
noise characteristics defined in the standard for an
individual structured cabling component. Component

Connector A device that connects wires or fibers

in cable to equipment or other wires or fibers. Wire
and optical connectors most often join transmission
media to equipment or cross connects. Connectors
are sometimes referred to as jacks; but although all

jacks are connectors, not all connectors are jacks.

Consolidation Point An optional location between
an ER or TR and the workstation for interconnection
of horizontal cables.
Data Center (DC) A data center is a facility used
for housing a large amount of electronic equipment,
typically servers, computers, data storage devices,
and communications equipment. Data centers are
designed to assure that the equipment and data
housed in them are protected from environmental
hazards and security breaches. Data centers can be
private, serving a single company, or a public utility
serving a variety of companies.
dB (decibel) A dB is a unit of measure of signal
strength, usually the relationship between a
transmitted signal and a standard signal source. Every
3dB equals 50% of signal strength, so therefore a 6dB
loss is a loss of 75% of total signal strength.
45

Ethernet Leading local area network (LAN) protocol

used for connecting computers, printers, workstations,
terminals, etc. within the same building. Ethernet is a
physical link and data link protocol that operates over
twisted pair wire. See IEEE 802.3x.
ETL (Edison Testing Laboratories) is an independent
testing, inspection and certification laboratory
owned by Intertek that provides electrical safety,
electromagnetic compatibility, benchmark and
performance testing. In addition, ETL issues two
product safety marks: listed and verified.
ER (equipment room) is a centralized space that
houses telecommunications equipment. ERs
generally serve an entire building or campus, while
TRs (telecommunication rooms) serve one floor of a
building or a portion of a floor. An ER may contain active

equipment, cross-connect equipment, and building

systems (e.g. life safety, security, electrical and HVAC).
FCC (Federal Communications Commission) The FCC
is an independent United States government agency.
It was established by the Communications Act of
1934 and is charged with regulating interstate and
international communications by radio, television, wire,
satellite and cable. The FCC's jurisdiction covers the 50
states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions.
FTP (foiled twisted pair) is balanced twisted pair
cable with an overall foil shield and drain wire. Also
called screened twisted pair (ScTP) cable.
F/UTP (foiled screened with unshielded twisted
pairs). Overall shielded cable with no shield on
individual twisted pairs.
Gain An increase in signaling power when an electric
device boosts the signal; measured in decibels (dB).

Gigabit When used to describe data transfer

rates, Gigabit refers to 10 to the 9th power
(1,000,000,000) bits. Gigabit Ethernet, abbreviated
GbE, supports data transfer rates of 1 Gigabit (1,000
megabits) per second. The first Gigabit Ethernet
standard (802.3z) was ratified by the IEEE 802.3
Committee in 1998.
HC (horizontal cross-connect) The HC is a location
for the cross-connect of horizontal cabling to other
cabling and equipment.
IC (intermediate cross-connect) The IC is a crossconnect point located between the MC (main crossconnect) and the HC in interbuilding backbone cabling.

leviton.com/cat6a | 800.722.2082

EIA (Electronic Industries Alliance) The EIA is a trade

organization made up of manufacturers that set
standards for its member companies.

IDC (insulation displacement connection) An IDC

allows the termination of a conductor without
stripping the conductors insulation. When the
conductor is inserted into the contact, the insulation 46
is displaced, creating contact between the conductor
and the IDC, producing a gas-tight connection.

IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics

Engineers) is a publishing and standards-making
body responsible for many standards used in LANs.
IEEE 802.3 is a collection of IEEE standards
defining the physical layer and the media access
control (MAC) sublayer of the data link layer of
wired Ethernet. This is the most common local area
network specification.
IEEE 802.3an is a standard for 10GBASE-T
released in 2006 to provide 10 gigabit per second
transmission over balanced twisted pair cables up to
100 meters (328 ft).
Impedance The total opposition (i.e. resistance and
reactance) a circuit offers to the flow of alternating
current. It is measured in ohms, and the lower the
ohmic value, the better the quality of the conductor.
Insertion Loss (IL) The difference in the amount of
power received before and after something is

inserted into the circuit.

Interconnect A circuit administration point, other
than a cross-connect or an information outlet, that
provides capability for routing and rerouting circuits.
It does not use patch cords or jumper wires, and
typically is a jack-and-plug device used in smaller
distribution arrangements or that connects circuits
in large cables to those in smaller cables.
ISO (International Standards Organization) is the
world's largest developer and publisher of international
standards. It is a non-governmental organization
(NGO) network of national standards institutes in 157
countries, based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Jacket (also cable jacket or sheath) The outer
covering applied over internal cable elements
for protection.
LAN (local area network) A LAN is a computer
network covering a small physical area, generally

a single building or contiguous campus. LANs

are characterized by higher data-transfer rates
(compared to a WAN or wide area network) and lack
of leased telecommunications lines.
Mbps Megabits Per Second. One million bits
per second.
MC (main cross-connect) The MC is the cross-connect
in the ER (equipment room) for connecting entrance
cables, backbone cables and equipment cables.
MHz (megahertz) is a unit of frequency denoting
one million hertz (1,000,000 cycles per second).
Mud Ring Industry jargon for a plaster ring/frame
mounted in a wall to support a telecommunications
outlet such as a faceplate. Essentially, mud rings are
backless junction boxes.

47

NEXT (near-end crosstalk) Electrical noise coupled from

one pair of wires to another within a multi-pair cable.
Part 68 Requirements specifications established
by the FCC as the minimum acceptable protection
communications equipment must provide the
telephone network.
Patch Cord A cord made from 4-pair 100-ohm
balanced twisted-pair cable. Patch cords may be
shielded or unshielded, depending on the type of
system being installed. They are typically wired T568

A or B with an 8-position, 8-conductor (8P8C) plug

on each end. Work area and TR patch cords are made
from stranded cable, which has better flexibility,
durability and longer life than solid-conductor cords.
Patching A means of connecting circuits via cords
and connectors that can be easily disconnected and
reconnected at another point. May be accomplished
by using modular cords connected between jack
fields or by patch cord assemblies that plug onto
connecting blocks.
Patch Panel A piece of connecting hardware
designed for use in a standard 19" equipment rack
or cabinet. Standard patch panels have modular
jack appearances on the front, and 110-style IDC
connections on the rear. Field-configurable patch
panels can be loaded with a variety of jacks or other
connectors for mixed-media installations, or where
the use of various jack colors is desired.

Performance The totality of a communication

transmissions characteristics, including rate
of transfer, barriers to peak transfer rate, and
comparison to applicable standards. Compare with
Compliance. A device can exhibit performance
characteristics without being compliant to an
industry standard.
Permanent Link In the horizontal cabling portion
of a structured cabling system, the permanent link
contains the following: the telecommunications
outlet (TO), the cabling between the horizontal
cross-connect (HC) and the TO, an optional
consolidation point (CP), and the connecting
hardware at the HC.
Power Sum A test method for four-pair cable
whereby the mathematical sum of pair-to-pair
crosstalk from three pairs to one pair is measured.

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NEC (National Electric Code) The NEC or NFPA 70

(NFPA is the National Fire Protection Association,
the organization that publishes the Code) addresses
safeguards for people and property from electrical
hazards. The NEC also specifies fire resistance
and smoke ratings for building materials and is
recognized and enforced in the United States.
NEC article 800 addresses requirements for
communications circuits.

48

Premises Telephony term for the space occupied by

a customer or authorized/joint user in a building(s)
on continuous or contiguous property (except railroad
rights of way, etc.) not separated by a public road or
highway. Frequently used as premises-based.

Return Loss (RL) is a measure of the similarity

of the impedance of a transmission line and
the impedance at its terminations. It is a ratio,
expressed in decibels, of the power of the outgoing
signal to the power of the signal reflected back.

Structured Cabling System A structured cabling

system (SCS) is defined as the complete collective
configuration of cabling and associated hardware
that has been installed at a given site to provide a
comprehensive telecommunications infrastructure.

Premises Wiring System The entire wiring system

on the users premises, especially the supporting
wiring that connects the communications outlets to
the network interface jack.

RJ (registered jack) RJs are telephone and data

jacks registered with the FCC. Specific RJs, such
as RJ-11 and RJ-45, are widely misused in the
telecommunications industry. A much more
accurate way to identify a jack is to specify the
number of positions (width of opening) and number
of conductors. Example: 8-position, 8-conductor
(8P8C) jack or 6-position, 4-conductor (6P4C) jack.

TDMM (Telecommunications Distribution Methods

Manual). The TDMM is a publication from BICSI that is
based on internationally accepted industry standards,
codes and guidelines. The TDMM addresses the newest
methodologies and recommends best practices for the
design of structured cabling systems.

Punchdown Refers to the use of an impact tool

that enables installers to make efficient IDC
style connections.
RCDD (Registered Communications Distribution
Designer) The RCDD title is a professional credential
granted by BICSI. RCDDs have demonstrated a
superior level of knowledge of Information Transport
Systems (ITS) design and associated disciplines.

RU (rack unit) is a unit of measure of vertical space

in an equipment rack or cabinet. One rack unit is
equal to 1.75 in (45 mm).
Standards Agreed-upon principles of performance.
Standards are set by committees working under
various trade and international organizations.

TE (Telecommunications Enclosure) Also referred

to as a zone enclosure, a TE is a housing for
telecommunications equipment, cable terminations,
cross-connect cabling, and wireless access points.
A TE serves the function of an horizontal crossconnect (HC) for a portion of a building floor and
provides access to the buildings backbone and
pathways. A TE should supplement, not replace, the
49
requirement for a TR on a building floor.

TO (telecommunications outlet) is a connecting

device in the work area on which horizontal
cable terminates.
TR (telecommunications room) A TR is
an architectural space that provides an
environmentally suitable and secure area for
housing cables, terminations, cross-connects,
hardware and telecommunications equipment.
U/FTP also classified as STP (shielded twisted pair),
is twisted pair cable with individually foil-screened
twisted pairs, but no overall shield.

UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is a privately owned

product safety certification organization.
UL also certifies category-rated cable performance
and quality.
UTP (unshielded twisted pair), also classified
as U/UTP, is overall unshielded twisted pair with
unshielded twisted pairs.
Work Area (WA) or workstation, is a building space
where occupants interact with telecommunications
terminal equipment.
WAN (wide area network) is a computer network
that covers a broad geographic area. WANs connect
LANs and other networks together. Some are private,
but many are built by Internet service providers, who
provide connection from organizational LANs to the
Internet.

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TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association)

The TIA is a trade organization of manufacturers
which sets standards for use of its member
companies. Formerly fell under the umbrella of EIA.
See www.tiaonline.org.

50

REFERENCES

This guide has been developed consistent with all known applicable cabling practices as defined by the following:
TIA-568-C.0: Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premises (replaces applicable TIA 568-B standards)
TIA-568-C.1: Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard (replaces applicable TIA 568-B standards)
TIA-568-C.2: Telecommunications Cabling, Copper Component and Cabling Specifications (replaces applicable TIA 568-B standards)
TIA-569-B: Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathways and Spaces
TIA-606-A: Administration Standard for The Telecommunications Infrastructure of Commercial Buildings
TIA-942: Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers
ANSI-J-STD-607-A: Commercial Building Grounding and Bonding Requirements for Telecommunications
IEEE 802.3: Ethernet-based LANs (multiple standards)
IEEE 1100: Recommended Practice for Powering and Grounding Electronic Equipment
Intertek/ETL: Applicable verifications
ISO 11801: Generic Cabling for Customer Premises (multiple standards)
National Electrical Safety Code (NESC): Published by IEEE
National Electric Code (NEC, NFPA 70): Published by NFPA
Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM): Published by BICSI
Underwriters Laboratories (UL): Applicable listings and ratings
Always follow superceding national, state, and local codes and regulations.

51

VertiGO

For Leviton warranty information, please visit

Leviton.com/warranties.

Copyright Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. 2010. All rights reserved. Any reproduction is forbidden
without express written permission. Information in this guide is provided to assist in understanding
CAT 6A structured cabling systems. All information contained herein is deemed accurate to the best
of the companys knowledge at time of publication and is subject to change without notice.

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The following are trademarks of Leviton

Manufacturing Company, Inc:
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52

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