Feature - Category 6A Systems

Vari-Matrix Std. Compliant 2091SD 2091B Atlas X1

1 End to End Solution
2 Global
3 HR warranty based on real world Unknown Channel Config
4 Alien headroom tested in 48 1RU panel w/ Jack Cover Unknown 2 RU 2 RU
System

5 Alien crosstalk passes in all configurations Unknown

6 Shortest channel length allowed 5m 5m Unknown Unknown 7m
7 Market / Brand Perception
8 Cable Diameter (CMP) 0.250" 0.250" 0.265" 0.285" 0.265" 0.265" 0.270"
9 Cable Operating Temperature (CMP) 90 C
o
90 C
o
75°C 75°C 105°C 90°C 90°C
10 Optimal PoE++ thermal performance Vari-MaTriX Solid Foil
Cable

11 LP Rating 0.7A 0.6A 0.7A

.7A 0.6A 0.6A
12 UTP EMI Immunity Vari-MaTriX Solid Foil Solid Foil No Foil Solid Foil Segmented Foil Segmented Foil
13 Cable is component compliant
14 Wire cap toolless termination
15 Terminates 22-26 AWG 22-24 AWG 22-24 AWG
Jack

16 65°C Rating 60°C 60°C Unknown 60°C

17 100% performance tested in production
18 Strain Relief Boot
19 Standard Outside Diameter 0.245 0.285" 0.285" 0.285"
Patch Cord

20 28 AWG Patch Cords 0.185

21 Shortest standard patch cord lengths 8 inches 3 feet 2 feet 3 feet 3 feet
22 100% performance tested in production

Key: Strength Weakness

 Explanation of Attributes – Why Does It Matter?
System Attributes
End to End Solution
Having an end to end solution provides the customer assurance that all components of the cable
channel will work together to meet the TIA/ISO requirements. It also minimizes the number of
vendors that the customer has to interact with.

Global
Large customers prefer to specify a global supplier to ensure consistency of service, performance and
quality across their multiple locations. For example, global customers can order “Advanced MaTriX”
cable in all regions in the applicable flame rating for that region (like Plenum or Low Smoke).

HR Warranty Based on Real World

Panduit’s Headroom Warranty is based on real world test data using Fluke testers in worst-case
channel configurations. In contrast, some competitors base their headroom numbers on theoretical
models or lab data using optimally treated components in channel configurations that are far from
worst-case. Competitive testing has proven this by showing that our competitors fail their headroom
warranty in Panduit’s channel configurations.

Alien Headroom Tested in 48 Port 1RU Panel

As stated in the previous section, many of Panduit’s competitors base their headroom warranty on
channels that are not worst-case. One of the ways that they cut corners is by testing in a 24 1RU or a
48 2RU patch panel instead of a densely populated 48 1RU patch panel like Panduit does. This can
be seen in their ETL test reports. If they tested in an actual 48 1RU, they would not meet their stated
headroom warranty.

Alien Crosstalk Passes in All Configurations

Alien crosstalk (AXT) is arguably the most critical electrical parameter that affects Cat 6A cable
system performance. Unlike other parameters, equipment cannot compensate for the effects of
AXT. AXT is rarely tested in the field as testing is difficult and time consuming. Many competitors
may pass under ideal conditions, but fail in worst-case conditions like short channels or long
uninterrupted lengths between connectors. Panduit tests the worst-case configurations to make
sure the customer will never have a problem. Panduit combats AXT with MaTriX technology.

Shortest Channel Length Allowed

Short channel lengths are sometimes necessary in datacenter applications. Being capable of shorter
channels eliminates the need to make service loops.

Market/Brand Perception
Brand perception is built over many years. Panduit’s reputation for performance, superior customer
service and quality are well-known. This well-deserved reputation should provide Panduit an
advantage over lesser competitors.
Cable Attributes
Cable Diameter
Smaller cable diameters allow for smaller pathways, cable managers or more utilization of existing
pathways. They also allow for better air flow. Installation is made easier because smaller diameter
cables are more flexible. Panduit is able to make our cables with a reduced diameter due to MaTriX
technology.

Cable Operating Temperature

Higher cable operating temperatures allow cables to be placed into hotter ambient environments.
The cable temperature rating is important for PoE as power generates heat. The new IEEE PoE++
standard will replace PoE+ and increase the maximum power at the device from 25.5W to 90W.
Therefore, more heat is generated. Designers must account for a 15°C temperature rise in cable.
Therefore, Panduit’s 90°C rated cable can be placed in a 75°C environment while transmitting
10GBASE-T communications and powering a PoE++ device. Panduit and General Cable are the only
manufacturers of a 90°C (plenum only) Cat 6A cable.

Optimal PoE++ Thermal Performance

While some competitors use insulating air gaps to combat alien crosstalk, Panduit uses a heat
dissipating aluminum MaTriX tape. The air gaps in competitive cables act just like they do in a
Thermos – they keep heat in. This heat may cause signal degradation and can potentially break
down the insulation. The aluminum in the MaTriX allows the heat to escape quickly. The benefit is
that the cables can be placed into hotter environments and be grouped into larger cable bundles.

Cable is Component Compliant

Component compliance means that the component (cable, in this case) passed the standard’s
requirement for that item. Component compliance requirements are more stringent than channel
requirements. If all components in the channel are component compliant, it typically ensures that
the channel performance will meet the standard. Component compliant cable has better
performance than a cable that is not component compliant.

Jack Attributes

Wire Cap Tool-less Termination

Panduit’s jack does not require a punchdown tool. Panduit’s termination tool (EGJT) ensures
conductors are fully terminated by utilizing a smooth forward motion without impacting critical
internal components for maximum reliability. You can refer to this as a “data communication” style
of termination, versus the older “telecommunication” punchdown style of termination that
CommScope and Belden use, which is also used for Panduit’s lower-end NetKey product line.

Terminates 22-26 AWG

Panduit’s jack is capable of terminating 4-pair, 22-26 AWG, 100 ohm, solid or stranded twisted pair
cable. Some competitors’ jacks are not as versatile. The ANSI/TIA-568-C.2 standard states that wires
can be 22-26 AWG so the jack should be capable of terminating the full range of the standard.

65°C Rating
Jacks experience a 5°C temperature rise when subjected to the power that PoE++ will
allow. Therefore, PoE++ applications in a 60°C environment will need a 65°C rated jack. Some
competitors are assumed to be 60°C based on it being the market norm.
Jack and Patch Cord Attributes

100% Performance Tested in Production

All Panduit jacks and patch cords are performance tested for continuity, return loss, NEXT, and
individually serialized prior to packaging. The data from the test is saved for 7 years. This provides
the customer further assurance that the components will work when installed.

Patch Cord Attributes

Strain Relief Boot

A strain relief boot helps control the bend radius. This keeps the cable from kinking where it enters
the plug. An improper bend radius can create signal degradation.

Standard Outside Diameter

Smaller cable diameters allow for smaller pathways, cable managers or more utilization of existing
pathways. They also allow for better air flow. Installation is made easier because smaller diameter
cables are more flexible.

28 AWG Patch Cords

Smaller diameter patch cords are more flexible and take up less space in pathways and cable
managers.

Shortest Standard Patch Cord Lengths

Short patch cord lengths make for clean installations and optimizes space. Panduit’s 8” patch cords
can go directly from a switch to an adjacent patch panel without the need for a cable manager.