New 10gbase-t network - need cables

[TangoWhiskey9]

I got the OK to go build 3 new racks using 2 10gbase-t cisco switches we had on hand. I heard that 10gbase-t is really sensitive to cable length and type. Power required scales with length and lack of shielding.

Where are you guys getting cables? cat6 or cat6a?

I've been thinking about just Amazoning a bunch since they're cheaper than getting locally. I know I should crimp my own but I don't really want to waste time with that.
Cat6a - Amazon.com: Cable Matters® 5 Pack, Cat6a Snagless Shielded (SSTP/SFTP) Ethernet Patch Cable in Blue 3 Feet: Computers & Accessories
Cat6 - Amazon.com: Cable Matters® 5-Pack, Cat6 Snagless Ethernet Patch Cable in White 3 Feet: Computers & Accessories

I think the racks are maybe 800mm wide and 2100mm tall. So three racks spanned with cables should not be more than 1600+2100mm max cable length or 3700mm = 4m or so. Add a bit in and we are talking max 15ft runs or so. Too much to do Cat6 v Cat6a? I know Cat6 is easier to bend so that would be good.

Also anyone with experience on that brand of cable? Any good or trash?

 

[Lance Joseph]

I got the OK to go build 3 new racks using 2 10gbase-t cisco switches we had on hand. I heard that 10gbase-t is really sensitive to cable length and type. Power required scales with length and lack of shielding.

Where are you guys getting cables? cat6 or cat6a?

I've been thinking about just Amazoning a bunch since they're cheaper than getting locally. I know I should crimp my own but I don't really want to waste time with that.
Cat6a - Amazon.com: Cable Matters® 5 Pack, Cat6a Snagless Shielded (SSTP/SFTP) Ethernet Patch Cable in Blue 3 Feet: Computers & Accessories
Cat6 - Amazon.com: Cable Matters® 5-Pack, Cat6 Snagless Ethernet Patch Cable in White 3 Feet: Computers & Accessories

I think the racks are maybe 800mm wide and 2100mm tall. So three racks spanned with cables should not be more than 1600+2100mm max cable length or 3700mm = 4m or so. Add a bit in and we are talking max 15ft runs or so. Too much to do Cat6 v Cat6a? I know Cat6 is easier to bend so that would be good.

Also anyone with experience on that brand of cable? Any good or trash?

CAT6A shouldn't have any issue with the run lengths that you describe.
I've had a good experience buying CAT6A in bulk from Monoprice.
They've a nice selection of lengths and colors too.

 

[neo]

Have you considered buying a high quality spool of Belden branded cat6 cables and building your own?

 

[TangoWhiskey9]

Have you considered buying a high quality spool of Belden branded cat6 cables and building your own?

Yea but I don't want to spend the time. Takes an extra 3-5 min/ cable?

 

[TangoWhiskey9]

CAT6A shouldn't have any issue with the run lengths that you describe.
I've had a good experience buying CAT6A in bulk from Monoprice.
They've a nice selection of lengths and colors too.

What about standard Cat6?

Looks like Monoprice is almost all blue for their Cat6a: Cat6A STP (Shielded Twist Pair) Straight Cables - Monoprice.com except for the 35ft pink. Seems like the same for cablematters/ amazon.

Pricing cat6a 7ft:
Monoprice - $4.12 ea or $20.60/ 5 - Cat6A 24AWG STP Ethernet Network Patch Cable, 7ft Blue - Monoprice.com
Amazon - $18.99/ 5 with prime. Amazon.com: Cable Matters® 5 Pack, Cat6a Snagless Shielded (SSTP/SFTP) Ethernet Patch Cable in Blue 5 Feet: Computers & Accessories

They look about the same.

I don't really care about saving $1 per cable as much as I do the bend-ability using Cat6 instead of Cat6a. Many colors would be nice too.

Cat6 OK for staying within 3 racks?

 

[Jeggs101]

Within the same rack I can tell you Cat6 is fine. Isn't the max length around 120ft or 150 or something? With modern NICs and switches I bet its closer to 150ft. More than enough for a few racks bottom top top bottom.

 

[ofoptics]

The Cat6 cable is ok for 10GBASE-T network, max range to 55m, enough for your max 15ftruns.

 

[Lance Joseph]

What about standard Cat6?

Looks like Monoprice is almost all blue for their Cat6a: Cat6A STP (Shielded Twist Pair) Straight Cables - Monoprice.com except for the 35ft pink. Seems like the same for cablematters/ amazon.

Pricing cat6a 7ft:
Monoprice - $4.12 ea or $20.60/ 5 - Cat6A 24AWG STP Ethernet Network Patch Cable, 7ft Blue - Monoprice.com
Amazon - $18.99/ 5 with prime. Amazon.com: Cable Matters® 5 Pack, Cat6a Snagless Shielded (SSTP/SFTP) Ethernet Patch Cable in Blue 5 Feet: Computers & Accessories

They look about the same.

I don't really care about saving $1 per cable as much as I do the bend-ability using Cat6 instead of Cat6a. Many colors would be nice too.

Cat6 OK for staying within 3 racks?

It's extremely useful if you keep the colors consistent based upon the type of cable.
For instance, I use green for Cat5e, light blue for Cat6, and dark blue for Cat6e.
Otherwise it may be slow to identify the kind of cable you have in hand.

 

[T_Minus]

Monoprice Extended 15% Site Wide
Just got an email alert on this from Monoprice.

HOT15 - 15% sitewide.

AV20 - 20% off wall mounts.

Just saw this, and thought you may find it useful

CODE = HOT15

 

[Patriot]

Just saw this, and thought you may find it useful

CODE = HOT15

And my wallet just went into hiding.

 

[TangoWhiskey9]

Thanks! I ended up ordering a set of cables from Amazon. These come in 2 days easily so I figured it is 48hours and $200 mistake worst case.

@Lance Joseph We actually use cable colors for a different purpose. Management, Switch A connection, Switch B connection and so forth. If I can keep all Cat6 then we're all set.