CAT6 Plenum Cable 1000FT - High-Speed 550MHz Network Cable

In this review the CAT6 Plenum Cable 1000FT is evaluated for installers and IT managers who need a budget-friendly, fire-rated cable for indoor backbone and drop runs. The bottom line: it delivers solid performance for Fast, Gigabit and 10-Gigabit Ethernet while meeting plenum safety requirements, and the easy pull box plus sequential markings make long runs noticeably simpler to install.

Key Features

• Plenum-rated jacket: The fire-retardant plenum jacket permits installation in air plenum spaces above ceilings and below raised floors, improving compliance with building codes.
• 23 AWG 4-pair construction: Four twisted pairs with 23 AWG conductors support stable Fast, Gigabit and 10-Gigabit Ethernet performance for most LAN and data center links.
• 550MHz bandwidth: Higher frequency capability helps maintain signal integrity and headroom for applications that push bandwidth close to Cat6 limits.
• Center separator/spline: An internal spline keeps pairs separated to reduce crosstalk and preserve consistent transmission over long lengths.
• Easy pull box with markings: The 1000 ft box dispenses cable smoothly and includes sequential foot markings to speed measuring and reduce waste on long installs.
• CCA conductors: Copper-clad aluminum offers a cost-effective conductor option that still provides acceptable conductivity for standard network deployments.

Who It's For

This cable is aimed at network technicians, small to medium businesses and contractors who need a plenum-rated Cat6 solution without the premium price of pure copper. The easy pull box and 1000 ft length suit multi-drop office ceilings, long horizontal runs, and closet-to-closet backbone cabling.

Those who require the absolute best electrical conductivity for mission-critical, high-density enterprise links or long PoE runs should consider solid pure-copper Cat6 options instead, since this product uses copper-clad aluminum conductors which trade some conductivity for cost savings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Plenum-rated jacket provides fire resistance for installations in air-handling spaces.
• 23 AWG, 4-pair design with a center spline and 550MHz rating preserves signal integrity for Gigabit and 10Gb links at typical distances.
• Convenient easy pull box and sequential foot markings speed installations and reduce tangles.
• Cost-effective CCA construction lowers material cost for budget-sensitive projects.

Cons

• CCA conductors are not as conductive as solid copper, so power delivery and extreme long-run performance can be less optimal.

Specifications

Brand	ATS Cables
Type	Cat6 Plenum (CMP) Cable
Length	1000 ft
Conductor	23 AWG 4-pair Copper-Clad Aluminum
Bandwidth	Up to 550MHz
Jacket	Fire-retardant plenum-rated jacket

Our Verdict

The ATS Cables CAT6 Plenum 1000 ft is a practical, value-oriented choice for installations that require plenum compliance and solid Cat6 performance. Installers will appreciate the easy pull box and markings, and organizations on a budget will find the CCA construction acceptable for many standard network runs; those needing maximum conductivity should opt for pure copper alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable suitable for ceiling plenum spaces?
Yes. The cable has a fire-retardant plenum-rated jacket designed for use in air plenum spaces and similar indoor installations.

Does this meet industry standards?
The cable meets or exceeds TIA/EIA 568-C.2 standards and is RoHS compliant as supplied by the manufacturer.

Will this support 10-Gigabit Ethernet?
Yes; the 23 AWG 4-pair design with up to 550MHz bandwidth supports 10-Gigabit Ethernet over typical Cat6 distances.