Cat6 Plenum (CMP) 1000ft Cable 23AWG Solid Copper - High Bandwidth

In this review the Turnstone Cables Cat6 Plenum (CMP) 1000ft spool is assessed for installers and IT managers who need a fire-safe, high-performance Ethernet backbone. The bottom line: it is a practical, professional-grade cable for commercial and residential projects where plenum-rated routing is required and reliable PoE delivery matters. Testers praised its true 23AWG solid bare copper conductors and easy pullability, and the cable's 550 MHz capability means it supports current Gigabit needs and short-run 10-Gigabit links.

Key Features

• 550 MHz bandwidth: Supports Gigabit Ethernet and short-distance 10-Gigabit links for video streaming and VoIP without obvious congestion.
• 100% solid bare copper: 23AWG conductors reduce resistance and maintain signal integrity for stable data transmission over runs.
• CMP plenum jacket: Fire-retardant, low-smoke jacket makes the cable safe for air-handling spaces, ceilings, and HVAC ducts.
• PoE/PoE+/PoE++ compatible: Can reliably deliver power to IP cameras, access points, and phones, simplifying installations by removing separate power wiring.
• Center separator/spline: Keeps pairs separated to reduce crosstalk and improves long-term performance by resisting kinks.
• Flexible jacket: Smooth outer layer pulls easily through conduit and ceiling spaces to speed installation and reduce abrasion.

Who It's For

The cable is aimed at network installers, data center technicians, and building IT staff who need a plenum-rated Cat6 cable that offers true copper conductors and good pullability for structured cabling projects. It is especially useful where PoE devices are common and fire code requires CMP-rated cable in plenums or air-handling spaces.

Those who want shielded cable for high-EMI industrial environments or long single-span 10-Gigabit backbones should consider alternate shielded Cat6A or fiber solutions; this unshielded Cat6 is optimized for typical commercial, institutional, and residential environments rather than extreme EMI or very long 10G runs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Real 23AWG solid bare copper conductors for low loss and reliable performance.
• Plenum-rated CMP jacket suitable for air-handling spaces and code-compliant installs.
• Good pullability and smooth jacket make routing through ceilings and conduit easier.
• Supports PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ for powering devices without extra wiring.

Cons

• Unshielded design may not be ideal in very high-EMI industrial settings where shielded cable is preferable.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Turnstone Cables Cat6 Plenum 1000ft spool is a sensible choice for contractors and IT teams who need a code-compliant, high-bandwidth Cat6 cable with true solid copper conductors and reliable PoE performance. It delivers practical durability and easy installation at a competitive value, though projects requiring shielded cable or long-distance 10G backbones should evaluate alternate options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable safe for use in ceiling plenums?
Yes. The CMP plenum-rated jacket is designed for air-handling spaces and meets fire-safety expectations for plenum installs.

Can this cable run PoE cameras and access points?
Yes. The 23AWG solid copper conductors and PoE/PoE+/PoE++ compatibility allow it to reliably power cameras and access points without additional power wiring.

Will it support 10-Gigabit Ethernet?
It supports 10-Gigabit Ethernet over short distances; for long 10G spans consider Cat6A or fiber for consistent performance.