Superior Essex Raises the Expectations for Alien Crosstalk Headroom

In this blog post from Superior Essex, we explore how their dedication to protecting against alien crosstalk influenced the creation of its new Cat 6A XP+ cable. Check it out!

Category 6A technology has amplified the carrying capabilities of the new generation of copper ethernet cables. They can handle yesterday, today, and tomorrow’s communications networks, and are the best option for high-end projects to support high-performing networks.

However, Cat 6A is a noise-sensitive channel because it transmits up to 500 megahertz of electrical frequency. At this frequency, the signal is more sensitive to the noise generated inside the cable by the other pairs or externally — called “alien crosstalk”. This will impact the performance of the cable and overall network.

Superior Essex Communications is pushing the expectations for alien crosstalk impact in its new Cat 6A XP+ cable. The leading cable manufacturer has engineered new features that protect the cable from external signals to ensure a significantly less incumbered feed.

The Cat 6A XP+ cables have +15 decibel headroom, well above the industry standard. What is headroom? Anything that dampens the external signals above the industry standard for alien crosstalk prevention. This is vital to strong and enduring performance.

But how does Superior Essex protect its cables against alien crosstalk? Engineers designed a proprietary wrap to insulate the cable from external signals. This comes with shielded or unshielded cables, depending on the needs of a specific project.

Signal interference can come from internal sources as well, especially in a copper cable. Superior Essex has also found ways to reduce internal crosstalk to alleviate signal distortion. The cable design features a cross-web Separator to keep the individual pairs apart. The pairs themselves are twisted in different patterns, which keeps the electricity moving slightly differently through the cable.

These cables also have a reduced impact on the planet and its people, making them an even smarter choice for next-level building projects. They come with third-party sustainability certifications — including Environmental Product Declaration and Health Product Declaration — and they are made in a Zero Waste to Landfill facility. These Cat 6A cables add toward green building credentials, like LEED and WELL.

With innovative technologies and future networks requiring more bandwidth, the number of cables needed to power a communications system will only increase. Category 6A cables can meet those demands with strong signals, but this strength attracts more external interference. Superior Essex has bolstered its Category 6A cables to deflect this alien crosstalk and improve their performance.

Learn more about Superior Essex by contacting your local Accu-Tech representative or visiting their page on our website.