Ask an Expert: A Discussion with Vincent Lullo- How TX6™-ER Cable Breaks the 100-Meter Barrier

Q: Vincent, can we briefly introduce the TX6™-ER Cables and why is it such a big deal?

Vincent: Yes, to kick things off, the TX6™-ER cables are a Category 6 copper cable designed to solve a very common challenge. Often, there’s a device, like a camera out in a parking lot, that ends up beyond the Standard 100-meter limit. Normally, that means adding a telecom room or installing an extender for a single run, which can be costly and inconvenient. With Panduit Extended Reach cable, you eliminate those extra expenses and headaches by extending beyond 100 meters. It’s a simple, cost-effective solution that makes life easier for installers and IT teams alike.

Q: That seems like it would have a huge impact on both capital and operational expenses. Can you explain more when it comes to different speeds and distances?

Vincent: Sure! Here’s a quick breakdown of Panduit’s recommended limits:

Q: That’s a great visual breakdown. What about reliability? Can customers count on PoE performance at those distances?

Vincent: Absolutely. TX6™-ER cables support PoE Types 1 through 4, up to 90W and it’s been validated in Panduit labs with Bit Error Rate (BER) testing in accordance with IEEE 802.3 requirements under real world thermal and load conditions. That means you get consistent, reliable power delivery without needing mid-span electronics.

Q: Can we touch on efficiency? What makes TX6™-ER cables more efficient than standard Cat 6 cabling?

Vincent: It’s all about the 22 AWG conductors. They have lower electrical resistance than the 23 or 24 AWG conductors you’ll find in typical Cat 6 cables. This results in up to 40% reduction in power loss compared to 24 AWG, delivering better energy efficiency and more reliable performance, especially critical for high-power PoE applications.

Q: We’ve touched on a lot of great benefits and differentiators, but how are TX6™-ER cables different from other extended reach cables in the market?

Vincent: There are three main differences that stand out:

1. Standards-Based Validation – Panduit TX6™-ER cables were tested with Bit Error Rate (BER) testers in accordance with IEEE 802.3 requirements to determine worst-case conditions, not just best-case scenarios.
2. No Special Connectors – It works with existing Panduit connectivity.
3. Verified Performance – It delivers consistent results across a wide range of switches and devices which is something not all manufacturers can claim.

Q: Those are some impressive differences. Now, say a customer is ready to deploy TX6™-ER cables, how would they test it in the field?

Vincent: TX6™-ER cables can be certified on most common handheld testers using the specific Panduit test limits that accommodate extended reach configurations.

Q: Prior you mentioned an example of application where a TX6™-ER cable can be used. What other common applications does the TX6™-ER cables really shine?

Vincent: It’s ideal for virtually any long-run applications past 100 meters. Think:

• Outdoor runs, security cameras, and parking structures
• Campus environments
• Warehouses
• Enterprise buildings
• Smart building and IoT deployments

Q: That makes a lot of sense, especially for those types of environments. But what about different project scenarios. What if someone is starting fresh or updating an older setup?

Vincent: TX6™-ER cables are perfect for both. Whether you’re building from the ground up or upgrading an existing space, it’s a great fit for IP cameras, access control, wireless access points, and building automation when devices are beyond the 100-meter limit.

Thank you, Vincent. Your insights have been helpful and it's clear that TX6™-ER cables bring both flexibility and reliability to a wide range of environments, whether for new projects or retrofits. Thanks again for breaking down the key benefits and use cases. It helps us see how this solution stands out for modern network needs.

To learning more about how TX6™-ER  cables can simplify long-run deployments and enhance your network infrastructure, I encourage you to visit https://www.panduit.com/extended-reach-cabling.