Bulk network cable for fixed network installations
Bulk network cable, also known as installation cable, is used to build fixed network connections in a building. The cable is supplied without pre-installed connectors and is cut to length and terminated during installation. Fixed network installations usually use installation cable with solid copper conductors.
This sets installation cable apart from a ready-made copper patch cable. A patch cable is mainly used for flexible connections between network equipment, patch panels and network outlets. Installation cable is intended for permanent cabling, for example behind walls, above ceilings, in cable trays and inside technical rooms.
Cat6A or Cat7 bulk network cable?
For most professional network installations, Cat6A is the standard choice. Cat6A supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet over a channel length of up to 100 metres. Cat7 is worth considering when extra shielding and a higher cable bandwidth are required.
Cat6A installation cable is widely used in business networks, offices, technical rooms and data centres. Our range includes Cat6A cables with U/UTP, U/FTP and F/FTP shielding and a bandwidth of 500 to 650 MHz.
Cat7 installation cable usually has an S/FTP construction. Each pair is individually foil-shielded, and the entire cable also has a braided shield. The Cat7 cables in our range have a bandwidth of up to 1000 MHz.
Which shielding does your bulk network cable need?
For most offices and business networks, U/UTP is sufficient. Choose a shielded cable when the cable runs close to power cables, in environments with high electromagnetic interference, or when the project requires shielding.
The code shows how the cable is shielded. Before the slash is the shielding around the entire cable, after it the shielding per pair. U means unshielded, F foil and S braid.
U/UTP
No metal shielding around the cable or the pairs. Thin, flexible and easy to install. Our range includes, among others, CommScope GigaSPEED X10D and Datwyler CU 692.
U/FTP
Each pair is individually foil-shielded, with no overall shield around the cable. Available in our Lanberg Cat6A range.
F/FTP
Each pair has foil, plus an overall foil shield around all pairs. An example is the Datwyler CU 6552.
S/FTP
Each pair has foil, and a braided shield surrounds the entire cable. This is the most extensive shielding in our range, for example on the Datwyler CU 7080 Cat7.
In a shielded installation, patch panels, keystone modules and connectors must also be suitable for shielded cabling. The shield must also be properly earthed to work effectively.
Fire safety of bulk network cable: LSZH, FRNC and CPR
All installation cables in this category have an LSZH or FRNC/LSZH jacket. LSZH stands for Low Smoke Zero Halogen and means the jacket is halogen-free and produces little smoke in a fire. FRNC stands for Flame Retardant Non Corrosive and means the cable is flame retardant and does not release corrosive halogen gases.
Cables for fixed installation in buildings fall under the European Construction Products Regulation (CPR). The Euroclasses range from Aca to Fca. Our range includes B2ca, Cca and Dca cables, with B2ca being the highest class in the current range.
Which CPR class is required depends on the building, the application and the project requirements. In the Netherlands, NEN 8012-1:2023 can be used when selecting cabling based on fire and smoke behaviour.
Bulk network cable from 305 to 1000 metres
Our bulk network cable is available in lengths of 305, 500, 914 and 1000 metres. The 305 and 914 metre lengths correspond to approximately 1000 and 3000 feet.
For small and medium-sized installations, reels of 305 or 500 metres are practical. For larger projects, reels of 914 and 1000 metres are suitable, as you need to change reels less often.
CommScope cables are available in several colours, Datwyler in orange among others, and Lanberg in grey. Check each product for available lengths, colours and packaging.
Buy bulk network cable
Telco Parts supplies professional Cat6A and Cat7 installation cables from CommScope, Datwyler and Lanberg for business networks, technical rooms and data centres.
Choose from different shielding types, CPR classes, lengths and cable constructions. Use the filters at the top of the page to quickly find the right bulk network cable.
Complete your installation with matching copper patch panels and connectors, such as patch panels and keystone modules. Choose components that match the cable category and shielding of the installation.
With real-time stock information, you can see immediately which cables are available. Order before 16:00 for same-day dispatch. For larger quantities or specific project requirements, you can request a quote.
