CAT6 U/UTP slimline datacenter Ethernet cables are smaller in diameter (3.8mm vs 5.9mm) than regular CAT6 patch cords, and the bending radius is lower compared to regular patch cords. All this results in better airflow in the cabinet.

Although ISO/IEC and TIA standards describe the use of patch cords between 22 and 26 AWG, it is possible to use 28 AWG patch cables, but this will result in higher attenuation, particularly at higher frequencies.

ACT therefore recommends a shorter permanent link length than with regular 24 AWG patch cords to accommodate this higher attenuation.

ACT advises a maximum bundle size of 24 cables in PoE applications to assist in limiting the temperature increases in the cables associated with delivering PoE deployments. Current standards work limits the maximum temperature increase to less than 15 degrees Celsius above ambient for the center cable in a bundle.