CAT6a is a 10-Gigabit Ethernet over copper proposal to the CAT6 standard. The IEEE published a draft standard (Std 802.3an) in October 2004.

The draft calls for 10-Gigabit data transmission over a 4-pair twisted-pair copper cable for a distance of 100 meters on Class F or Class E-augmented copper cabling.

Class E cabling requires a line-encoding scheme (PAM 12) and electronics to achieve the 10-Gbps transmission for 100 meters. Current CAT6 cabling systems may support 10-Gigabit Ethernet over limited distances.

The draft extends CAT6 electrical specifications from 250 MHz to 500 MHz. It also proposes a new measurement: Power-Sum Alien Crosstalk to 500 MHz. Alien Crosstalk is a coupled signal in a disturbed pair arising from a signal in a neighboring cable.

Using a network camera with a built-in Web server, you can check images, control the camera remotely, and store and save images—all without having to use a PC.

Unlike USB cameras, network cameras can be installed on the ceiling, on a wall, or even outdoors if they have wireless capability. USB cameras, by contrast, can be only placed near a PC and have no wireless capability. What’s more, there’s no limit to the number of network cameras you can install, but it’s often difficult to install multiple USB cameras.

Network cameras also provide a lot more flexibility than USB cameras do when it comes to monitoring. You can check network cameras from a PC, a cell phone that can connect to the Internet, or even a TV. In contrast, you can only monitor USB cameras from a PC.

Small offices, mid-sized businesses, and homes are ideal environments for network cameras. Businesses will find them very useful for facility and parking lot surveillance and two-way communication with off-site branch offices (which cuts down on travel time for routine visits). Entertainment establishments can also use network cameras. Their CCD sensors enable security staff to clearly see patrons on dance floors and at bars, and managers are able to see employees and keep them on their toes.

Network cameras are also great for keeping an eye on children, pets, and your home itself from virtually anywhere. Some network camera systems can be programmed to send an image to an office PC or cell phone when a change is detected in a user’s house. Wireless camera monitoring systems can even enable viewers to check out their entire house on a TV screen.