Category 6 cable, commonly referred to as Cat-6, is a cable standard for Gigabit Ethernet and othe...Category 6 cable, commonly referred to as Cat-6, is a cable standard for Gigabit Ethernet and other network protocols that are backward compatible with the Category 5/5e and Category 3 cable standards. Compared with Cat-5 and Cat-5e, Cat-6 features more stringent specifications for crosstalk and system noise. The cable standard provides performance of up to 250 MHz.
B&Q - Ethernet Network Cable Cat6 Gigabit Rj45 Copper Internet Patch Lead White 3MFree delivery in 1–3 days£5.42Visit shop →
B&Q - Ethernet Network Cable Cat6 Gigabit Rj45 Copper Internet Patch Lead White 5MFree delivery in 1–3 days£8.56Visit shop →
B&Q - Ethernet Network Cable Cat6 Gigabit Rj45 Copper Internet Patch Lead Yellow 7MFree delivery in 1–3 days£9.12Visit shop →
B&Q - Ethernet Network Cable Cat6 Gigabit Rj45 Copper Internet Patch Lead White 10MFree delivery in 1–3 days£10.94Visit shop →
B&Q - Ethernet Network Cable Cat6 Gigabit Rj45 Copper Internet Patch Lead Yellow 15MFree delivery in 1–3 days£14.31Visit shop →
B&Q - Ethernet Network Cable Cat6 Gigabit Rj45 Copper Internet Patch Lead White 15MFree delivery in 1–3 days£15.99Visit shop →
B&Q - Ethernet Network Cable Cat6 Gigabit Rj45 Copper Internet Patch Lead Yellow 20MFree delivery in 1–3 days£17.53Visit shop →
Product Information
Full details
This Cables Direct UTP Cat6 7m networking cable is ideal for home and office users needing reliable Gigabit Ethernet connections. It offers enhanced performance over older standards with a key benefit of reduced crosstalk for cleaner data transmission. A potential caveat is its specific 7m length, which may not suit all installation requirements.
All features
Series
Cat6
Model Part Number
ERT-607P
Brand
Cables Direct
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is Cat6 cable used for?
Cat6 (Category 6) cable is used for Ethernet networks and supports Gigabit Ethernet speeds (up to 1000 Mbps) and frequencies up to 250 MHz. It's suitable for general internet use, streaming, gaming, and office networking.
Is this cable shielded?
No, this cable is U/UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair). It does not have additional foil or braid shielding.
What does 24 AWG mean?
24 AWG refers to the thickness of the copper wire inside the cable. A lower AWG number indicates a thicker wire, which generally offers better performance and durability. 24 AWG is a standard size for Cat6 cables.
Can I use this cable with older Cat5e devices?
Yes, Cat6 cables are backward compatible and will work with Cat5e ports, though the connection will operate at the maximum speed supported by the Cat5e standard.
What is the maximum reliable distance for a Cat6 cable?
For Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T), the maximum reliable distance for Cat6 cable is typically 100 meters (328 feet). However, performance can degrade over longer distances, especially if there is interference. The 7m length of this cable is well within optimal limits.
Why is the cable pink?
The pink color is primarily for aesthetic differentiation and ease of identification within a bundle of cables, helping with organization and management.
Troubleshooting
No network connectivity
Verify both ends of the cable are securely plugged into the correct ports. Check if the indicator lights on the network ports are active. Try a different known-good cable or port to isolate the issue.
Slow internet speeds or intermittent connection
Ensure the cable is not damaged (e.g., no kinks, cuts, or frayed sections). Check if the connected devices support Gigabit Ethernet. Test the connection with a shorter, known-good cable. Ensure the cable is not exceeding its recommended length for optimal performance.
Cable is difficult to plug in
Ensure you are using an RJ-45 port and that the connector is oriented correctly. Do not force the connector; check for any obstructions or damage to the connector pins or the port.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Supports high-speed Gigabit Ethernet.
Improved performance with reduced crosstalk and system noise.
Universal compatibility with standard network ports.
Durable construction for reliable use.
Distinctive color for easy identification.
Cons
Fixed 7-meter length may not be suitable for all distances.
Unshielded design might be less ideal in environments with extreme electromagnetic interference.
Performance limited to 250 MHz, which is standard for Cat6 but less than newer standards like Cat6a or Cat7.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Ensure both the cable ends and the ports on your devices are clean.
Plug one RJ-45 connector into the network port of your first device (e.g., router, switch, computer).
Plug the other RJ-45 connector into the network port of your second device.
The connection should be recognized automatically by most modern network devices.
Compatibility:
Network Standards: Backward compatible with Cat-5, Cat-5e, and Cat-3 standards. Fully supports 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and 1000BASE-T Ethernet.
Ports: Compatible with any device featuring a standard RJ-45 Ethernet port, including routers, modems, switches, computers, game consoles, smart TVs, and network printers.
Care:
Avoid sharp bends or kinks, as this can damage the internal conductors.
Keep away from excessive heat sources or direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
Clean connectors gently with a dry, lint-free cloth if dust or debris is visible.
Store the cable neatly coiled when not in use to prevent damage.