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. This networking cable is 20 meters long and is Grey in color. It is U/UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair).
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Product Information
Full details
This Cables Direct ERT-620 is a 20-meter Cat 6 networking cable designed for reliable Gigabit Ethernet connections. It's ideal for users needing to extend their network or connect devices over a moderate distance with improved performance over older standards. While it offers enhanced speed and reduced crosstalk, it's important to note its UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) construction, which may be less suitable for environments with high electromagnetic interference.
All features
Series
Cat 6
Model Part Number
ERT-620
Brand
Cables Direct
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is the difference between Cat 6 and Cat 5e cables?
Cat 6 cables offer improved performance over Cat 5e, supporting higher frequencies (up to 250 MHz vs. 100 MHz) and stricter specifications for crosstalk and system noise. This enables faster data transfer rates, particularly for Gigabit Ethernet.
Can I use this Cat 6 cable for speeds faster than Gigabit Ethernet?
The Cat 6 standard is rated for performance up to 250 MHz, which reliably supports Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T). While it might function at higher speeds over very short distances, it is not certified for 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T), which typically requires Cat 6a or higher.
Is this cable shielded?
No, this is a U/UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cable. It does not have individual foil or braid shielding around the wire pairs.
What does '24 AWG' mean?
AWG stands for American Wire Gauge. A lower AWG number indicates a thicker wire. 24 AWG is a standard gauge for copper conductors in networking cables, offering a good balance of conductivity and flexibility.
How do I connect this cable to my devices?
The cable has RJ-45 connectors on both ends. Simply plug one end into the Ethernet port (usually labeled LAN) of your first device (e.g., router, switch) and the other end into the Ethernet port of your second device (e.g., computer, TV).
What is the warranty period for this cable?
Please refer to the Cables Direct warranty information provided with your purchase or on their official website for specific warranty details.
Troubleshooting
No network connectivity after plugging in the cable.
Ensure both ends of the cable are securely plugged into the correct ports. Verify that the network adapter on your devices is enabled. Try a different Ethernet cable to rule out a faulty cable. Check if the link lights on your network devices are illuminated.
Slow internet speeds or frequent disconnections.
Check for damage to the cable, such as kinks or cuts. Ensure the cable is not exceeding its maximum recommended length for optimal performance. Verify that the connected devices and your network equipment support Gigabit speeds. Test the connection with a shorter, known-good cable.
Intermittent network issues, especially near power cables or appliances.
The UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) design may be susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI). Try rerouting the cable away from sources of EMI, such as power cords, fluorescent lights, or large appliances. For environments with high EMI, consider a shielded Cat 6 cable (STP/FTP).
Pros and Cons
Pros
Supports Gigabit Ethernet speeds and beyond.
Enhanced specifications reduce crosstalk and system noise compared to older standards.
20-meter length provides good reach for various setups.
Certified to industry standards for reliable performance.
Cons
Unshielded construction may be susceptible to interference in electrically noisy environments.
Limited to 250 MHz, which is standard for Cat 6 but lower than newer standards like Cat 6a.
PVC jacket might be less flexible than plenum-rated cables in some installations.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Identify the network ports on your devices (e.g., router, computer, switch). These are typically labeled 'LAN' or have a network symbol.
Plug one end of the Cables Direct ERT-620 cable into a network port on one device.
Plug the other end of the cable into a network port on the second device.
Ensure the connectors click securely into place. The cable is now connected and ready for network communication.
Compatibility:
Connectors: RJ-45 male connectors are standard for Ethernet networking. This cable is compatible with any device featuring an RJ-45 Ethernet port.
Standards: Fully backward compatible with Cat 5e, Cat 5, and Cat 3 network standards. It supports Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T), Fast Ethernet (100BASE-T), and 10BASE-T.
Operating Systems: Compatible with all modern operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and others that support Ethernet networking.
Care:
Avoid sharp bends or kinks, which can damage the internal conductors.
Protect the cable from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
Keep connectors clean. If necessary, use a dry, lint-free cloth or compressed air to remove dust.
Store the cable properly when not in use, coiled loosely to prevent stress on the conductors.