Category 6A Ethernet cable, commonly referred to as Cat6A, is a cable standard for 10 Gigabit Ethe...Category 6A Ethernet cable, commonly referred to as Cat6A, is a cable standard for 10 Gigabit Ethernet. The cable standard provides performance of up to 600MHz and is suitable for 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX (Fast Ethernet), 1000BASE-T / 1000BASE-TX (Gigabit Ethernet) and 10GBASE-T (10 Gigabit Ethernet). It is backwards compatible with previous standards such as Cat6, Cat5e and Cat5. LSZH: low Smoke Zero Halogen cable reduces the amount of toxic and corrosive gas emitted during a fire. Supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet / 10GBASE-T: 10 Times faster than Gigabit Ethernet, 10GE (also called 10GbE or 10 GigE) supports a data rate of 10Gbits/s (billion bits per second). S/FTP (or S/STP): Screened and Foil (Shielded) Twisted Pair. Each individual pair is screened by foil and features an overall outer sheath. This shielding protects the cable from EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference). Snagless Connectors: The connectors feature a “bubble” which protects the locking clip on the RJ45 from damage or being snapped off during transport or installation. Flush Moulded Strain Relief: The flush moulded design allows the patch cables to be installed side by side in high-density network switches. The strain relief allows the cables to move without damaging the cable or breaking away from the connector while it is plugged in a device. This product has been tested and found to comply with the applicable electrical transmission characteristics specified in: ISO/IEC 11801 ED.2 and ANSI/TIA-568-C.2 IEC 60332-1-2, RoHS Compliant and 3P Verified
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Product Information
Full details
This Cables Direct 3-meter Cat6A Ethernet cable is designed for users requiring high-speed network connections, particularly for 10 Gigabit Ethernet applications. Its S/FTP (Screened/Foiled Twisted Pair) shielding offers robust protection against electromagnetic interference, ensuring stable data transfer. While it provides excellent performance, it's essential to ensure your network infrastructure also supports Cat6A speeds to fully leverage its capabilities.
All features
Series
CAT6A
Model Part Number
ART-103/O
Brand
Cables Direct
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is the maximum speed this cable supports?
This Cat6A cable supports up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T) at speeds of 10,000 Mbit/s.
What does S/FTP mean?
S/FTP stands for Screened and Foiled Twisted Pair. It means each pair of wires is shielded with foil, and the entire cable bundle is surrounded by an overall screen or braid, offering excellent protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI).
What does LSZH mean?
LSZH stands for Low Smoke Zero Halogen. Cables with an LSZH jacket emit very little smoke and no toxic or corrosive gases when exposed to fire, making them safer for use in enclosed public spaces or sensitive environments.
Is this cable compatible with my older Cat5e network?
Yes, Cat6A cables are backward compatible. You can use this cable in a Cat5e network, but your network speed will be limited by the slowest component, likely 1 Gigabit Ethernet in this case.
How do I clean the connectors?
Gently wipe the RJ45 connectors with a dry, lint-free cloth. Avoid using liquids or abrasive materials, as this could damage the gold-plated contacts.
What is the advantage of snagless connectors?
Snagless connectors have a protective 'bubble' or boot around the RJ45 tab, preventing it from snagging on other cables or obstacles when plugging in or unplugging. It also protects the tab from breaking.
Can I use this cable outdoors?
This specific cable has an LSZH jacket, which is generally designed for indoor use. For outdoor applications, a cable with a UV-resistant and waterproof jacket would be more suitable.
Troubleshooting
No network connection
Verify both ends of the cable are securely plugged into the correct ports. Check if the link lights on your network devices are active. Try a different cable or port to rule out cable or port issues.
Slow internet or network speeds
Ensure all devices in the network path (router, switch, network adapter) support the desired speeds (e.g., 10Gbps). Check for physical damage to the cable or connectors. Ensure the cable is not kinked or excessively bent.
Intermittent connection drops
Check for sources of electromagnetic interference near the cable. Ensure the cable is properly shielded and terminated. Try rerouting the cable away from power cords or other potential interference sources.
Connector clip broken
The snagless design aims to prevent this. If a clip does break, the connector may still function, but the cable might not stay securely in place. Consider replacing the cable.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet speeds for high-performance networks.
Robust S/FTP shielding minimizes interference and ensures signal quality.
LSZH jacket offers increased safety in environments where fire is a concern.
Durable, snagless connectors protect against physical damage.
Backward compatible with previous Ethernet standards.
Cons
Requires compatible Cat6A or higher networking equipment to achieve maximum speeds.
S/FTP cables can be slightly stiffer and harder to route than unshielded cables.
Higher cost compared to basic Cat5e cables.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Ensure your network devices (e.g., router, switch, computer) have compatible ports (RJ45).
Connect one end of the cable to your source device and the other end to your destination device.
The snagless connectors should easily plug in; avoid forcing them.
Compatibility:
This Cat6A cable is fully backward compatible with Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5 standards and equipment.
It is designed to support 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T/TX, and 10GBASE-T Ethernet standards.
For optimal performance, use with other Cat6A rated equipment.
Care:
Avoid bending the cable sharply (minimum bend radius is typically 4x the cable diameter).
Keep the connectors clean; dust or debris can impair connection quality.
Store the cable away from extreme heat or moisture when not in use.
Use the snagless boot to protect the RJ45 clip during handling.