This Category 6 cable, commonly referred to as Cat-6, is a cable standard for Gigabit Ethernet and...This 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 specific cable is 8 meters long and features U/UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) construction.
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Cables Direct Green Ert-600G Networking Cable 0.5 M Cat6 U/Utp (Utp)Free delivery in 1–3 days£7.30Visit shop →
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Product Information
Full details
This guide is for users needing a reliable network connection for home or office environments. The Cables Direct ERT-608 Cat6 UTP cable offers enhanced performance for Gigabit Ethernet, supporting up to 250 MHz. While robust, its unshielded nature means it may be more susceptible to interference in environments with high electromagnetic activity compared to shielded variants.
All features
Series
Cat6
Model Part Number
ERT-608
Brand
Cables Direct
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is the main advantage of Cat6 over Cat5e?
Cat6 cables offer improved performance with higher bandwidth (up to 250 MHz vs. 100 MHz for Cat5e) and more stringent specifications for reducing crosstalk and system noise, leading to more stable and faster data transfer, especially for Gigabit Ethernet.
Is this cable shielded?
No, this is an Unshielded Twisted Pair (U/UTP) cable. It is suitable for most common environments but may be more susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) than shielded cables.
Can I use this cable for faster than Gigabit Ethernet?
The Cat6 standard is rated for up to 250 MHz and is optimized for Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps). While it might support some higher speeds over short distances, it is not officially certified for 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE), which typically requires Cat6a or higher.
What does '24 AWG' mean?
AWG stands for American Wire Gauge. A lower AWG number indicates a thicker wire. 24 AWG is a standard thickness for Cat6 cables, providing a good balance of conductivity and flexibility.
What is the jacket material?
The jacket material is Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is a common and durable material for indoor network cables.
How do I know if the cable is properly connected?
Most computers and networking devices will indicate a successful connection with an LED light next to the Ethernet port. You can also check your network status in your operating system's network settings.
Troubleshooting
No network connection detected
Ensure the cable is securely plugged into both devices. Try a different Ethernet port on your router or switch. Test the cable with another device to rule out a faulty port on the original device.
Slow internet speeds or intermittent connection
Check the cable for visible damage or kinks. Ensure the cable is not too close to sources of electromagnetic interference. Verify that your network devices (router, modem, computer) support Gigabit speeds.
Cable does not fit into the port
Confirm you are using an RJ-45 connector. Ensure there is no debris or damage to the connector or the port. The connector should click gently into place when fully inserted.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Supports high-speed Gigabit Ethernet.
Backward compatible with older network standards.
Flexible and easy to install due to UTP design.
Standard RJ-45 connectors ensure wide compatibility.
Durable construction suitable for regular use.
Cons
Unshielded design can be susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI).
May not be ideal for extremely noisy electrical environments.
Limited to 250 MHz, which might be insufficient for future ultra-high-speed networks.
PVC jacket may not be suitable for all environmental conditions (e.g., extreme heat).
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Ensure both the source and destination devices have standard RJ-45 Ethernet ports.
Connect one end of the cable to the port on your first device (e.g., router, switch, computer).
Connect the other end to the port on your second device.
The connection should be automatically recognized by most operating systems.
Compatibility:
This Cat6 cable is compatible with all standard RJ-45 Ethernet ports found on routers, switches, modems, computers, game consoles, smart TVs, and other networking equipment.
It is backward compatible with Cat5e and Cat3 standards, though performance will be limited by the slowest component in the network.
Care:
Avoid exposing the cable to excessive heat, moisture, or direct sunlight.
Do not bend the cable sharply or place heavy objects on it, as this can damage the internal wiring.
Keep the RJ-45 connectors clean. If necessary, use compressed air to remove dust. Avoid using liquid cleaners directly on the connectors.