Cables Direct networking cable Yellow S/FTP (S-STP) - CAT6a
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.
This guide is for IT professionals, home network enthusiasts, and anyone seeking high-speed, reliable network connectivity. The Cables Direct CAT6a Ethernet cable offers superior performance for demanding applications, supporting up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet. A potential consideration is its specific shielding, which, while beneficial for interference, may affect flexibility compared to unshielded cables. This cable features a 0.5m length, yellow color, S/FTP (Shielded/Foiled Twisted Pair) construction, and snagless connectors for secure and robust connections.
All features
Series
CAT6a
Model Part Number
ART-100Y
Brand
Cables Direct
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is the main advantage of Cat6a over Cat5e?
Cat6a offers significantly higher performance, supporting 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10Gbps) speeds over longer distances (up to 100 meters) and with a higher bandwidth (600MHz) compared to Cat5e's typical Gigabit Ethernet (1Gbps) support.
What does S/FTP mean in the cable description?
S/FTP stands for Screened/Foiled Twisted Pair. It indicates that each individual pair of wires within the cable is shielded with foil, and there is an overall braided shield around all pairs. This provides superior protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Why is LSZH important for this cable?
LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) means the cable's jacket is designed to emit very little smoke and no halogenated compounds when exposed to fire. This enhances safety and reduces damage to electronic equipment in the event of a fire.
Can I use this 0.5m cable for connections longer than 0.5 meters?
No, the cable length is fixed at 0.5 meters. For longer distances, you would need to select a different cable length from the Cables Direct CAT6a range.
Are the connectors gold-plated?
Yes, the RJ45 connectors feature gold-plated contacts, which helps ensure good conductivity and resistance to corrosion for a reliable connection.
Is this cable suitable for Power over Ethernet (PoE)?
While Cat6a cables are generally suitable for PoE, the specific implementation and power handling capability depend on the connected devices and the overall network setup. The S/FTP construction is robust and should handle PoE requirements well.
How does the snagless connector help?
The snagless design features a small protruding bubble over the RJ45 connector's locking tab. This prevents the tab from catching on other cables or obstructions when plugging or unplugging, reducing the risk of damage to the tab and ensuring a more secure connection.
Troubleshooting
No network connection detected.
Verify that both ends of the cable are securely plugged into the correct ports. Check if the connected devices are powered on and configured for network connectivity. Try a different known-working cable to isolate the issue.
Slow network speeds or intermittent connectivity.
Ensure the cable is not damaged, kinked, or excessively bent. Check for EMI sources nearby that might affect the S/FTP shielding. Verify that both connected devices and network infrastructure support the desired speeds (e.g., 10Gbps).
Connector locking tab is damaged or not engaging.
The snagless design protects the clip, but avoid forcing the connector. If the clip is broken, the cable may still function, but it's less secure. Consider replacing the cable if the connection is unreliable.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Supports the latest 10 Gigabit Ethernet standards for high-speed data transfer.
Robust S/FTP shielding effectively minimizes interference for a stable connection.
LSZH cable jacket offers increased safety in environments where fire safety is critical.
Snagless connectors protect the RJ45 clip, ensuring longevity and ease of use.
Backward compatible with older Ethernet standards for flexible deployment.
Cons
S/FTP construction may make the cable slightly less flexible than unshielded alternatives.
The 0.5m length is suitable for short-distance connections only.
Specific applications might require different color-coding for organization.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Ensure both connected devices have compatible Ethernet ports (RJ45).
Plug one end of the cable into the network port of the first device (e.g., router, switch, computer).
Plug the other end into the network port of the second device.
The connection should be established automatically. For network-wide configuration, ensure your network infrastructure supports Cat6a speeds.
Compatibility:
Network Standards: Fully compatible with 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX (Fast Ethernet), 1000BASE-T / 1000BASE-TX (Gigabit Ethernet), and 10GBASE-T (10 Gigabit Ethernet).
Backward Compatibility: Works seamlessly with devices using Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5 Ethernet standards.
Connectors: Features standard RJ45 connectors, compatible with most networking equipment.
Care:
Avoid sharp bends or kinks, especially near the connectors, to maintain signal integrity and cable longevity.
Keep connectors clean. If necessary, use a dry, lint-free cloth or a specialized electronic contact cleaner.
Protect the cable from excessive heat, moisture, and direct sunlight.
Ensure the snagless clip is not forced when plugging or unplugging; gently depress it.