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 Cat6a, 3m networking cable is designed for users needing reliable, high-speed data transfer, especially for 10 Gigabit Ethernet applications. Its primary benefit is the robust S/FTP shielding, protecting against interference for stable performance. A minor caveat is its 3-meter length, which may be limiting for longer runs.
All features
Series
Cat6a
Model Part Number
ART-103V
Brand
Cables Direct
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is the main advantage of Cat6a over Cat5e?
Cat6a offers significantly higher bandwidth (up to 600MHz) and supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet speeds over longer distances (up to 100 meters), whereas Cat5e is typically limited to 1 Gigabit Ethernet.
What does S/FTP mean for this cable?
S/FTP means Screened and Foiled Twisted Pair. Each pair of wires inside the cable is wrapped in foil, and there's an overall braided shield. This dual shielding provides excellent protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk.
Is this cable safe to use in an office environment?
Yes, the Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) jacket reduces the amount of toxic and corrosive gas emitted during a fire, making it a safer choice for enclosed spaces like offices.
Can I use this 3m cable with my existing Cat5e network?
Yes, Cat6a is backward compatible with Cat5e. However, your network speed will be limited by the slowest component, so you will only achieve Cat5e speeds (typically 1 Gbps) if connecting to Cat5e equipment.
What does 'snagless' refer to on the connectors?
Snagless connectors have a protective 'bubble' around the release tab (clip) of the RJ45 connector. This prevents the clip from catching on other cables or objects, reducing the risk of breakage during installation or removal.
What is the AWG rating of this cable?
The AWG (American Wire Gauge) rating for this cable is 26 AWG, which refers to the thickness of the conductors.
How does the flush moulded strain relief help?
The flush design allows more cables to be plugged in side-by-side on high-density network switches. The moulded strain relief also prevents the cable from being bent too sharply at the connector, which can damage the connection over time.
Troubleshooting
No internet connection or slow speeds
Ensure the cable is securely plugged into both devices. Verify that both ends are connected to active ports. Test with another known working cable to rule out a faulty cable. Ensure your network devices support the speeds you are trying to achieve (e.g., Cat6a for 10Gbps).
Intermittent connection drops
Check for physical damage to the cable or connectors. Ensure the cable is not routed near sources of strong electromagnetic interference (e.g., power cords, large appliances). Try a different port on your router or switch.
Connector clip is broken
While the snagless boot protects the clip, excessive force can still cause damage. If the clip is broken, the cable may not stay securely connected. Replace the cable if the clip is compromised.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet for high-speed networking.
S/FTP shielding provides superior protection against EMI.
LSZH jacket enhances safety in case of fire.
Snagless connectors and strain relief improve durability and ease of use.
Backward compatible with older Ethernet standards.
Cons
The 3-meter length might be insufficient for longer network runs.
S/FTP cables can be slightly stiffer than unshielded cables.
Requires compatible Cat6a network equipment to achieve maximum speeds.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Ensure both devices you intend to connect have Ethernet ports.
Plug one end of the Cat6a cable into the Ethernet port of the first device.
Plug the other end into the Ethernet port of the second device.
The connection is plug-and-play; no software installation is required.
Compatibility:
This cable is compatible with all standard RJ45 Ethernet ports.
It supports 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX (Fast Ethernet), 1000BASE-T / 1000BASE-TX (Gigabit Ethernet), and 10GBASE-T (10 Gigabit Ethernet).
It is backward compatible with Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5 standards and equipment.
For optimal performance, use with Cat6a certified network devices and infrastructure.
Care:
Avoid kinking or sharply bending the cable, as this can damage the internal conductors.
Keep the connectors clean. If necessary, use a dry, lint-free cloth.
Store the cable away from extreme heat or moisture.
Protect the snagless connectors and strain relief from physical damage.