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. Available in 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5 and 10 metre lengths. All lengths are available in grey, yellow, red, blue green and black.
This guide is for IT professionals, network administrators, and home users requiring high-speed, reliable network connections. The Cables Direct CAT6a Ethernet cable offers 10 Gigabit Ethernet speeds with robust shielding for superior performance, but its solid construction may limit flexibility in tight spaces. This cable is designed for demanding network environments, supporting up to 600MHz and featuring S/FTP shielding to combat interference, ensuring stable data transfer for critical applications.
All features
Series
CAT6a
Model Part Number
ART-100B
Brand
Cables Direct
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is the difference between Cat6a and Cat6?
Cat6a is designed for 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T) over longer distances (up to 100 meters) and supports higher frequencies (500 MHz) compared to Cat6 (1 Gbps up to 100 meters, 250 MHz).
Is this cable shielded?
Yes, this is an S/FTP (Screened/Shielded, Foiled Twisted Pair) cable, meaning each individual pair is foil-shielded, and there is an overall braid shield for maximum protection against interference.
What does LSZH mean?
LSZH stands for Low Smoke Zero Halogen. It means the cable's outer jacket is made from materials that emit very little smoke and no toxic halogenated compounds when exposed to fire, making it safer for indoor installations.
Can I use this cable for Gigabit Ethernet?
Absolutely. Cat6a is backward compatible and will work perfectly fine for Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) and even slower Ethernet standards like Fast Ethernet (100BASE-TX).
What is the maximum length for this cable?
The Cat6a standard supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet up to 100 meters (328 feet). This specific product is available in various lengths, including 0.5m, 1m, 2m, 3m, 5m, and 10m.
How do the snagless connectors work?
Snagless connectors have a 'bubble' or boot that covers the RJ45 clip. This prevents the clip from catching on anything when the cable is pulled through tight spaces or installed in densely packed racks, reducing the risk of the clip breaking off.
What are the compliance certifications for this cable?
This cable complies with ISO/IEC 11801 ED.2 and ANSI/TIA-568-C.2 for electrical transmission characteristics. It is also certified to IEC 60332-1-2, RoHS compliant, and 3P Verified.
Troubleshooting
No network connectivity
Ensure both ends of the cable are securely plugged into the correct ports. Check if the device lights indicate a connection. Test with a known working cable.
Slow network speeds
Verify that both connected devices support Cat6a and 10 Gbps speeds. Ensure the cable is not damaged or kinked. Check network configuration settings. Test with a shorter cable if possible to rule out length-related degradation.
Intermittent connection drops
Check for sources of electromagnetic interference near the cable. Ensure the connectors are fully seated and the strain relief is not overly stressed. Inspect the cable for physical damage.
Connector clip broken
The snagless design helps prevent this, but if a clip breaks, the cable may not stay securely plugged in. Replace the damaged cable.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet speeds for high-performance networking.
Excellent protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) due to S/FTP shielding.
Enhanced safety with Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) material.
Durable snagless connectors and strain relief designed for frequent use and dense installations.
Backward compatible with older Ethernet standards, ensuring flexibility.
Cons
Can be less flexible than unshielded cables, making installation in very tight conduits challenging.
The robust shielding can add slightly to the cable's thickness.
LSZH cable may have different fire safety characteristics compared to standard PVC cables in specific building codes.
Shorter lengths (e.g., 0.5m) may be less practical for extending existing network runs, best suited for direct device connections.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Identify the Ethernet ports on your devices (e.g., router, switch, computer, server).
Plug one RJ45 connector into the port on the first device.
Plug the other RJ45 connector into the port on the second device.
Ensure the connectors click securely into place. The snagless design protects the clip, but it should still seat firmly.
Compatibility:
Network Standards: Fully compatible with 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T/TX, and 10GBASE-T networks.
Backward Compatibility: Works seamlessly with devices using Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5 cables.
Connectors: RJ45 male connectors are standard for most Ethernet devices.
LSZH: Suitable for installations where fire safety regulations require low smoke and zero halogen emissions.
Care:
Cleaning: Use a dry or slightly damp, soft cloth to wipe the cable and connectors. Avoid harsh chemicals or solvents.
Storage: Store cables loosely coiled, avoiding sharp bends or kinks, especially at the connector ends.
Handling: Use the connector boots to plug and unplug cables, rather than pulling on the cable itself. This preserves the integrity of the strain relief and connectors.