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, network administrators, and home users seeking reliable, high-speed network connectivity. The Cables Direct CAT6a Ethernet cable offers superior performance for 10 Gigabit Ethernet with enhanced protection against interference. A potential caveat is its specific compatibility requirements for achieving full 10Gbps speeds, requiring compatible networking hardware.
All features
Series
CAT6a
Model Part Number
ART-102Y
Brand
Cables Direct
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is the main advantage of CAT6a over CAT6?
CAT6a is designed to support 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T) over longer distances (up to 100 meters) and at higher frequencies (600MHz) compared to CAT6, which is typically limited to 1Gbps or 10Gbps over shorter distances (up to 55 meters).
What does S/FTP (S-STP) mean?
S/FTP stands for Screened/Foiled Twisted Pair. It means each individual pair of wires within the cable is wrapped in foil shielding, and the entire bundle of pairs is also wrapped in an overall braided or foil shield. This provides superior protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI).
What is LSZH and why is it important?
LSZH stands for Low Smoke Zero Halogen. Cables with an LSZH jacket emit very little toxic or corrosive smoke when exposed to fire, making them safer for use in enclosed public spaces or areas where air quality is a concern.
Will this cable work with my existing CAT5e network?
Yes, CAT6a cables are fully backward compatible with CAT5e and CAT6. Your network will operate at the speed supported by the slowest component, so if you connect two CAT5e devices with a CAT6a cable, the connection will be at CAT5e speeds (typically 1Gbps).
What does 'snagless' mean for the connector?
A snagless connector has a molded boot that extends over the RJ45 connector's locking tab. This protects the tab from breaking off when the cable is pulled through tight spaces or during installation, preventing accidental disconnection.
How do I know if my equipment is compatible with 10Gbps?
Check the specifications of your network interface card (NIC), switch, router, and any other networking devices. They must explicitly state support for 10GBASE-T or 10 Gigabit Ethernet to achieve these speeds.
Can I use this cable outdoors?
This cable is designed for indoor use. Outdoor-rated Ethernet cables have specific features for weather resistance, UV protection, and temperature tolerance that this CAT6a cable may not possess.
Troubleshooting
No network connection
Verify both ends of the cable are securely plugged into active network ports. Check that the connected devices are powered on and configured for network use. Test with a known working cable.
Slow data transfer speeds
Ensure all devices in the chain (computer, switch, router) support speeds equal to or greater than the cable's capability (up to 10Gbps). Check for other network bottlenecks. Ensure the cable is not damaged and is fully seated.
Intermittent connectivity
Inspect the cable for any physical damage, such as cuts, kinks, or damaged connectors. Ensure the snagless boot is not obstructing the RJ45 clip. Try a different port on your network devices.
High packet loss
This can indicate interference. Ensure the cable is not run parallel and too close to power cables. Verify the S/FTP shielding is intact. Test in a different location if possible.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Supports the latest 10 Gigabit Ethernet standards for future-proofing networks.
Superior EMI protection due to S/FTP shielding.
Enhanced safety with LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) jacket.
Durable connectors with snagless design and strain relief.
Cons
Requires compatible 10Gbps network hardware to achieve maximum speeds.
S/FTP cables can be slightly stiffer than unshielded variants.
Higher cost compared to lower-grade Ethernet cables.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Ensure your network devices (router, switch, computer) support the desired Ethernet speed (e.g., 10Gbps for CAT6a).
Plug one end of the cable into the network port on your first device and the other end into the port on your second device.
The connection is plug-and-play; no software installation is typically required.
Compatibility:
Backward Compatible: Fully compatible with CAT6, CAT5e, and CAT5 standards, allowing seamless integration into existing networks.
Network Speeds: Supports 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T/TX, and 10GBASE-T.
Connectors: Features standard RJ-45 male connectors on both ends.
Care:
Avoid sharp bends or kinks, especially near the connectors, to prevent internal wire damage.
Keep connectors clean. Dust or debris can be removed with a dry, lint-free cloth or compressed air.
Store cables loosely coiled to maintain their integrity over time.
Use the snagless boot to protect the RJ45 clip when connecting or disconnecting.