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 ART-100-HP is a Category 6A Ethernet cable designed for high-speed networking, ideal for users requiring 10 Gigabit Ethernet performance. Its key benefit is the robust S/FTP shielding, which ensures data integrity by protecting against electromagnetic interference. A potential caveat for some users might be its short 0.25m length, making it best suited for close-proximity connections.
All features
Series
Cat6a
Model Part Number
ART-100-HP
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 up to 100 meters, whereas Cat5e is typically limited to 1 Gigabit Ethernet (1Gbps) and shorter distances for 10Gbps.
What does S/FTP mean?
S/FTP stands for Screened/Shielded Foil 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 braid or foil shield. This provides superior protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Is this cable suitable for outdoor use?
This cable features an LSZH jacket which is designed for indoor safety. It is not rated for outdoor exposure to UV, moisture, or extreme temperatures, which could degrade the cable's performance and lifespan.
Can I use this cable with a Gigabit Ethernet router?
Yes, the Cat6a cable is backward compatible with Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) and will function correctly, though it will operate at Gigabit speeds rather than its maximum 10Gbps potential.
What does 'Snagless Connector' mean?
A snagless connector has a molded plastic 'bubble' around the RJ45 tab. This prevents the tab from catching on obstacles or breaking off when the cable is pulled through tight spaces or disconnected.
How does the LSZH jacket improve safety?
LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) jackets are designed to emit minimal smoke and no toxic halogenated gases when exposed to fire. This makes them a safer choice for installation in enclosed or public spaces where air quality is a concern during emergencies.
Why is the cable length only 0.25m?
This specific model is designed for very short, direct connections, such as within a server rack or between devices placed side-by-side. Shorter cables can sometimes offer marginal performance benefits and reduce cable clutter.
Troubleshooting
No network connection detected
Ensure both ends of the cable are securely plugged into the correct ports. Verify that the network devices on both ends are powered on and configured correctly. Test with a different known-working cable to rule out a cable fault.
Slow internet or network speeds
Confirm that both connected devices and your network infrastructure (router, switch) support Cat6a and 10Gbps speeds. Check for physical damage to the cable or connectors. Ensure the cable is not routed near strong sources of electromagnetic interference.
Intermittent connectivity or data errors
The S/FTP shielding is designed to prevent this; however, severe EMI or physical damage could still cause issues. Ensure the cable is not pinched or stressed. Try connecting to a different port on your switch or device.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Provides reliable 10 Gigabit Ethernet speeds.
Excellent protection against electromagnetic interference due to S/FTP shielding.
Enhanced safety features with LSZH jacket.
Durable connectors with snagless design and strain relief.
Backward compatible with older network standards.
Cons
The 0.25m length is only suitable for very short connections.
S/FTP cables can be slightly stiffer and harder to work with than unshielded cables.
Requires compatible 10GbE network hardware to achieve maximum speeds.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Identify the two RJ45 connectors on the cable.
Plug one connector firmly into an available Ethernet port on your device (e.g., computer, router, switch).
Plug the other connector firmly into the corresponding port on your network equipment.
Compatibility:
Network Standards: Fully compatible with 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX (Fast Ethernet), 1000BASE-T / 1000BASE-TX (Gigabit Ethernet), and 10GBASE-T (10 Gigabit Ethernet).
Backwards Compatibility: Works with Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5 network infrastructure, though speeds will be limited by the slowest component.
Connectors: Standard RJ45 connectors ensure compatibility with most networking devices.
Care:
Avoid kinking the cable sharply, as this can damage the internal wires and shielding.
Keep connectors clean. If dusty, gently wipe with a dry, lint-free cloth.
Protect the cable from excessive heat and moisture.
Use the snagless connectors to avoid damaging the locking tab during insertion or removal.