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 into 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 superior performance for demanding applications like 10 Gigabit Ethernet, ensuring data integrity with advanced shielding. A potential caveat for users is that its robust construction might make it slightly less flexible than lower-grade cables.
All features
Series
CAT6a
Model Part Number
ART-110R
Brand
Cables Direct
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is the difference between Cat6a and Cat6?
Cat6a cables support higher frequencies (600MHz vs 250MHz for Cat6) and are designed to reliably handle 10 Gigabit Ethernet over longer distances (up to 100 meters), whereas Cat6 is typically limited to 10 Gbps over shorter distances (around 55 meters).
Is S/FTP shielding necessary for home use?
While not strictly necessary for all home networks, S/FTP shielding provides superior protection against EMI, ensuring a more stable and faster connection, especially in environments with many electronic devices or if you are running high-bandwidth applications.
What does LSZH mean for this cable?
LSZH stands for Low Smoke Zero Halogen. This means the cable's outer jacket is made from materials that emit very little smoke and no halogen gases when exposed to fire, making it safer for use in enclosed spaces or areas with limited ventilation.
Can I use this 10m cable with a 1 Gigabit Ethernet network?
Yes, this Cat6a cable is fully backward compatible and will work perfectly with Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) networks. It simply means your connection speed will be limited to 1 Gbps in that scenario.
What colors are available for this 10m Cat6a cable?
The 10m Cat6a cable is available in multiple colors, including Grey, Yellow, Red, Blue, Green, and Black, allowing for easy network cable management and identification.
How do I properly ground a shielded Ethernet cable?
For shielded Ethernet cables (like S/FTP), proper grounding is achieved when both the cable's shielding and the equipment's ports are connected to a common ground potential, usually through the power supply grounding of the connected devices. Ensure your network equipment is properly installed and grounded according to manufacturer instructions.
Troubleshooting
No network connection
Ensure both ends of the cable are securely plugged into their respective ports. Check that the network adapters on both devices are enabled and functioning. Try a different cable or port to rule out a faulty cable or port.
Slow network speeds
Verify that both connected devices support 10 Gigabit Ethernet and that the cable is indeed Cat6a. Ensure the cable is not damaged and is properly shielded. Check if the cable is significantly longer than needed or routed near sources of strong electromagnetic interference.
Intermittent connection drops
Inspect the cable for any visible damage, particularly near the connectors. Ensure the snagless boots are not obstructing the RJ45 clip. If the cable is shielded, confirm that any connected network equipment is properly grounded.
RJ45 connector clip broken
The snagless design should protect the clip. If it breaks, the cable may still function but will be prone to dislodging. Replace the cable to ensure a secure connection.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet for maximum speed.
Superior S/FTP shielding protects against EMI for signal integrity.
LSZH jacket provides enhanced safety in fire situations.
Durable snagless connectors and strain relief increase longevity.
Backward compatible with older Ethernet standards.
Cons
May be less flexible than unshielded or Cat5e cables due to shielding.
Shielded connectors require proper grounding for optimal performance.
Cat6a is generally more expensive than Cat5e or Cat6 cables.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Ensure both connected devices have compatible Ethernet ports (e.g., 10GBASE-T).
Connect one RJ45 end of the cable to the first device and the other end to the second device.
Verify the link lights on the network interfaces indicate an active connection.
Compatibility:
Standards: Fully backward compatible with Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5 standards.
Ports: Compatible with RJ45 Ethernet ports found on most computers, routers, switches, modems, and network-attached storage (NAS) devices.
Operating Systems: No specific drivers are required; functions at the hardware level.
Care:
Cleaning: Wipe the cable exterior with a dry or slightly damp, soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or solvents.
Connectors: Keep RJ45 connectors clean and free from dust. Use connector dust caps if the cable will be stored for extended periods.
Bending: Avoid sharp bends or kinks, especially near the connectors, to preserve the integrity of the internal conductors and shielding.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of extreme heat.