Cables Direct ART-115 networking cable Grey 15 m Cat6a S/FTP (S-STP)
Category 6A Ethernet cable c...Cables Direct ART-115 networking cable Grey 15 m Cat6a S/FTP (S-STP)
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
Cables Direct 1m CAT6a M - M networking cable S/FTP S-STP GreyFree delivery in 1–3 days£8.75Visit shop →
Cables Direct 1m CAT6a M - M networking cable S/FTP S-STP GreyFree delivery in 1–3 days£8.75Visit shop →
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Cables Direct 2m CAT6a M - M networking cable S/FTP S-STP BlackFree delivery in 1–3 days£9.25Visit shop →
Cables Direct 2m CAT6a M - M networking cable S/FTP S-STP GreyFree delivery in 1–3 days£9.25Visit shop →
Cables Direct 2m CAT6a M - M networking cable S/FTP S-STP GreyFree delivery in 1–3 days£9.25Visit shop →
Cables Direct 2m CAT6a M - M networking cable S/FTP S-STP BlackFree delivery in 1–3 days£9.25Visit shop →
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Product Information
Full details
The Cables Direct ART-115 is a 15-meter Cat6a S/FTP networking cable designed for users needing reliable, high-speed network connections for demanding applications. Its key benefit is support for 10 Gigabit Ethernet with robust shielding against interference. A minor caveat is its grey color, which may not suit all aesthetic preferences.
All features
Series
Cat6a
Model Part Number
ART-115
Brand
Cables Direct
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is the main advantage of Cat6a over Cat5e?
Cat6a supports higher frequencies (600MHz vs 100MHz) and is designed for 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T) over longer distances (up to 100 meters), whereas Cat5e is typically limited to Gigabit Ethernet.
What does S/FTP (S-STP) shielding mean?
S/FTP means Screened/Shielded Foiled Twisted Pair. Each individual pair of wires is wrapped in foil, and the entire bundle of pairs is then wrapped in an overall braided or foil screen. This provides maximum protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Is this cable suitable for outdoor use?
This cable features an LSZH jacket, which is designed for indoor safety and flame retardancy. It is not rated for direct outdoor exposure (UV, moisture, temperature extremes) and should be used indoors or within protective conduit if exposed to environmental elements.
How do I know if my devices will work at 10Gbps with this cable?
For 10Gbps speeds, both the sending and receiving devices (e.g., your computer's network card and your router/switch port) must be rated for 10GBASE-T. If they are only rated for Gigabit Ethernet, the connection will work but will be limited to 1Gbps.
Can I use this cable with older Cat5 or Cat6 devices?
Yes, Cat6a cables are backward compatible with Cat5e, Cat5, and Cat6 devices. The network speed will automatically adjust to the highest speed supported by both connected devices and the network infrastructure.
What is the purpose of the 'snagless' connector boot?
The snagless boot protects the RJ45 connector's locking clip. This prevents the clip from snagging on cables or other objects during installation, reducing the risk of the clip breaking off and ensuring the cable remains securely connected.
Why is the LSZH jacket important?
LSZH stands for Low Smoke Zero Halogen. In the event of a fire, cables with LSZH jackets emit significantly less toxic and corrosive smoke compared to standard PVC jackets, improving safety and visibility for evacuation.
Troubleshooting
No network connection or intermittent connectivity
Ensure both RJ45 connectors are fully seated and have clicked into place. Check that the cable is not damaged and try connecting to a different port on your router/switch. Verify that the connected devices are powered on and configured for network use.
Slow network speeds despite Cat6a rating
Confirm that both the connected devices and your network infrastructure (router, switch) support 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Check for physical damage to the cable or connectors. Ensure the cable is not being subjected to extreme EMI from nearby electrical equipment.
RJ45 clip broken or damaged
The snagless design aims to prevent this. If a clip is broken, the connector may not stay securely in the port. Replace the cable if necessary. Handle connectors carefully by the boot to avoid stressing the clip.
Cable appears stiff or difficult to route
The S/FTP shielding contributes to a more robust cable, which can make it slightly stiffer than unshielded cables. Avoid sharp bends or kinks, which can damage the internal wiring. Route the cable gently, allowing for its natural flexibility.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Supports high-speed 10 Gigabit Ethernet.
Excellent EMI protection due to S/FTP shielding.
Enhanced safety with LSZH jacket material.
Durable and user-friendly snagless connectors.
Reliable performance with gold-plated contacts.
Cons
Limited to 15 meters, may require extenders for longer runs.
Grey color might not blend with all setups.
S/FTP construction can make the cable slightly stiffer than unshielded variants.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Connect one RJ45 connector to your network device (e.g., router, switch, computer).
Connect the other RJ45 connector to your network endpoint (e.g., computer, network-attached storage, gaming console).
Ensure both connectors click securely into place.
Compatibility:
Network Standards: Fully compatible with 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T/TX, and 10GBASE-T networks.
Backward Compatibility: Works seamlessly with devices designed for Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5 standards, though speeds will be limited by the lowest standard in the chain.
Connectors: Standard RJ45 connectors are compatible with virtually all modern networking equipment.
Care:
Cleaning: To clean the cable, disconnect it from devices and wipe gently with a dry or slightly damp soft cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents.
Storage: Store the cable away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and sharp objects to prevent damage to the jacket and shielding.
Handling: Use the snagless connectors and strain relief to avoid damaging the cable or the RJ45 clips. Avoid sharp bends or kinks.