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 ?EURoebubble?EUR 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.
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 →
Cables Direct 2m CAT6a M - M networking cable S/FTP S-STP BlueFree 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 →
Cables Direct 2m CAT6a M - M networking cable S/FTP S-STP BlackFree delivery in 1–3 days£9.25Visit shop →
Cables Direct 3m CAT6a M - M networking cable S/FTP S-STP GreenFree delivery in 1–3 days£9.95Visit shop →
Cables Direct 3m CAT6a M - M networking cable S/FTP S-STP BlueFree delivery in 1–3 days£9.95Visit shop →
Product Information
Full details
This Cables Direct CAT6a Ethernet cable is designed for users requiring high-speed, reliable network connections, especially for demanding applications like 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Its key benefit is superior performance and reduced interference, making it ideal for professional and home network environments. A potential caveat is its specific compatibility requirements for achieving maximum speeds, necessitating compatible Cat6a networking hardware on both ends. This guide covers its features, performance, setup, and more.
All features
Series
CAT6a
Model Part Number
ART-105R
Brand
Cables Direct
Extended Product Information
FAQs
What is the maximum data transfer rate for this cable?
This Cat6a cable supports data transfer rates of up to 10,000 Mbit/s (10 Gbps) when used with compatible Cat6a network equipment.
Is this cable shielded against interference?
Yes, this is an S/FTP (Screened and Foil Twisted Pair) cable, meaning each pair is individually shielded with foil, and there is an overall screen, providing excellent protection against EMI.
What does LSZH mean for this cable?
LSZH stands for Low Smoke Zero Halogen. This means the cable's outer jacket is designed to emit minimal toxic and corrosive smoke when exposed to fire, making it safer for use in enclosed or public spaces.
Can I use this cable with my older Cat5e or Cat6 devices?
Yes, the cable is backward compatible with Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5 standards. However, it will operate at the maximum speed supported by the slowest component in the connection (e.g., Gigabit Ethernet speeds if connecting to a Cat5e device).
What is the purpose of the snagless connector design?
The snagless design features a protective 'bubble' over the RJ45 connector's locking tab. This prevents the tab from being accidentally snagged, broken off during installation or transport, or bent, ensuring a more durable connection.
What is the color of this specific cable?
This particular model (ART-105R) is Red.
What cable lengths are available?
This cable is available in various lengths including 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10 meters.
Troubleshooting
No network connection
Verify that the cable is securely plugged into both devices. Check if the cable is damaged. Test with a known working cable or try a different port on your network devices.
Slow network speeds
Ensure both connected devices and network infrastructure (router, switch) support the desired speed (e.g., 10Gbps). Verify the cable is a Cat6a standard. Check for physical damage or tight bends in the cable.
Intermittent connection drops
Check for potential EMI sources near the cable run. Ensure the cable is properly seated in the RJ45 ports and that the locking clip is engaged. Test the cable in a different location to rule out environmental interference.
Connector locking clip not engaging
Inspect the 'bubble' on the snagless connector for damage. Ensure the cable is inserted correctly into the port. If damaged, the cable may need to be replaced.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet speeds for high-performance networking.
Robust S/FTP shielding effectively combats EMI for a stable connection.
LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) construction enhances safety.
Durable snagless connectors and strain relief design improve longevity.
Backward compatible with older Ethernet standards.
Cons
Requires compatible Cat6a hardware at both ends to achieve maximum 10Gbps speeds.
Shielded design may require proper grounding in some environments.
LSZH cables can sometimes be less flexible than standard PVC cables.
Setup, Compatibility & Care
Setup:
Connect one end of the CAT6a cable to your network device (e.g., computer, router, switch) and the other end to your network destination.
Ensure both devices at either end of the cable support the desired speed (e.g., 10Gbps for full Cat6a performance).
Compatibility:
Network Devices: Compatible with all standard RJ45 Ethernet ports.
Standards: Fully backward compatible with Cat6, Cat5e, and Cat5 networks.
Speed: Achieves up to 10Gbps when connected between two Cat6a-compliant devices.
Care:
Avoid exposing the cable to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
Gently clean the connectors with a dry, lint-free cloth if they appear dirty. Do not use liquids.
Ensure the snagless connectors are not forced into ports, which could damage the locking clip or the port.
Store the cable loosely coiled, avoiding sharp bends or kinks, especially near the connectors.