Ever wonder why some network connections feel lightning-fast while others crawl like a sleepy snail? In today’s world, speed matters! We rely on fast internet for everything: streaming movies, online gaming, and even working from home. But a slow network often points to one thing: the cable connecting everything.
Choosing the right network cable, especially Cat 6A, can feel like navigating a maze. You see terms like shielded, unshielded, plenum, and riser, and suddenly, that simple task becomes a headache. Picking the wrong cable means you might not get the blazing speeds you paid for, leading to frustrating buffering and dropped calls. It’s a common pitfall in setting up modern networks.
This guide cuts through the jargon. We will clearly explain what makes Cat 6A special and how to pick the perfect cable for your home or office setup without breaking the bank or getting confused. Get ready to ditch the slow speeds for good!
Top Cat 6A Cable Recommendations
- High Performance Cat6a, 26 AWG, RJ45, Shielded Ethernet Cable provides universal connectivity for LAN network components such as PCs, computer servers, printers, routers, switch boxes, network media players, NAS, VoIP phones, PoE devices, and more
- Cat6a performance at a Cat 5e price but with higher bandwidth; SSTP/SFTP (Screened Foiled Twisted Pair) shielding can prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) and reduce crosstalk noise over the Cat 6a Ethernet cable
- A Category 6a Ethernet patch cable is also referred to as a Cat6a network cable, Cat6a cable, Cat6a Ethernet cable, or Cat 6a data/LAN cable. Future-proof your network for 10-Gigabit Ethernet (backwards compatible with any existing Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet); Meets or exceeds Category 6a performance in compliance with the TIA/EIA 568-C.2 standard
- The shielded connectors with gold-plated contacts and strain-relief boots provide durability, and ensure a secure connection; Bare copper conductors enhance cable performance and comply with specifications for communications cables
- Flexible and durable Cat6a cable with high bandwidth of up to 550 MHz guarantees high-speed data transfer for server applications, cloud computing, video surveillance, and online high-definition video streaming
- High Performance Cat6a, 26 AWG, RJ45, Shielded Ethernet Cable provides universal connectivity for LAN network components such as PCs, computer servers, printers, routers, switch boxes, network media players, NAS, VoIP phones, PoE devices, and more
- Cat6a performance at a Cat 5e price but with higher bandwidth; SSTP/SFTP (Screened Foiled Twisted Pair) shielding can prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) and reduce crosstalk noise over the Cat 6a Ethernet cable
- A Category 6a Ethernet patch cable is also referred to as a Cat6a network cable, Cat6a cable, Cat6a Ethernet cable, or Cat 6a data/LAN cable. Future-proof your network for 10-Gigabit Ethernet (backwards compatible with any existing Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet); Meets or exceeds Category 6a performance in compliance with the TIA/EIA 568-C.2 standard
- The shielded connectors with gold-plated contacts and strain-relief boots provide durability, and ensure a secure connection; Bare copper conductors enhance cable performance and comply with specifications for communications cables
- Flexible and durable Cat6a cable with high bandwidth of up to 550 MHz guarantees high-speed data transfer for server applications, cloud computing, video surveillance, and online high-definition video streaming
- Premium Bare Copper Construction – 26AWG stranded bare copper conductors provide superior signal quality, minimal crosstalk, and stable high-speed connections.
- 10Gbps High-Speed Performance – Supports ultra-fast data transfer up to 10Gbps and bandwidth up to 550–750MHz, ideal for gaming, streaming, 4K/8K video, and professional networks.
- Snagless Gold-Plated RJ45 Connectors – 2× 8P8C connectors with gold plating resist corrosion and prevent clip damage for long-lasting performance.
- Indoor/Outdoor Durable PVC Jacket – Flexible FR-PVC jacket protects the cable from wear, bending, and environmental stress, suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.
- Tested & Reliable – Passes quality test for verified performance in home, office, or enterprise networks.
- High Performance Cat6a, 26 AWG, RJ45, Shielded Ethernet Cable provides universal connectivity for LAN network components such as PCs, computer servers, printers, routers, switch boxes, network media players, NAS, VoIP phones, PoE devices, and more
- Cat6a performance at a Cat 5e price but with higher bandwidth; SSTP/SFTP (Screened Foiled Twisted Pair) shielding can prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) and reduce crosstalk noise over the Cat 6a Ethernet cable
- A Category 6a Ethernet patch cable is also referred to as a Cat6a network cable, Cat6a cable, Cat6a Ethernet cable, or Cat 6a data/LAN cable. Future-proof your network for 10-Gigabit Ethernet (backwards compatible with any existing Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet); Meets or exceeds Category 6a performance in compliance with the TIA/EIA 568-C.2 standard
- The shielded connectors with gold-plated contacts and strain-relief boots provide durability, and ensure a secure connection; Bare copper conductors enhance cable performance and comply with specifications for communications cables
- Flexible and durable Cat6a cable with high bandwidth of up to 550 MHz guarantees high-speed data transfer for server applications, cloud computing, video surveillance, and online high-definition video streaming
- High Performance Cat6a, 26 AWG, RJ45, Shielded Ethernet Cable provides universal connectivity for LAN network components such as PCs, computer servers, printers, routers, switch boxes, network media players, NAS, VoIP phones, PoE devices, and more
- Cat6a performance at a Cat 5e price but with higher bandwidth; SSTP/SFTP (Screened Foiled Twisted Pair) shielding can prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) and reduce crosstalk noise over the Cat 6a Ethernet cable
- A Category 6a Ethernet patch cable is also referred to as a Cat6a network cable, Cat6a cable, Cat6a Ethernet cable, or Cat 6a data/LAN cable. Future-proof your network for 10-Gigabit Ethernet (backwards compatible with any existing Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet); Meets or exceeds Category 6a performance in compliance with the TIA/EIA 568-C.2 standard
- The shielded connectors with gold-plated contacts and strain-relief boots provide durability, and ensure a secure connection; Bare copper conductors enhance cable performance and comply with specifications for communications cables
- Flexible and durable Cat6a cable with high bandwidth of up to 550 MHz guarantees high-speed data transfer for server applications, cloud computing, video surveillance, and online high-definition video streaming
- 750MHz Data Transmission - With a bandwidth of 750MHz, this Cat 6A+ cable supports fast and efficient data transfer rates, ensuring smooth streaming, gaming, and high-speed internet access. Perfect for high-demand applications like video conferencing, cloud services, and large file transfers.
- 23 AWG Pure Copper Conductors - 23 AWG solid pure bare annealed copper for the strongest signal you can achieve in networking pure copper provides better conductivity and enhanced flexibility with an internal Spline to eliminate cross-talk providing exceptional transmission and performance with lowest possible signal loss.
- CMR (Riser-Rated) Flame-Retardant Grade - Our CAT 6A+ cable is designed with your safety in mind. It features a CMR/CL3R/FPLR (Riser-Rated) flame-retardant rating that provides peace of mind in case of fire. This type of cable is commonly used in commercial projects where enhanced fire safety requirements are needed, exceeding the basic fire safety rating of CM cables.
- Certified and Compliant with Industry Standards - Standard compliances and certifications - ANSI/TIA 568-2.D, Category 6A, NEC/CEC type CMR (UL1666) for riser, UL and/or ETL listed and RoHS compliant.
- Versatile Compatibility with Multiple Devices - Compatible with all your Ethernet-enabled devices, this Cat 6A+ Ethernet cable is perfect for routers, modems, computers, gaming consoles, and more. Whether you're setting up a home network or upgrading your office infrastructure, this cable delivers the performance and reliability you need for uninterrupted connectivity. No RJ45 connectors are on this cable.
![Cable Matters [UL Listed] 10Gbps in-Wall (CM) Rated 23AWG Bare Copper Shielded Cat 6A Cable - 500ft, Solid, S/STP, S/FTP Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable, Cat6a Ethernet Cord, Blue](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/511BY7ASCxL._SL160_.jpg)
- Shielded Cat6a Bulk Ethernet Cable: CM-rated solid shielded Cat 6A Shielded/Foil Twisted Pair (S/FTP) bulk cable is engineered for demanding or harsh environments with high bandwidth needs. Equip your network with this Cat6a cable bulk/ Cat6a ethernet cable 500ft for 10 Gigabit Ethernet, with backward compatibility to 10/100/1000 Ethernet in the home, office, data center, or warehouse.
- 23AWG Solid Copper Conductors: This Cat 6a Shielded Ethernet cable features heavy-duty 23 AWG bare copper conductors supporting enhanced 600MHz bandwidth capacity for high-speed computer networks, audio/video streaming, and security systems. This Cat6a network cable / Cat6a LAN cable supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications.
- 10 Gigabit Ethernet Performance: This Cat 6A ethernet cord delivers reliable 10 Gig ethernet performance with 600MHz bandwidth, providing extra headroom for high-bandwidth applications including UHD video, IP surveillance, cloud computing, and enterprise-grade networking.
- Superior Shielded Construction: Built with solid copper conductors and foil shielding around each twisted pair, plus a braided screen under the jacket, this Cat 6A cable delivers maximum EMI/RFI protection and reduces alien crosstalk (AXT) for dependable signal quality.
- UL Listed for Safety and Compliance: UL listed (E485863) Cat 6a Ethernet cable bulk meets or exceeds TIA/EIA 568-C.2 and complies with UL 444 specifications for communications cables. Compatible with shielded keystone jacks, patch panels, and modular plugs, this shielded Cat 6a bulk ethernet cable ensures professional-grade performance for residential or commercial installations.
- 40 Gbps 2000 Mhz High Speed: The Cat 8 Ethernet cable support max.40 Gbps data transfer and 2000 MHz Brandwith, ideal for gaming and streaming, greatly improving upload and download speed, sound, image and resolution quality
- Excellent Anti-interference: The Ethernet cable comes with 4 shielded foiled twisted pairs (F/FTP), pure copper core and gold-plated RJ45 connector, reducing interference, noise and crosstalk, making network speed faster and more stable
- Marvelous Durability: Internet cable wrapped with quality cotton braided cord, which makes the LAN cable stronger and more durable. The test proves that this internet cable can be bent at least 10000 times without broken, very suitable for long-term use
- PoE Supported: All lengths of ethernet cord can support the PoE power supply function except 65ft. You don't need additional power supply when installing a PoE camera, which is very convenient and safe
- Wide Compatibility: With the RJ45 Connector, network cable can be perfectly compatible with computers, laptops, modems, routers, PS5, X-Box and other networking devices. It can also be fully backward compatible with Cat7, Cat6e, Cat6, Cat5e, Cat5
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Cat 6A Cable
Cat 6A cable is the star player when you need lightning-fast internet speeds for your home or office network. It handles heavy data traffic like a champ. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best one? This guide breaks down what matters most.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping for Cat 6A, keep these important features in mind:
Speed and Bandwidth
- 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T): This is the main reason to buy Cat 6A. Ensure the cable explicitly supports 10 Gbps speeds.
- Frequency Rating: Good Cat 6A cables support up to 500 MHz. Higher MHz means better performance, especially over longer distances.
Shielding (Crucial for Performance)
Shielding stops outside noise (interference) from messing up your signal. This is vital for long runs or crowded cable areas.
- UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair): No extra foil or braid. It is flexible and cheaper. Good for short, quiet runs.
- F/UTP (Foiled/Unshielded Twisted Pair): Has a foil screen around all four pairs. Better noise resistance.
- S/FTP or F/FTP (Shielded/Foiled Twisted Pair): The gold standard. Each individual pair is wrapped in foil, and then there is an overall braid or foil shield. Use this in noisy environments like server rooms.
Jacket Rating
The outer plastic jacket protects the wires inside. The rating depends on where you install the cable.
- CM or CMR (Riser): Safe for running between floors in a non-plenum space.
- CMP (Plenum): Required for air-handling spaces above drop ceilings. This jacket resists fire better.
2. Important Materials
The quality of the metal inside the cable greatly affects how far and how fast the signal travels.
Conductor Material
- Pure Copper (Solid or Stranded): Always choose 100% copper conductors. Copper offers the best electrical conductivity and signal integrity.
- CCA (Copper Clad Aluminum): Avoid these! CCA cables are cheaper but use aluminum coated with copper. They do not carry signals as well and can be a fire hazard if used for Power over Ethernet (PoE).
Connectors
Look for connectors, usually RJ45 plugs, made of high-quality, gold-plated metal. Gold plating resists corrosion and ensures a solid connection over time.
3. Factors that Improve or Reduce Quality
The construction quality determines if the cable meets the Cat 6A standard.
Tighter Twists and Spline
Good Cat 6A cables use a plastic separator, often called a spline, running down the center. This spline keeps the four twisted pairs separated. This separation reduces crosstalk (signal bleeding between pairs), which dramatically improves performance at high speeds.
Cable Gauge (AWG)
Most Cat 6A uses 23 AWG (American Wire Gauge). Thicker wires (lower AWG number) usually mean better performance and better PoE handling. Do not buy thinner 24 AWG Cat 6A cable if you plan on running PoE.
Installation Practices
Even the best cable performs poorly if installed incorrectly. Do not bend the cable sharply (kinks reduce performance). Also, avoid running Cat 6A parallel and touching high-voltage electrical cables.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Cat 6A offers a noticeable upgrade in user experience, especially when upgrading older networks.
When to Choose Cat 6A
- Future-Proofing: If you are wiring a new office or house, Cat 6A supports 10 Gbps up to 100 meters. This gives you plenty of headroom for future devices.
- High-Bandwidth Devices: Ideal for connecting powerful network-attached storage (NAS) devices, high-end gaming PCs, or 4K/8K video editing workstations directly to your router or switch.
- Data Centers/Server Rooms: Use shielded Cat 6A in these environments to guarantee speed and reliability where interference is common.
For most home users, Cat 6A is overkill unless you are transferring massive files locally. However, if you want the fastest possible wired connection today, Cat 6A is the smart choice.
Cat 6A Cable Buying FAQs
Q: What is the maximum distance Cat 6A supports at 10 Gbps?
A: Cat 6A supports the full 10 Gigabit speeds up to 100 meters (about 328 feet).
Q: Can I use Cat 6A cable with my old Cat 5e router?
A: Yes. Cat 6A cables are backward compatible. They will work perfectly with older devices, but your speed will be limited by the slowest component in your network (your router or device).
Q: What is the main difference between Cat 6 and Cat 6A?
A: Cat 6A handles 10 Gbps speeds reliably up to 100 meters. Standard Cat 6 only guarantees 1 Gbps at that distance, although it can hit 10 Gbps over very short runs (under 55 meters).
Q: Why is shielding important for Cat 6A?
A: Shielding blocks Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) from things like power lines, motors, and fluorescent lights. This prevents signal degradation when running long cables or in electrically noisy areas.
Q: Should I buy solid core or stranded patch cables?
A: For permanent in-wall installations (runs inside walls), always use solid core cable. For short patch cables that move between devices, stranded core is better because it bends more easily.
Q: How do I know if the cable I bought is true Cat 6A?
A: Look for “Category 6A” or “CAT6A” printed clearly along the entire length of the cable jacket. Also, check the packaging for 500 MHz rating.
Q: Is Cat 6A necessary for Power over Ethernet (PoE)?
A: While Cat 5e and Cat 6 can handle basic PoE, Cat 6A (especially 23 AWG copper) handles newer, higher-power PoE standards (like PoE++) much better because the thicker wires generate less heat.
Q: What is crosstalk, and how does Cat 6A reduce it?
A: Crosstalk is when signals from one wire pair leak into another pair inside the cable. Cat 6A uses tighter twists and often a central spline to keep the pairs physically separated, which greatly reduces this interference.
Q: If I am using shielded cable, do my connectors also need to be shielded?
A: Yes. For shielding to work correctly, you must use shielded (metal-cased) RJ45 connectors and ensure the shield wire inside the cable makes contact with the metal casing of the connector.
Q: Are thicker Cat 6A cables harder to work with?
A: Yes, thicker cables (like 23 AWG) have larger diameters and stiffer conductors. This makes them harder to terminate onto connectors and slightly harder to bend around tight corners.