CAT6A Ethernet Cables

Networking cabling is the circulatory system that fuels the lifeblood of your data. And for a number of years, CAT6A cabling has been emerging as the new standard for internet connection, across both business and home applications. 

It’s no surprise, really. CAT6A cable has proven itself through superior performance since its debut.  CAT6A cables offer up to 10 times the speed of the prior CAT6 cables – and given how important speed is on the modern IT landscape, your cable matters.  

In fact, CAT6A cable can support speeds of up to 10Gbs. CAT6A ethernet cable is also designed to operate at 500MHz, whereas a standard CAT6 cable runs at only 250MHz. 

Additionally, patch cables are also available in a variety of different colours, in order to simplify the network cabling process.  

Here at 4Cabling, we have a huge offering of the best Cat6A ethernet cable on the market. We stock products from the leading Cat6A cable manufacturers, in a near-endless selection of lengths, colours and pack numbers. 

Our range includes standard CAT6A S/FTP and CAT6A Thin S/FTP cables. CAT6A Patch Leads are available in 16 sizes from 0.25m to 50m. Additionally, both our CAT6A Cable and Patch Leads are suitable for Shielded or UTP sites, thanks to their PVC jacket. 

We also stock a wide range of other ethernet cable options and cable rolls. So, if you’re unsure what you need for your cabling requirements, make sure you get in touch with our team. 4Cabling is here to answer any questions you have!

Both CAT6 and CAT6A are flat ethernet cables designed to provide data transference. But beneath their PVC jacket, they function a bit differently. 

CAT6A cables are tested to a higher tolerance than CAT6 – which in layman’s terms, means that the main difference between them is down to how they process speed. 

CAT6A cabling is designed with high-speed internet in mind, and is capable of handling speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second at up to 100 metres. That’s considerably faster than a lot of providers even currently offer – but it is something to keep in mind for long-term infrastructure. 

This is something that needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis. Unquestionably, CAT6A cable offers better performance. But it’s not necessarily a cut-and-dried issue, either. 

The installation costs for CAT6A can be significantly higher. This is because the size of the cables is different – you can’t necessarily switch and replace. Significant remodelling may be required to keep them in-place and out of sight.  Additionally, internet speed isn’t solely down to the type of cable you use. Other factors should be considered, like the speed of your wi-fi router, interference, the capability of your devices, network switches and more. 

However, there are definitely situations where it’s warranted. Some of these would include: 

• You’re looking at ways to futureproof your internet connections  
• If you’re using an ageing cabling system like CAT5E cable
• You’re already looking at substantial remodelling and installation overheads to install CAT6.

There are a few factors to consider before using CAT6A cabling for your home network. The obvious advantage is futureproofing. Even if you don’t have a super-high-speed connection at the moment, you may simply be thinking ahead for future use. 

It can also be an effective solution if you’re a regular online gamer or need to monitor a range of home security devices. Data transfer speed can be critical in these circumstances. 

With that said, CAT6A is notably bulkier than CAT6 ethernet cable. This is less of a problem in office settings where a certain degree of exposed cabling may be acceptable. But it may not align with the aesthetic you’re trying to create in your home, or require significant remodelling to conceal it within the walls. 

If you do upgrade, a CATt6A cable made of 100% copper and twisted pairs should also be used to prevent interference from other devices and appliances in the home.  

Cat6a (Category 6 augmented) is an enhanced version of the Cat6 Ethernet cable that offers superior performance and reduced interference compared to Cat6 cables. The primary benefits of using Cat6a cables over Cat6 include:

• Increased Data Rate: Cat6a cables can support data transfer speeds up to 10 Gbps, while Cat6 cables are limited to 1 Gbps for up to 100 meters or 10 Gbps for shorter distances (up to 55 meters). This makes Cat6a ideal for high-speed applications and heavy data transfers.
• Enhanced Bandwidth: Cat6a cables have a higher bandwidth of 500 MHz, compared to the 250 MHz bandwidth of Cat6 cables. This allows for better signal quality and higher data transmission efficiency.
• Improved Alien Crosstalk (AXT) Performance: Cat6a cables have better shielding, which reduces alien crosstalk, a form of interference that can degrade signal quality. The improved AXT performance in Cat6a cables ensures higher data integrity and reliability, especially in high-density network installations.

Cat6a Ethernet cables provide higher data transfer speeds, increased bandwidth, and improved alien crosstalk performance compared to Cat6 cables, making them an ideal choice for demanding networking applications and future-proofing your network infrastructure.