CAT6A Ethernet Cables
368 products
CAT6A ethernet cables for 10 Gigabit networking, all shielded (S/FTP, U/FTP or F/FTP) with full copper conductors, including LSZH snagless leads and slim 30 AWG leads. Available in a wide range of colours and lengths from 0.15m to 50m.
About our CAT6A patch cables
CAT6A supports 10 Gigabit ethernet (10GBASE-T) over the full 100m channel, making it the right choice for server rooms, data centres, NAS drives, 10 Gigabit switches and the latest Wi-Fi access points. It is fully backwards compatible with CAT6 and CAT5e equipment, so it is also a good way to future-proof a new installation.
Our CAT6A cables are shielded to protect against interference and crosstalk from neighbouring cables, which matters in busy patch panels at 10 Gigabit speeds. The snagless boots protect the locking clip when cables are pulled through racks, and the LSZH jacket suits offices and data centres. Use the colours to identify servers, uplinks and storage at a glance. Compare cable categories in our ethernet cable buying guide.
Which CAT6A lead for which job?
| Job | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Dense patching between a patch panel and a 10 gigabit switch | Slim 30 AWG leads, which take far less space in cable managers |
| General patching, servers and NAS storage | Standard 26 AWG leads |
| Long runs, and high power PoE to access points and PTZ cameras | 24 AWG leads, or a solid core CAT6A installation with short patch leads at each end |
Multi-gigabit and the latest Wi-Fi
Many Wi-Fi 6E and Wi-Fi 7 access points and newer switches use 2.5 or 5 gigabit ports. These speeds also run over good CAT5e and CAT6, but CAT6A is the cabling that carries 10 gigabit over the full distance, and its larger conductors and shielding handle the heat from bundles of PoE leads better. For a new installation it is the category that will not need replacing when the equipment is upgraded.
Shielding, done properly
Our CAT6A leads are shielded. The screen is most effective when the whole link is shielded: shielded patch panels, keystones and sockets, with the cabinet earthed in the normal way. A shielded lead plugged into unshielded equipment still works; it simply behaves like an unshielded lead at that end.
Handling CAT6A
CAT6A is thicker and stiffer than CAT6, so leave a little more room in cable managers and avoid tight bends close to the plug. Slim 30 AWG leads are the answer where space is short. For runs from 15m upwards see our long Ethernet cables, and for cabinet patching our short Ethernet cables.