A 2.5m CAT6A Ethernet patch lead rated to 500MHz, good for 10GBASE-T across a full 100 metre channel. That makes it a sensible choice for 10G switch uplinks, NAS boxes and multi-gig Wi-Fi access points.
The cable uses a separate foil screen on each pair (U/FTP), which keeps crosstalk between the pairs very low. Screened leads work best when the switch ports and patch panel are screened as well. The sheath is LSZH, meaning it produces little smoke and no halogen gases in a fire; many commercial and public buildings ask for it. At 30 AWG the cable is much thinner than a standard lead, freeing up space and airflow in crowded cabinets. Slim leads are designed for patching, so keep them to the shorter lengths used inside cabinets and at desks. The RJ45 latch is protected by snagless boots, which stop it hooking on other cables or breaking.
It supports Power over Ethernet up to IEEE 802.3bt (PoE++), so one cable powers and connects IP cameras, wireless access points and desk phones.
Use it where the equipment is a few metres apart, such as a router in the hall and a computer in the next room. Choosing red leads for one job (cameras, phones or uplinks, say) makes faults quicker to trace later.
Specification
- Cable category: CAT6A
- Length: 2.5m
- Colour: Red
- Screening: U/FTP
- Conductor size: 30 AWG
- Sheath: LSZH
- Boots: Snagless
- Plugs: RJ45 to RJ45
- Power over Ethernet: Up to 802.3bt (PoE++)
- Bandwidth: 500MHz