CAT6 Ethernet Cables

CAT6 cables are needed for fast Gigabit Ethernet standards. Most cable installations require CAT6 RJ45 patch cables, an RJ45 plug and CAT6 patch leads. 4Cabling has numerous colours, sizes and customisations that can be used for even the most advanced networks.

CAT6 RJ45-RJ45 data cables include standard blue. However, 4Cabling stock a variety of colours for more customised installations that will simplify your cable management. Colours include white, grey, black, purple, pink, red, orange, yellow and green. CAT6 cable lengths in stock include.15, .25, .5, .75, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 30 and 50 metres. We also offer customised lengths and a choice of colour.

If you have a specific product in mind that you are unable to find on our online store, 4Cabling can manufacture custom lengths as well. Please give us a 3 or 4 days lead-time for your order. Most in-stock orders ship within the same day.

Browse our extensive CAT6 patch cable products online and if you have any questions, please visit our contact us page and one of our customer service team will be in touch with you shortly.

CAT6 Ethernet cables are a network cabling infrastructure that supports Ethernet connection. As an Ethernet cable, CAT6 wiring directly connects from either a modem, router or other network equipment to your device, providing it access to the LAN (local area network).

CAT6 Ethernet cables are made up of four twisted pairs of pure copper wire, and are used for connecting to computer networks that reach at least a GB, 100Mbps or 1 Gbps of data transfer speed. To function properly, CAT6 patch leads must be used with the CAT6 wiring.

They are similar to CAT5 cables in their design. However, as they are a newer piece of technology, CAT6 cables ultimately provide more functionality than older CAT5 and CAT5E cables.

As they offer enhanced performance, CAT6 Ethernet cables are increasingly becoming more common and are now often considered the standard for new installations. In order to meet relevant standards, CAT6 Ethernet cables must be properly installed and terminated in a way that ensures the cables meet a bend radius that is over four times larger than the cable’s outer diameter. 

CAT6 Ethernet cables are also compatible with older CAT5 and CAT5E networks. 

Unlike CAT5 and CAT5E cables, CAT6 cables have a bandwidth capacity of 250MHz and can provide speeds up to 10Gbps. CAT6 cables can also reach a maximum of 100 metres in length. Additionally, CAT6 cables are suitable for 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T), while CAT5 cables will only support up to 1000BASE-T.

In terms of physical differences, CAT6 cables are heavier and visibly thicker than CAT5 cables. The fact that the cable conductors and cable sheath of CAT6 cables are thicker means that the cable is less susceptible to signal interference, further reducing crosstalk. CAT6 cables are also identifiable by the printing that appears on the side of the cable sheath. 

CAT6A cables provide improved performance when compared to CAT6 cables, while still remaining compatible with CAT6 cables.

The main advantages that CAT6A cables hold over CAT6 cables are: 

1. CAT6A cables can operate at up to 500MHz
2.  CAT6A cables have more cable twists when compared to CAT6 cables. Having higher bandwidth increases the susceptibility of cross-talk, these extra twists help to reduce the crosstalk

The answer depends on the specific use of the CAT6 cable. When used for Ethernet, a CAT6 cable can run up to 55 metres and 100 metres without losing performance. 

For Gigabit Ethernet, a CAT6 cable can run up to 100 metres. Meanwhile, 10 Gigabit Ethernet can run up to 55 metres over a CAT6 cable.

Have any more questions about CAT6 cables or unsure what kind of cable you need? Contact our team to speak with an expert who can provide you with more information into the cabling solutions that’s best for your needs.