
Our computer systems are not only the big parts we see. There’s so much else going on with them. We have loads of different wires for loads of different connections. We have cables that connect the main monitor to the wall socket; we used to have cables that connected speakers to the CPU, cables that connected the keyboard and mouse to the monitor, and perhaps, most importantly, network ethernet cables that let us into the world of the interconnected web.
Some of these cables may have become old news, but network ethernet cables have stuck around. They give you a faster and stronger connection. You may think them clunky and tiresome to figure out, but they get the work done. There are a lot of different categories of these ethernet cables out there, starting from Cat1 all the way to Cat8. They serve different purposes, offer different speeds, and are progressively used as times and technologies roll by.
From these, let’s talk about the two most famous ones - famous because there is an invisible competition to see which one is better: Cat6 ethernet cable and Cat6A ethernet cable. Cat6A is an upgraded version of the Cat6 cable. But that doesn’t mean that Cat6 cables are not used. Both are used in equal measure and are valued at their respective places.
People deep in the tech world often hear whispered questions like “Is Cat6 not as good as Cat6A?” If they are basing these questions only on the performance of these cables, then yes - Cat6A is the better cable. In an ideal world, there are no disparities between these two cables. Reality is a whole other ballgame. We must analyze numerous factors to differentiate between Cat6A and Cat6. Given below are some of the key differences between the Cat cables.
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Ease of installation and cost
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Equipment necessities
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Prospective upgrade considerations
Let me tell you about how similar they are in the technical sense.
What is Cat6?
An Ethernet cable type used for networking is called Category 6 (Cat6). With improved performance and reduced interference, it is an improvement over Cat5e.
Cat6 cables can manage data rates of up to 10 Gbps over short distances and support gigabit Ethernet speeds. To lessen crosstalk, they feature better shielding and employ twisted pairs of copper wires.
Because of their dependability and effectiveness, these cables are frequently seen in contemporary networking configurations.
Common Use Cases
Small companies and household networks frequently employ Cat6 connections. They offer dependable connections for video conferences, gaming, and streaming. They are used for wired internet setups in small offices, guaranteeing reliable and quick data delivery.
In local networks, they are also utilized to link PCs, switches, and routers. They are a well-liked option for regular networking requirements because to their performance and price.
Performance Specifications
At a maximum distance of 100 meters, Cat6 cables can support speeds of up to 1 Gbps. Although limited up to 55 meters, they can also manage 10 Gbps rates. Better data transmission is made possible by the frequency rating of 250 MHz.
Their wire pairs are twisted more tightly, which lessens interference. They are, therefore perfect for settings with numerous network connections.
What is Cat6A?
An improved variant of Cat6 Ethernet cables is called Category 6A (Cat6A). The "A" represents "augmented," which denotes improved performance. 10 Gbps speeds are supported by Cat6A over a 100-meter range.
Its enhanced shielding preserves signal quality and lower interference. It is, therefore, a dependable choice for fast networking.
Common Use Cases
Data centers and enterprise networks frequently employ Cat6A. It is perfect for settings where low latency and large bandwidth are necessary. Enterprises utilize it for cloud apps, VoIP, and extensive networking.
Additionally, it enables cutting-edge systems like industrial automation and security cameras. Cat6A is a popular choice for enterprises looking to future-proof their networks.
Performance Specifications
Over 100 meters, 10 Gbps speeds are possible with Cat6A connections. Their 500 MHz frequency rating doubles that of Cat6. Additional shielding is incorporated into the cables to reduce interference and crosstalk.
In high-density networks, this guarantees consistent performance. These advancements have made Cat6A cables less flexible and thicker than Cat6.

Similarities of Cat 6 & 6A Cable:
Both cables are made with eight copper conductors that are twisted into four pairs. Both cables have jackets that are made for various installation needs.
Both cables are available in shielded and unshielded versions; you can learn the difference between Cat6A Shielded vs non-shielded.
Both cables support 10/100/1000 Mbps/s speed up to 328 feet.
Both cables have a spline, an internal plastic cross skeleton that keeps the pairs separated.
Both cables terminate to TIA 568A or B color code specifications.
Now, we get into the differences between the two cables.
Differences Between Cat 6 & 6A Cable
Let’s talk about maximum speed: the max speed of Cat6A is 500 MHz, which gives you 10 Gbp/s (gigabits per second) up to 328 feet, whereas that of Cat6 is half that, 250 MHz. As a result, it only provides support for 10 Gbp/s up to 165 feet under optimal conditions. Less so in heavy cross-talk environments.
Cat6A cables are made and closed to tighter resilience than Cat6. This is another way of saying that the copper conductors in Cat6A cables are twisted tighter than in Cat6 cables. This means Cat6A cables require higher specification wall jacks, patch panels, and RJ45 connectors.
The installation of Cat6A cables is difficult and expensive as they use thicker copper conductors and jackets.
Now, let’s dive deeper into the key differences between Cat6 and Cat6A cables.
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Ease of Installation and Cost
The installation of a Cat6A cable differs from that of a Cat6 cable. When you want to get more than 10 Gbp/s while installing a Cat6A cable, the extra cost is not just for the cabling. That increased cost is because of the need for higher-performance switches and added networking hardware. You cannot achieve faster speeds by changing just one piece of network infrastructure like a cable cannot be upgraded to the Cat6A specification. We can only get this if we upgrade the entire network infrastructure. If we look at it from a labor viewpoint, then the cost of installation is higher with a Cat6A cable than with a Cat6 cable. One reason for this could be that the Cat6A cables are heavier than the Cat6 and less flexible. You have to pay extra attention to detail so that it terminates properly. If you don’t have an in-house expert for installation, it is recommended that you contact a network cabling contractor.
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Equipment Necessities
What cable is required is dictated by the equipment already installed or will be installed. Barring some, all network equipment supports Ethernet data cable speeds up to 10 Mbp/s - 1 Gbp/s. Look around at your equipment. Does any of it support or even require 10 Gbp/s? Do you plan on upgrading the equipment to support higher speeds? If you think you require higher speeds, then consider getting Cat6A cables. However, most of the time, people don’t really require higher speeds. In these situations, Cat6A speed cables will not only cost more but also end up not benefiting you.
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Prospective Upgrade Considerations
There are two essential instances when installing a Cat6A cable over a Cat6 is preferable: You plan on moving to 10 Gbp/s speed, particularly if you have long runs, so up to a max distance supported by a Cat6A cable, 328 feet. You plan on installing the cable where it is cost-restrictive to re-run higher specifications even in the near future.
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Speed & Performance Comparison
The performance and speed of Cat6 and Cat6A cables are different. Whereas Cat6A boosts the bandwidth to 500 MHz, Cat6 functions at 250 MHz. This increased bandwidth increases the dependability of data transmission and lowers interference.
Only up to 55 meters may 10 Gbps speeds be achieved with Cat6, after which performance deteriorates. Cat6A, on the other hand, can sustain 10 Gbps rates for a hundred meters. Because of this, Cat6A is a better option for bigger networks that require reliable, fast connections.
In high-density settings, its enhanced shielding ensures cleaner signals by lowering crosstalk.
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Physical Differences: Size & Flexibility
Their design influences the flexibility and simplicity of the installation of Cat6 and Cat6A cables. Because of the extra shielding, Cat6A cables are thicker, which reduces interference but makes them more challenging to handle.
On the other hand, Cat6 cables are more flexible and thinner, which makes them simpler to install in confined areas. Networks in small offices or at home benefit from this flexibility. Because of its bulk, factors like conduit sizing and bend radius become crucial while installing Cat6A.
Whereas Cat6A necessitates more preparation, Cat6 is easier to handle in straightforward configurations. The size of the network and installation limitations will determine which option is best.
Points to Keep in Mind
Here, note that Cat6 speed cables support 10 Gbp/s. The only limitation is that Cat6 cables will only support it up to 165 feet, maximum. This is cut down to 110 feet if there is heavy cross-talk potential. Whatever the case, short high-speed runs are possible as long as the switches and servers support it. Oftentimes, this is enough to relieve any network congestion and keep the cost down. For any more information regarding networking cables, please contact us. SF Cable stocks all cables for your networking needs.