Cat6A Network Cable: What 500 MHz Buys
Quick answer / TL;DR: Short answer: specify Cat6A when 10G must reach 100 m, and match connectors, panels and cords to the same category. Expect a diameter around 7 to 8 mm and a bend radius that needs 25 mm or more. Decide shielded or unshielded before ordering, because the panel and bonding follow that choice.
One category, three axes: shielding, conductor and jacket create the SKU.Cat6A is the horizontal cabling standard for 10G to the full 100 m channel. It achieves that with tighter crosstalk control and, usually, a larger diameter.
The cable is only half the system: connectors, panels and installation practice decide the certified result.
What It Delivers
| Parameter | Cat6A | Note |
|---|
| Bandwidth | 500 MHz | Tested to the class |
| 10G distance | 100 m | Channel limit |
| Diameter | 7 to 8 mm | More conduit space |
| Shielding | Optional | U/UTP or F/UTP / S/FTP |
The diameter difference is why a Cat5e conduit may not accept Cat6A at the same fill ratio.
Certification Checks
- Panel and jacks of the same category
- Cords of the same category
- Bend radius maintained
- Test with a Class EA tester
- Record results per link
Recording per-link results is what turns a certificate into a maintenance tool.
Real-World Applications
A new office expecting 10G to the desk uses Cat6A throughout, including cords, and certifies every link. A 1G office build uses Cat6 and saves the difference.
Standards and Verification
| Reference | Relevance |
|---|
| TIA-568.2-D | Category 6A |
| ISO/IEC 11801 | Class EA |
| IEEE 802.3an | 10GBASE-T |
Certification results for a specific installation are not provided in the knowledge base. Test the links.
References
- TIA-568.2-D, Balanced Twisted-Pair Cabling
- ISO/IEC 11801-1, Generic cabling
- IEEE 802.3an, 10GBASE-T
Practical Notes
Check conduit fill before ordering Cat6A. Re-pulling because the bundle will not fit is expensive.
Related reading: ethernet cable — blogs/news/ethernet-cable
Related reading: network cable — blogs/news/network-cable
Related reading: cat6a cables — blogs/news/cat6a-cables
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cat6A do 10G to 100 m?
Yes, as a certified channel.
Is it thicker?
Yes, about 7 to 8 mm.
Do cords need to match?
Yes, or the channel drops to the lower category.
Sourcing cables for a project, a store, or a private-label line? Contact our B2B sales team for specifications, certification evidence, and volume terms – FOB and CIF options available. Request a quote or sample.
