Cat6A Cable: The 10G Horizontal Standard
Quick answer / TL;DR: Short answer: choose Cat6A for 10G to 100 m and match every component to it: jacks, panels and cords. Decide unshielded or shielded before ordering, because the panel and bonding follow. Expect 7 to 8 mm diameter and a bend radius around 25 mm, and certify each link with a Class EA tester.
One category, three axes: shielding, conductor and jacket create the SKU.Cat6A is specified to 500 MHz and supports 10G over the full 100 m channel. It is the current default for new horizontal cabling where 10G is the target.
The cost is a thicker cable, more conduit space and more termination time.
Specifications
| Parameter | Cat6A | Note |
|---|
| Bandwidth | 500 MHz | Class EA |
| 10G distance | 100 m | Channel |
| Diameter | 7 to 8 mm | Conduit impact |
| Shielding | Optional | U/UTP to S/FTP |
The diameter is the practical constraint in retrofit work, where existing conduit may not accept the same count as Cat5e.
Installation Rules
- Check conduit fill before ordering
- Maintain bend radius
- Terminate with the matching category
- Bond shields where used
- Certify every link
Certifying every link is what converts a purchase into a documented asset.
Real-World Applications
A new office build expecting 10G to the desk uses Cat6A throughout, including cords, and keeps the test reports. 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
Order patch cords with the cable. Mixing categories is the most common way a Cat6A design becomes a Cat6 link.
Related reading: cat6a wire — blogs/news/cat6a-wire
Related reading: cat6a cables — blogs/news/cat6a-cables
Related reading: cat6a shielded cable — blogs/news/cat6a-shielded-cable
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Cat6A do 10G to 100 m?
Yes, as a certified channel.
Is it always shielded?
No. U/UTP Cat6A exists.
Why is it thicker?
Heavier conductors and pair separation.
Do cords need to match?
Yes, or the channel drops.
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.
