Cat6 runs 1 Gbps over 100 metres and is enough for most desks, phones and cameras. Cat6A runs 10 Gbps over the full 100 metres, so it is the better pick for Wi-Fi access points, switch links and new buildings.
The simple answer
If you are cabling desks, IP phones, printers and CCTV cameras, Cat6 is enough for almost every office. Cat6A is worth the extra cost on runs that may need 10 Gbps: Wi-Fi access points, links between switches, and buildings you do not want to re-cable in a few years.
Cat6 can do 10 Gbps too, but only on short runs, about 37 metres reliably.
The numbers
| Cat6 | Cat6A | |
|---|---|---|
| Bandwidth | 250 MHz | 500 MHz |
| 1 Gbps | Up to 100 m | Up to 100 m |
| 10 Gbps | About 37 m (up to 55 m) | Up to 100 m |
| Cable | Thinner, easier to pull | Thicker and stiffer |
| Good for | Desks, phones, printers, cameras | Access points, uplinks, long-life buildings |
When Cat6 is enough
If the run is under 100 metres and the device needs 1 Gbps or less, Cat6 does the job. That covers most computers, IP phones, printers, biometric machines and CCTV cameras.
When to pay for Cat6A
- Wi-Fi access points. Newer access points (Wi-Fi 6, 6E and 7) can need more than 1 Gbps. See our Wi-Fi 6, 6E and 7 guide.
- Switch and rack links that may move to 10 Gbps.
- New buildings where pulling new cable later would be a big disruption.
- High-power PoE devices, because the thicker cable handles heat better.
Why Cat6A costs more than the cable price
Cat6A costs more per metre, but the bigger difference is labour. It is thicker, needs a wider bend and takes more space in trays and racks, so it takes longer to pull and dress neatly.
The category on the box is also only half the story. A badly finished Cat6A link can perform worse than a well-installed Cat6 one. Clean termination, keeping runs under 100 metres, keeping data cable away from power, and testing every link are what make the speeds real.
What about Cat5e, Cat7 or fibre?
Cat5e still works for gigabit but cannot do 10 Gbps, so we would not use it for new cabling. Cat7 is not a common choice for offices. Fibre is for long runs and links between floors or buildings. Our network cable types guide covers all of these.
Last updated 4 November 2026