Cable Matters
Cable Matters 10Gbps 5-Pack Snagless Shielded Cat 6A Cable
Bottom line: The Cable Matters 10Gbps 5-Pack Snagless Shielded Cat 6A Cable ($11.99 on Amazon as of 2026-10-06): Full 10-Gigabit Ethernet support at 550MHz bandwidth, not just Gigabit; main trade-off: 3ft length only suits rack jumpers and desk-side runs, not wall drops.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Full 10-Gigabit Ethernet support at 550MHz bandwidth, not just Gigabit
- ✓ S/FTP double shielding blocks EMI from PSUs and dense cable bundles
- ✓ 26 AWG bare copper conductors, not copper-clad aluminum
- ✓ Snagless boots keep latches from catching in packed patch panels
- ✓ Handles PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ for IP cameras and access points
Cons
- ✗ 3ft length only suits rack jumpers and desk-side runs, not wall drops
- ✗ Shielded S/FTP needs grounded shielded jacks to actually drain EMI
- ✗ Thicker and stiffer than unshielded Cat6, so tight bends are harder
- ✗ 26 AWG is thinner than 23 AWG, limiting long PoE++ power runs
Manufacturer description
The Cable Matters Cat 6A cable 5-pack gives you five 3ft shielded patch cords for the short runs that clutter a rack or a desk-side switch. Each cord uses 26 AWG bare copper conductors in an S/FTP (screened foil twisted pair) construction, so the foil-and-braid shielding blocks EMI and crosstalk from power bricks, PSUs, and adjacent bundles in a dense patch panel. Rated to 550MHz bandwidth and full 10-Gigabit Ethernet, this Cat6a cable meets TIA/EIA 568-C.2 Category 6a performance and stays backward compatible with your existing Gigabit and Fast Ethernet gear, so you can drop it in ahead of…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored Cable Matters 10Gbps 5-Pack Snagless Shielded Cat 6A Cable using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the retro networking cards category. Cable Matters's retro networking cards lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for retro networking cards of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these work with my regular Gigabit router?
Yes. Cat6a is backward compatible with Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet, so these cords work with existing 1GbE routers and switches and are ready when you move to 10GbE.
How many cables do you get and how long are they?
Five cables per pack, each 3 feet long. That length suits switch-to-patch-panel jumpers, NAS-to-switch runs, and desk-side connections rather than in-wall drops.
Do these support Power over Ethernet for IP cameras?
Yes. The listing states support for PoE, PoE+, and PoE++, covering IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points on compatible switches or injectors.
Is the shielding real, and do I need shielded ports to use it?
It is S/FTP (screened foil twisted pair) with shielded, gold-plated RJ45 connectors. Shielding drains best into grounded shielded jacks, but the cables still function in standard unshielded ports.
Are these actually copper or copper-clad aluminum?
The specification lists 26 AWG bare copper conductors, which meet communication cable specs. Cable Matters rates the cable to TIA/EIA 568-C.2 Category 6a performance at 550MHz.
Key Features
- High-Performance Connectivity: This Cat6a Ethernet cable delivers reliable 10-Gigabit network performance with 26 AWG copper conductors and RJ45 shielded connectors. It provides universal connectivity for LAN network components including PCs, servers, printers, routers, switches, NAS devices, VoIP phones, PoE devices, and more.
- Advanced Cat6a Technology: Experience Cat6a performance with higher bandwidth and improved shielding compared to standard Cat6 cables. The SSTP/SFTP (Screened Foil Twisted Pair) design helps prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI) and reduce crosstalk noise for stable, reliable data transmission over the Cat 6a Ethernet cable.
- 10Gb Ethernet Performance: Also known as a Cat6a network cable, Cat6a cable, Cat6a Ethernet cable, or Cat 6a data/LAN cable, this Category 6a Ethernet patch cable supports 10-Gigabit Ethernet and provides higher bandwidth and improved performance than Cat6 for demanding network applications. It is backward compatible with Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet networks and meets or exceeds Category 6a performance standards according to TIA/EIA 568-C.2.
- Durable and Secure Design: Shielded connectors with gold-plated contacts and strain-relief boots provide enhanced durability and a secure connection. Bare copper conductors improve cable performance and comply with communication cable specifications for reliable network installations.
- High-Bandwidth Data Transfer with PoE Support: With up to 550 MHz bandwidth, this Cat6a cable supports demanding applications including server networks, cloud computing, video surveillance, and HD video streaming. Supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), PoE+, and PoE++ for powering compatible devices such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points.
Full Specifications
| Brand | Cable Matters |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Gauge | 26 |
| Model | 160012-BLK-3x5 |
| Frequency | 550 MHz |
| Cable Type | Cat 6A |
| Item Shape | Round |
| Model Name | Cat6a Snagless Network Patch Cable |
| Unit Count | 5 Count |
| Item Length | 3 feet |
| Part Number | 160012-BLK-3x5 |
| Connectivity | Wireless |
| Connector Type | RJ45 |
| Number of Pins | 8 |
| Outer Material | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| Connection Type | Wireless |
| Maximum Current | 6 A |
| Number of Items | 5 |
| Special Feature | 10Gbps |
| Connector Gender | Male-to-Male |
| Full listing title | Cable Matters 10Gbps 5-Pack Snagless Shielded Cat 6A Cable, 3ft, Black | S/FTP Shielded, 26 AWG Bare Copper, 550MHz Bandwidth, Gold-Plated RJ45, Cat 6A Cable, Ethernet Cord |
Ready to buy?
Cable Matters 10Gbps 5-Pack Snagless Shielded Cat 6A Cable, 3ft, Black | S/FTP Shielded, 26 AWG Bare Copper, 550MHz Bandwidth, Gold-Plated RJ45, Cat 6A Cable, Ethernet Cord is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-06. Price and availability subject to change.
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