Cat 6 Gigabit to 10G Ethernet cable with oxygen-free copper core in 305 metre length

This Category 6 network cable provides the physical backbone for high-speed data networks, supporting transfer rates from standard Gigabit (1000MB/s) up to 10 Gigabit per second. Its construction uses oxygen-free copper conductors, which offer lower electrical resistance compared to standard copper, helping to maintain signal strength over the full 305 metre reel. Available in both blue and grey colour options, this unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable is designed for installations where custom lengths are required, from office server rooms to extensive home network setups. It meets relevant national standards for Cat 6 and 6A performance, ensuring compatibility with modern networking equipment.

Features and Construction

This cable is defined by its core materials and available specifications, which determine its electrical performance and suitability for different installation environments. The focus is on providing a range of conductor options within the Cat 6 performance standard.

Material and Build

The primary construction uses oxygen-free copper (OFC) for the cable's core conductors. Oxygen-free copper has a higher purity than standard electrical copper, which reduces oxidation and offers slightly better conductivity. This can result in less signal attenuation over long cable runs, which is particularly relevant when using the full 305 metre length. As an alternative, a copper-clad aluminium (CCA) core is also offered; this uses an aluminium core with a copper coating and is typically more flexible and lighter, though with different electrical properties.

Size and Practical Fit

The cable is supplied on a single 305 metre bulk reel. This length is standard for professional installations, allowing an installer to cut multiple custom-length cables from one spool with minimal waste. The available conductor sizes are 0.52mm, 0.57mm, and 0.58mm American Wire Gauge (AWG) equivalents for the oxygen-free copper versions. Thicker conductors (like 0.58mm) generally offer lower resistance, which can be beneficial for pushing the maximum rated distance for 10GB/s speeds. The unshielded design keeps the cable flexible and easier to route through tight spaces compared to shielded counterparts.

Uses and Placement

This cable's specifications make it suited to a variety of wired networking scenarios, from commercial deployments to more demanding residential applications. The choice between oxygen-free copper and copper-clad aluminium core may influence its best use case.

Event or Professional Use

For professional IT installers or network engineers, the 305 metre bulk length eliminates the need for joining multiple shorter cables. It is ideal for wiring new office buildings, data centres, or educational facilities where long, continuous runs are needed between patch panels and wall outlets. The availability of two colours (blue and grey) aids in cable management and system documentation, allowing for different network segments or purposes to be visually identified. The oxygen-free copper core versions are particularly suited to environments where maximum signal integrity over distance is a priority, such as for backbone connections between switches.

Everyday Home Use

For advanced home users building a high-speed network, this cable can be used to wire a house for Ethernet, connecting a router in a cupboard to multiple rooms for gaming PCs, network-attached storage (NAS), or 4K media streaming. The ability to cut custom lengths means you can have exact, neat runs without excess cable coiled behind equipment. The Gigabit to 10GB/s speed support future-proofs the installation for next-generation internet services and local network transfers. The unshielded design is typically sufficient for residential environments, which generally have less electrical interference than industrial settings.

Benefits and Buying Value

The value of this product lies in its combination of performance-grade materials, flexible bulk packaging, and adherence to established standards. It provides a reliable physical layer for networks where performance and customisation are key considerations.

Reuse and Low Maintenance

As a solid-core cable (indicated by the oxygen-free copper construction), it is designed for permanent or semi-permanent installation within walls, conduits, or under floors. Once installed and terminated correctly, it requires no maintenance and offers a durable, long-term networking solution. The bulk 305 metre format reduces packaging waste compared to buying many individual pre-made cables, and any leftover cable can be stored on the reel for future small repairs or extensions.

Why Choose This Product

This cable offers a clear choice for anyone needing to install a wired network with specific length requirements. The availability of different core materials (oxygen-free copper and copper-clad aluminium) and conductor sizes (0.52mm to 0.58mm) allows you to select a specification that balances performance, flexibility, and budget for your project. Its compliance with national standards for Cat 6/6A provides assurance of its performance claims. For installations where signal quality over distance is critical, the oxygen-free copper core versions present a tangible technical advantage.