 Can cat 6a run gigabit ethernet? Cat 6a cabling is similar to cat 5e and cat 6 in that it is capable of 1 gig ethernet. This is for a 90 meters connection, again the same as cat 5e and cat 6 up to 90 meters for a permanent link. All structured cabling for copper links design is based on a permanent link of 90 meters and an allowance for 10 meters of patch leads in total. Therefore, for gigabit ethernet, cat 6a cable has no advantages over cat 5e and cat 6. Can I use cat 6a for 10 gigabit ethernet? Cat 6a is the cable of choice for any 10 gigabit ethernet installation. Cat 5e is not suitable for 10 gigabit and standard cat 6 is only capable at 55 meters. As all design should be based around 90 meters links, cat 6a cable is the minimum expected cable for 10 gigabit ethernet situations.