Cat 6 Ethernet Cable 500ft Spool - 10Gbps Ready, Blue

In this review the reviewer looks at a practical 500ft Cat 6 spool intended for anyone building custom patch cables or wiring a larger network. The bottom line: this UL listed, 24 AWG stranded Cat 6 cable is best for installers and advanced home users who want a reliable wired connection and room to cut custom lengths, because it supports up to 10-Gigabit Ethernet and includes a foot-marked jacket that simplifies installation. It is not a pre-terminated patch cable but a bulk spool for assembly and long runs.

Key Features

• 500ft bulk spool: Provides ample cable for multiple runs and custom-length patch cables without frequent reordering.
• 10-Gigabit Ethernet compatibility: The Cat 6 construction supports high-bandwidth networking while remaining backward compatible with Gigabit and Fast Ethernet.
• UL Listed and CM rated: Meets UL E178558 and CM jacket requirements for in-wall and general communications use where a CM rating is accepted.
• Bare copper, 24 AWG stranded conductors: Stranded copper improves flexibility for patch cord termination and repeated moves.
• Foot-marked jacket and dispenser frame: Easy-to-pull packaging with length markings makes managing remaining cable straightforward on job sites.
• Supports PoE variants: Works with PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ devices such as VoIP phones and IP cameras.

Who It's For

This spool is aimed at network technicians, installers, and DIYers who plan to crimp RJ45 ends or make custom patch leads. The combination of stranded 24 AWG and a long 500ft length is convenient for creating multiple jumpers or short runs inside racks and office cubicles.

It is not ideal for someone who needs ready-made patch cables out of the box or for specialized shielded runs; buyers who need pre-terminated cables or shielded Cat6A for longer 10Gbps links should look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• High bandwidth up to 550 MHz enabling robust data transfer and streaming for server and surveillance applications.
• UL Listed and meets Category 6 performance to TIA/EIA 568-C.2, offering assurance on conformance and quality.
• Flexible stranded conductors and an easy-pull dispenser make installation and repeated handling simpler.

Cons

• Stranded cable is less suitable for very long permanent in-wall runs where solid conductor cable is preferred.
• Sold as bulk cable only, so additional termination tools and connectors are required to make usable patch leads.

Specifications

Length	500 ft
Category	Cat 6 (Category 6)
Conductor	Bare copper, 24 AWG stranded
Shielding	UTP (unshielded)
Jacket rating	CM rated
UL Listing	UL Listed (E178558)
Bandwidth	Up to 550 MHz, supports 10-Gigabit Ethernet

Our Verdict

For installers and power users who need a flexible, long Cat 6 spool for custom patch cables and short runs, this 500ft UL listed cable is a practical value. It delivers the performance expected of Category 6 with bare copper conductors and 10Gbps readiness, though anyone needing solid-core in-wall cabling or pre-terminated leads should choose a different product.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this cable support 10-Gigabit Ethernet?
Yes. The Cat 6 construction and specified bandwidth support 10-Gigabit Ethernet while remaining backward compatible with Gigabit and Fast Ethernet.

Is this cable suitable for PoE devices?
Yes. The cable supports Power over Ethernet, including PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ for devices like IP cameras and VoIP phones.

Is the spool ready to use as patch cables?
No. This is bulk stranded cable on a dispenser spool; you will need RJ45 plugs and crimping/termination tools to make patch leads.