Cat6 Ethernet Crossover Cable 85FT (25.9M) - Reliable Long Reach

In this review the reviewer tested the RiteAV 85FT Cat6 Ethernet Crossover Cable to see if it delivers reliable long-distance wired connections for home networking and simple device-to-device links. The bottom line: this cable is for anyone who needs a long, visible, and reliable Cat6 crossover link between two network devices without switching or reconfiguring ports; the single biggest reason to buy is its full 85 ft length and straightforward RJ45 male-to-male crossover wiring that removes the need for additional adapters.

Key Features

• 85 ft length: provides ample reach for running a direct link across rooms, basements, or equipment racks without relying on Wi-Fi.
• Cat6 specification: supports higher performance than older cable categories, useful for stable gigabit and low-latency connections over long runs.
• RJ45 male to RJ45 male: plugs directly into standard Ethernet ports on switches, routers, and compatible devices for a quick physical connection.
• Crossover wiring: designed to connect two networked devices directly without a hub or switch when crossover functionality is required.
• High-visibility yellow: bright color makes the cable easy to route, identify, and avoid when running through shared spaces or network closets.

Who It's For

This cable is well suited for tinkerers, small office users, or home networkers who need a long direct run between two devices such as connecting a computer to another computer, certain LAN gaming set-ups, or legacy equipment that expects crossover wiring. The long 85 ft length means it can bridge floors or reach distant workspaces without additional patching.

Those who should look elsewhere include users who want a shielded or outdoor-rated cable, or who require modern auto-MDI/MDIX switching to negate crossover-specific wiring; for most modern switches and NICs, a standard straight-through Cat6 patch cable is often sufficient.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Long 85 ft length offers flexibility when placing devices far apart.
• Cat6 construction provides a capable backbone for stable gigabit connections.
• RJ45 male-to-male connectors make the cable plug-and-play with common ports.
• Yellow color helps keep cable runs visible and organized.

Cons

• Not intended for outdoor or harsh-environment use since no weatherproofing is specified.
• Cross-over wiring is less necessary on modern equipment that supports auto-MDI/MDIX.

Specifications

Brand	RiteAV
Length	85 ft (25.9M)
Type	Cat6 Ethernet Crossover Cable
Connector 1	RJ45 male
Connector 2	RJ45 male
Color	Yellow

Our Verdict

The RiteAV 85FT Cat6 crossover cable is a straightforward, practical choice when you need a long, visible cable to link two devices directly without intermediary switching. It offers good value for home and small office scenarios where an 85 ft run and Cat6 performance matter, though users needing outdoor durability or automatic crossover handling should consider alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this cable support gigabit speeds?
Yes, as a Cat6 cable it is suitable for gigabit Ethernet over the cable length when used with compatible devices.

Is this cable suitable for outdoor use?
No, the product description does not indicate outdoor or weatherproof ratings, so indoor use is recommended.

Do modern devices need crossover cables?
Many modern switches and NICs support auto-MDI/MDIX, making crossover-specific wiring less necessary, but this cable is useful for direct device-to-device links or legacy equipment.