Cat6 Outdoor Shielded Ethernet Cable 500ft - UV Resistant, 23AWG

In this review of the Cat6 Outdoor Shielded Ethernet Cable 500ft, the bottom line is simple: it is aimed at installers and DIYers who need a durable, high-performance run for above-ground network or PoE devices. The reviewer found the cable's biggest selling point to be the combination of solid bare copper conductors and an overall aluminum foil shield, which together deliver reliable signal strength and lowered interference for 1 and 5 Gigabit links and workable 10 Gigabit runs at shorter distances. The pre-spooled 500 ft reel also saves time on longer jobs.

Key Features

• 23 AWG Solid Copper: Solid bare copper conductors provide better conductivity and long-term reliability compared with copper clad alternatives for clearer signals.
• Overall AL Foil Shield: The shield helps eliminate cross-talk and reduces electromagnetic interference for more stable network performance in noisy environments.
• High Bandwidth: Bandwidth tested up to 550 MHz, making it suitable for gigabit networking and short 10 Gigabit runs depending on installation conditions.
• PoE Capable: Supports PoE/PoE+/PoE++ (IEEE 802.3af/at/bt) 4PPoE up to 100W, useful for powering cameras, access points, and other devices without separate power lines.
• Outdoor Rated Jacket: UV resistant jacket stands up to sunlight, snow and ice for above-ground installations without direct burial.
• Pre-spooled Reel: The 500 ft tangle-free reel allows faster pulls and less time managing bulk cable on site.

Who It's For

This cable is best for professional installers, network technicians, and serious DIYers who need reliable outdoor runs for network switches, PoE cameras, access points, and similar equipment. The shielded construction and pure copper conductors make it a good choice where electrical noise or long runs could compromise performance.

It is not intended for direct burial installations or for shoppers who only need short indoor patching cables; someone who requires in-ground cabling or a thinner indoor patch cord should look for products specifically rated for burial or indoor patch use.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Solid bare copper gives dependable conductivity and better long-term signal quality.
• Shielding reduces EMI and cross-talk, improving reliability in electrically noisy areas.
• Supports PoE++ 4PPoE up to 100W, simplifying power delivery to remote devices.
• Convenient 500 ft pre-spooled reel makes long pulls and job planning easier.

Cons

• Not rated for direct burial, so additional conduit or burial-grade cable is required for in-ground runs.
• Some users may find shielded Cat6 slightly stiffer and harder to terminate than unshielded cables.

Specifications

Conductor	23 AWG solid bare copper
Pairs / Conductors	4 pairs (8 conductors)
Shielding	Overall aluminum (AL) foil shield (F/UTP)
Length	500 ft (152 m) pre-spooled reel
Bandwidth	Tested up to 550 MHz
PoE Support	PoE/PoE+/PoE++ (IEEE 802.3af/at/bt) 4PPoE up to 100W
Outdoor Rating	UV resistant jacket, CMX rated, not for direct burial

Our Verdict

For above-ground outdoor network installs that need dependable signals and the option to deliver up to 100W over Ethernet, this shielded Cat6 on a 500 ft reel is a practical choice. Its combination of solid copper conductors, shielding, and UV resistant jacket makes it good value for contractors and advanced DIYers who need durability and consistent performance, as long as direct burial is not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cable safe for outdoor use?
Yes, the jacket is UV resistant and suitable for above-ground outdoor installations but it is not rated for direct burial.

Can it handle PoE to power devices?
Yes, it supports PoE/PoE+/PoE++ including 4PPoE up to 100W for powering cameras and access points.

Will it support 10 Gigabit Ethernet?
It can support 10 Gigabit speeds at shorter distances (about 165 ft depending on installation), with 1 and 5 Gigabit supported to longer runs up to standard Cat6 limits.