Outdoor Ethernet cables are designed to withstand Kenya’s tough climate — from hot sun and heavy rains to dust and underground conditions. Whether you’re installing CCTV cameras, extending WiFi outdoors, or linking buildings, choosing the right outdoor cable ensures long-lasting and stable connectivity. This guide will help you choose the best weatherproof and direct burial  Ethernet LAN cables in Kenya for long-lasting performance.

Cat6 Outdoor vs Cat6A Outdoor

Feature	Cat6 Outdoor Cable	Cat6a Outdoor Cable
Maximum Speed	Up to 1 Gbps	Up to 10 Gbps
Maximum 10Gbps Distance	Approximately 55 meters	Full 100 meters
Bandwidth Frequency	250 MHz	500 MHz
Shielding	Standard shielding	Enhanced shielding
Cable Thickness	Thinner, more flexible	Thicker, requires more space
Cost	More affordable	Higher cost, premium performance
Ideal Applications	Residential, small business	Enterprise, large networks

Cat6 outdoor cables deliver reliable network speeds of up to 1Gbps with 250MHz bandwidth, making them ideal for residential and small business use. They are well-suited for extending networks to outbuildings, powering outdoor surveillance systems, and ensuring stable connectivity for offices and homes up to 100 meters.

Cat6A outdoor cables deliver superior performance with 10Gbps speeds over the full 100 meters and a frequency bandwidth of 500MHz. They are the preferred choice for enterprises, data centers, and organizations seeking future-proof network infrastructure.

Cat6 outdoor is cost-effective for most installations, while Cat6A outdoor is the smarter choice for high-performance or long-term projects.

Shielded vs Unshielded Outdoor Cables

Shielded (FTP/STP): Equipped with foil or braid to block electromagnetic interference. Best for industrial areas, near power lines, or high-interference zones.

Unshielded (UTP): Simpler and more affordable. Works well for most residential and small business setups with minimal interference.

For general CCTV or WiFi use, unshielded Cat6 outdoor cables are ideal. For factories, schools, or critical networks, shielded Cat6A outdoor cables offer added protection.

Pure Copper vs CCA Conductors

Pure Copper: Offers superior conductivity, durability, and full support for Power over Ethernet (PoE). Perfect for powering CCTV cameras and outdoor WiFi.

CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminum): Cheaper but less reliable, prone to overheating and poor PoE support. Not recommended for professional networks.

Always select pure copper outdoor Ethernet cables for safe, long-lasting installations.

Indoor vs Outdoor Cables

Indoor Cables: Designed for protected environments. They degrade quickly outdoors due to UV, moisture, and temperature changes.

Outdoor Cables: Made with UV-resistant and waterproof jackets for durability in outdoor or underground conditions.

Use indoor cables only inside buildings. For any exposed or buried runs, outdoor-rated cables are the only reliable choice.

Direct Burial vs Conduit Installation

Direct Burial Cables: Built with rugged, UV and waterproof jackets that allow them to be buried underground without extra protection. Best for permanent, long-distance runs.

Conduit-Protected Cables: Installed inside conduits for easier maintenance and upgrades. Suitable for compounds, schools, and business campuses.

Choose direct burial cables for permanent underground runs. Use conduit installation when flexibility is needed.

For outdoor installations with moderate bandwidth needs and budget constraints, Cat6 cabling offers reliable and economical connectivity. However, if planning for future scalability, higher speeds, and longer cable runs, Cat6A outdoor cables provide superior performance, enhanced shielding, and long-term value. Selecting the right cable now ensures your network infrastructure remains robust and ready for evolving technology demands.