Elecom FLAT CAT6 gigabit ethernet cable, 3m for 99p plus P+P @ Partmaster (also 10% off voucher code)

5m sold out, 3m still available

Found this in preparation to update my network to a gigabit LAN as my network cables are either equipment pack-ins or refugees from the computer bin o' bits.

What's it for?
Wiring a gigabit LAN

Wait what?
A gigabit Local Area Network allows faster data transfer on the network than a standard LAN, eg to copy or stream files from one computer to another.

Why cat6?
Although cat5 will work on a gigabit LAN upgrading to cable rated at cat6 will help ensure your gigabit LAN connects at its highest rates. Old & damaged cat5 can connect at slower rates, reducing throughput. Besides, at this price, why not? It's cheaper than cat5.

Will this make my (standard) cat5 LAN run faster?
No but it will work as usual as cat6 is backwards compatible to cat5 LANs. Plus your cables will be black, everything looks better in black.

Do I need a crossover cable? Probably not, all gigabit ethernet kit is auto-sensing, and most standard LAN since approx '04 is too). All you need are 'straight' ethernet cables, like these.

However if you use a cat5 crossover, PC to non-autosensing PC connection (most PCs since 04 are autosensing) this cable will not work. (chances are if you have this sort of configuration you already know this.

This is the more expensive flat cabling that can hide under carpets or behind false skirtings. Even if its out in the open it 'handles' better than cat5, I swear getting a cat in a bath is easier than getting cat5 to lie flush...Black too, slightly less offensive & unobtrusive than beige or grey.

0.99p for 3m of flat cat6 doesn't seem bad, it was £2.49 rrp. Last I checked 3m of lower speed standard 'chunky' cat5 was more than that.

Delivery is on a sliding scale:
£2.98 for 1 -5 items
£3.98 for 6 or 7
£4.98 for 8 or more (I got 11 items for £4.98)

Use (old but still working) voucher code rcm2 for 10% off at checkout also. (In case your voucher doesn't work: make sure the site has the 'currys partmaster' logo at the top left. I started on a generic blue logo'd partmaster page but it changed at some point through after hunting for codes, it should work regardless, but just so you know.

The site does warn of limited stocks, obviously a clearout, so be quick...