These categories of ethernet cables support high-speed data transmission: Cat 6 up to 1 Gbps and frequencies up to 250Mhz, whereas Cat 6a is suited for up to 10 Gbps and 500 MHz. In summary, Cat 6 cables are suitable for most general-purpose networking needs, while Cat 6a cables provide enhanced performance and are better suited for environments requiring high-speed data transmission and longer cable runs.