The differences between CAT6 and CAT7

With the increasing speed of the advancement in technology, stable internet speed is also crucial. This is because the world has shifted towards digital platforms. A slight disruption on the internet can lose you a million-dollar deal.

The internet speed is proportional to the type of cables you use. Ethernet cables are also called the internet’s plumbing. The quantity of bandwidth and specs you need determine the sort of ethernet cables you need for your home.

Yet, deciding on a cable can be difficult because there are so many possibilities. The best cables that carry your data at high speed are Cat6 Ethernet cables and Cat7 Ethernet cables .

They are two of the most frequent types offered by your internet service provider. These connections can provide you with series bandwidth speeds, which means you’ll get performance that exceeds what you’re used to.

Let’s dig into the difference without any further due.

Difference Between Cat6 and Cat7 Cables

There are numerous factors that are the basis for the difference between cat6 and cat7 wires.

These differences are as under.

Technology

Cat7 Ethernet cables use screen shielded twisted pairs or SSTP.  This is a newer technology than Cat6. This unique type of cabling wrapping eliminates foreign crosstalk and enhances noise resistance. This feature allows you to travel at faster and more consistent speeds over longer distances.

Frequency

Cat 7 cables deliver a 10Gbps connection at a frequency of 600MHz. It is also backwards compatible. Cat6 cables transmits data on the frequency of 250MHz.

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Life span

These cables also have varying lifespans. Cat6 cabling has over 20-year average lifespan. The cat7 has a longer lifespan due to the heavier copper utilized and the amount of insulation. It has over 25-year average lifespan.

Cat7 network cables is a fantastic choice if you have a new home or want to upgrade. It provides you with a longer service as well as faster speeds.

Shielding

When it comes to household data, the shielding of each twisted pair utilized in Cat7 cables makes a huge impact. It is the single biggest improvement from Cat6 cables. It reduces crosstalk and allows you to achieve a higher standard transmission speed across your home.

Although the new technology may be more expensive, the difference in bandwidth will be visible clearly.

Performance

Cat6 is the best option for a home with a slow internet connection. Cat6 works well with a standard internet connection and provides adequate download and gaming speeds. As a result, if you’re a gamer who needs enough internet to download and play games, the cat6 is excellent enough.

A cat 7 will be an ideal choice if your home has a smart camera, smart doorbell, and all other smart home applications.

With cat7 ethernet cables, you’ll have fewer mistakes and crosstalk.

Specs

It is crucial to think about the characteristics of a network cable before purchasing one for your home or company.

The specs of cat 7 cable are superior to cat6 cable when it comes to crosstalk and system noise.

Installation

When you need to send more data, you’ll need thicker wires. It is difficult to install heavier cables.

In Cat6 cables, the conductors are more tightly coiled and the wires have shields to prevent crosstalk. During the installation, you must carefully cut the wires. You will also need modular connectors for installation.

Installers charge premium charges because Cat7 cables are thicker, more expensive, and more complex to install.

Run Distance

According to TIA specifications, the maximum distance to run cable for the majority of category cables is 328 feet or 100m. So the recommended channel length for Cat6 and Cat7 cables should be 100 metres or 328 feet.

Connectors

The type of connector required is determined by the installation. An RJ45 or keystone jack will be used the majority of the time.

When it comes to Cat6 cable, which can be shielded or unshielded, all you have to do is match the shielding types on the cable and the connector.

A whole protected channel is required for Cat7 cable, which is only available in shielded variants to accommodate higher frequencies.

RJ45s, keystone jacks, and patch panels must all be insulated for best performance.

Things to remember

Despite all the differences, you must keep one thing in mind. Before you buy a network cable, be sure it complies with the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). Standards for cabling and performance are set by the Telecommunications Industry Association and the Electronic Industries Alliance.

Please make sure that each cable you use meets the standards of the industries.

Final Talk

Choosing between Cat6 and Cat7 cables is a difficult task.

If you’re on a restricted budget, then cat6 may be a better option than cat7.

Cat7 wins in terms of performance. It has flexible cabling, which saves you money on future rewiring costs.

Due to the large copper cross-section, it also provides higher power and lower voltage drop. It has a larger copper cross-section than prior models.

The cat 7 network cable is also double insulated, making it ideal for new construction.