CAT6 vs CAT7 Ethernet Cables: Detailed Comparison

In today’s evolving world of the internet, the Ethernet cable is an important part. These cables can range from the older version of Cat5 to the more cutting-edge Cat8 cables. 

The most commonly used cables today are the Cat6 and Cat7. Both can be used in most households and offices providing great performance needed for everyday use.  Here we will go over each cable to help you better determine which one will be best for you.

What is CAT6?

Cat6 or Category 6 Ethernet cable was a major upgrade from the previous Cat5 cable. While the Cat6 still uses standardized four twisted pairs wiring, it adheres to stricter specifications to minimize interference and crosstalk.

Cat6 comes in shielded and unshielded versions. To solve the crosstalk issue Cat6 comes with a separator shaped like a "plus" (+). This spine separates the wires from "talking" to each other and interfering with the signal's performance.

What is Cat7?

Cat7 or Category 7 Ethernet cable has expanded on the performance of the Cat6 cables by adding individual shielding to each twisted pair of copper wires. This shielding further reduces crosstalk and noise. 

Cat6 vs Cat7 Comparison

When comparing Cat6 vs Cat7, you will find they have a lot of things in common, such as eight conductors twisted into four pairs and both use the T568A or T568B wiring standards when terminating.  But they do have some differences as well, such as speed, transmission frequency and cabling length.

CAT6 vs CAT7 Comparison chart

Transmission Frequency

As noted above, Cat6 cable offers transmission frequency of up to 250 MHz while Cat7 cable is rated for up to 600 MHz.  The higher frequency with Cat7 provides faster speeds than the Cat6.

Speed and Cabling Length

The Cat6 cable supports maximum cabling length of 100 meters (328 feet) with 1 Gbps and 55 meters (180 feet) with 10Gbps;  while Cat7 can support up to 100 meters with 10 Gbps. In other words, Cat7 generally has a higher performance than Cat6 cables.  Both Cat6 and Cat7 are rated to support 10GBASE-T. 

Shielding

Overall, Cat6 is sufficient for most modern networks within the Gigabit speed parameters and can be used for smaller networks.

The Cat7, however, has more superior shielding, that makes it a winner for the areas with a lot of electromagnetic interference,. 

The Cat7 shielding is made thicker and more durable than Cat6, but you will find that it is heavier and more difficult to install. This is because Cat7 is not as flexible when routing around corners, under carpets, or narrow gaps, and it’s heavier especially when transporting large quantities. 

Durability

When it comes to lifespan, the Cat7 outdoes the Cat6 because of the heavier copper and shielding.

For many installers, the Cat6 cable is sufficient for most networks and is less expensive.   The Cat7 cable on the other hand, is more expensive to install because of the added shielding, higher bandwidth and quicker speed. Professional installers typically go with the Cat7 cable at the higher prices because of its features, but if you are on a limited budget, then the Cat6 will be the best option for you. 

CAT6 or CAT7: Which Cable Should You Choose?

If you’re looking to set up a home network or need to upgrade a small office, then Cat6 cables will work just fine. They are easy to install, provide great performance over shorter distances and most of all they are affordable. 

Cat7 cables are typically applied to commercial applications such as data centers or other large networks, but can also be installed for home use. 

It’s important to note that Cat7 is not recognized by ANSI/TIA, this is why we suggest to use Cat6A for larger networks such as hospitals, governments and large enterprises.  With the Cat6A, you get similar quality and  performance. Learn more about the Difference Between Cat6 vs Cat6A Ethernet Cable.

Can I use CAT7 at home?

YES. Although this cabling system can accommodate high-speed data transmissions within data centers, no one is stopping you from future-proofing your home network.

Will CAT7 work with my router?

Yes. CAT7 Cable will work with any devices as long as its have RJ45 Ethernet port.

CAT6 or CAT7 Cable for Power over Ethernet (POE)

Both Cat6 and Cat7 cables are suitable for Power over Ethernet applications. However, the choice between Cat6 and Cat7 will depend on your specific network requirements and budget considerations. 

Cat6 cables are generally sufficient  and more cost-effective for standard PoE applications with moderate power requirements over short to medium distances, 

Cat7 cables, with their higher bandwidth and superior shielding, may be preferred for high-power PoE applications, such as those involving high-wattage devices or long-distance power delivery.

CAT6 or CAT7 Ethernet cable for Streaming

Choosing between Cat6 and Cat7 for streaming will depend on your specific requirements and budget. If you are on a tight budget and your streaming needs are basic, Cat6 should serve you well. If you want the added peace of mind provided by superior shielding and have the budget for it, you can opt for Cat7. In practical terms, for most users, the difference in streaming performance between Cat6 and Cat7 might not be noticeable.

CAT6 or CAT7 Ethernet cable for Gaming

Both Cat6 and Cat7 cables can provide low latency and reliable performance. Cat7 offers higher performance. This makes Category 7 cables the great choice for gaming. The choice between Cat6 and Cat7 depend on specific factors in your gaming setup. 

If you have specific requirements for high data transfer rates or are concerned about potential interference, you might consider Cat7 cables. Cat6 should provide excellent performance for standard gaming systems, and it is the more common and cost-effective choice for most users.