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Over the years, Ethernet technology has evolved significantly, with Cat 7 and Cat 8 cables representing the latest iterations. They are both designed to offer high-speed connectivity over wired networks and can carry large amounts of data over long distances. However, there are some differences between the two cable types worth noting.
In this article, we will expound on how Cat 7 and Cat 8 cables differ, what they are, as well as their pros and cons. So, which one should you choose? Let’s jump right in and find out!
Cat 7 vs. Cat 8 Cables: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cat 7 | Cat 8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Max Transmission Speed | 10 Gbps for 100 meters 40 Gbps up to 10 meters | 40 Gbps in 30 meters 25 Gbps in 100 meters |
| Max Distance | 100 meters | 30 meters |
| Frequency | 600 MHz | 2,000 MHz |
| PoE Compatibility? | Yes | Yes |
| Connectors | 4 | 2 |
| Termination Connector | Non-RJ45 (GG45) | Class 1: RJ45 Class 2: GG45 |
| Lifespan | Up to 15 years | Up to 15 years |
| TIA/EIA Recognition? | No | Yes |
- 25 ft. long
- High speed 10Gbps 600MHz
- Shielded Ethernet cord
- LAN cable with RJ45
- Weatherproof flat internet network patch cord
- Compatible with PS5/4/3, Xbox, modem, and routers
- 15 ft long
- Heavy duty, braided Nylon cable
- Up to 40Gbps speed at 2000 Mhz
- Shielded cable reduces interference
- Backward-compatible with previous versions of Ethernet cables
Cat 7 vs. Cat 8 Cables: What’s the Difference?
The initial idea of Ethernet connection was based on computers communicating. Integrating this concept with the application of the internet a few decades later, business and personal networks blew up leading to most home and workplace internet solutions.
Even if your system purely runs on a Wi-Fi connection, Ethernet connections are crucial for running diagnostics and establishing stable networks without any latency or connectivity-related issues.
To get a clear view of this, let’s break down some key differences between Cat 7 and Cat 8 cables so you can make an informed choice.
Cost
Cat 8 cables tend to be slightly more expensive than Cat 7 cables. It’s not unexpected that Cat 8 cables come with a higher price tag, as they offer unique features that differentiate them from earlier Ethernet cables. Both new generations are notably pricier than their previous versions, which include Cat 6a, Cat 6, and Cat 5e.
Connection Type
Cat 7 cables often have a non-RJ45 (GG45) connection type and come with four pairs of twisted wires. In contrast, you will find Cat 8 cables with RJ45 or GG45 connectors. Also, Cat 8 cables have two classes, Class I and Class II, using RJ45 connectors and non-RJ45 connectors, respectively, and both use channels with 2-connectors only.
Regardless of which Cat 8 cable you opt for, it’s compatible with earlier devices, allowing you to use it without encountering any issues.
Speed and Frequency
Cat 8 cables have a faster download speed of up to 40 Gbps for a max distance of 30 meters, while Cat 7 offers a speed of 40 Gbps for a distance of up to 10 meters.
When it comes to frequency, we have a clear winner. Cat 8 cables work at a higher frequency of 2000MHz, or 2GHZ. On the other hand, Cat 7 cables operate at 600MHz, enabling them to reach a data transfer rate of up to 10 Gbps, even at a distance range of 100m.
In contrast to Cat 7, Cat 8 cables have a high frequency since they offer high-speed data transfer rates of up to 25Gbps/40Gbps, though the distance is limited to 30 meters.
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Crosstalk
Both Cat 7 and Cat 8 cables minimize crosstalk reasonably well. Crosstalk refers to interference caused by other wires that result in slow data transfer. Shielding all twisted cable pairs within the main jacket reduces all forms of crosstalk and promotes a more stable connection. On average, the shielding of these cables results in a reduction of up to 15 dB in alien crosstalk.
TIA/EIA Recognition
Cat 8 cables are recognized by both Telecommunication Industry Association (TIA) and the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), whereas Cat 7 cables don’t meet these standards. However, this doesn’t mean Cat 7 cables are inferior; they merely don’t comply with the standards and regulations data centers and large networks adhere to. This implies TIA/EIA recognition does not apply to your home network.
Cat 7 vs. Cat 8 Cables: Pros and Cons
Cat 7
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compatible with previous generations | Higher cost |
| Improved noise resistance due to shielding | Unrecognized by TIA |
| Advanced transfer rates in contrast to previous cable generations | It works similarly to the Cat 6a system |
| Higher speed capacity than previous generations | |
| 100-meter transfer range |
Cat 8
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Power Over Ethernet compatibility | Used for only short distances |
| High transfer speeds of up to 40 Gbps at 30m and 25 Gbps at 100m | Bulky and difficult to install |
| Durable | Most expensive |
| Operating at a higher frequency than Cat 7 | |
| Compatible with previous generations |
Cat 7 vs. Cat 8 Cables: 7 Must-Know Facts
- Cat 8 supports 40 Gbps for a distance of up to 30 meters, while Cat 7 maxes out at 40 Gbps for 10 meters.
- Cat 8 outdoes Cat 7 in nearly every way, except that Cat 7 is slightly cheaper and not as thick. Cat 7 cable is suitable for a home network.
- Both Cat 7 and Cat 8 cables have protective shielding to eliminate noise interference resulting in high frequency for good-quality transmissions.
- Cat 8 ethernet cable is the latest cable standard, as officially stated by TIA (Communications Industry Association). Its exceptional speed, durability, reliability, and minimal signal-to-noise performance make it one of the top-quality cable money can buy.
- Cat 8 cables are much faster than all previous ethernet cable generations and operate at a frequency of 2000MHz, or 2GHz, whereas the Cat 7 cables operate at a frequency of 600MHz.
- Cat 7 cables often have a non-RJ45 (GG45) connection type and come with four pairs of twisted wires, whereas Cat 8 cables come with RJ45 or GG45 connectors.
- Both Cat 7 and Cat 8 are compatible with their previous generations.
- 25 ft. long
- High speed 10Gbps 600MHz
- Shielded Ethernet cord
- LAN cable with RJ45
- Weatherproof flat internet network patch cord
- Compatible with PS5/4/3, Xbox, modem, and routers
- 15 ft long
- Heavy duty, braided Nylon cable
- Up to 40Gbps speed at 2000 Mhz
- Shielded cable reduces interference
- Backward-compatible with previous versions of Ethernet cables
Cat 7 vs. Cat 8 Cables: Which One is Better?
Each cable has its specific use under the right situation. For Ethernet or network connections that are less than 30 meters, CAT 8 is always the better option thanks to its 2000MHz (2GHz) bandwidth and 40 Gbps data transfer rate. If you need a cable purposely for data centers or any nearby network that handles substantial traffic, CAT 8 cable is your go-to ethernet cable.
On the other hand, for connections that exceed 30 meters and require twisted pair shielding for video/music editing and conference calls, CAT 7 is a better choice. It can still deliver 10 Gbps operating at 600MHz, giving users the capacity to make the most out of the gigabyte internet package or the business broadband deal.
Ultimately, the best Ethernet cable depends on your personal needs and preferences. Both category 8 and 7 cables can deliver in their unique ways and should easily meet your needs.
