Key Points:
- The main difference is speed rating and frequency.
- Cat7 can transmit data faster.
- Cat6 can support speeds up to 10 Gbps at 250MHz, while Cat7 can support speeds up to 10 Gbps at 600 MHz.
Cat6 vs Cat7: The Key Differences Explained
Ethernet cables are divided into many different types. Two of the common types of patch cables that have been developed lately are Cat6 and Cat7. The main difference between the two connectors is their overall frequency and speed ratings. If you are trying to decide which ethernet cable is right for your gaming, lte, or network system, continue reading the table we have created for you below.
Cat6 vs Cat7 Side by Side Comparison
| Cat6 | Cat7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Use | Ethernet and network communication | Ethernet and network communication |
| Max Frequency | 250 MHz | 600 MHz |
| Max Speed | 10 Gbps | 10 Gbps |
| Backward Com | Cat5, Cat5e | Cat6, Cat5, Cat5e |
| Termination Connector | RJ45 | Rj45, GG45, TERA |
| Max Length | 100 meters | 100 meters |
| Year Introduced | 2002 | 2002 |
Cat6 vs Cat7: Must Know Facts
- The main difference between Cat6 and Cat7 ethernet cables is their speed and frequency. Cat7 patch cables transmit data faster.
- Cat6 patch cables are designed with four pairs of copper-type wire.
- Cat7 ethernet cables are designed with twisted pairs of wires that are screen or foil shields to eliminate crosstalk and minimize noise.
- Cat7 patch cables were advanced for their time and never recognized by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). They were primarily used in Europe and not North America.
Cat6 Patch Cable
A Cat6 ethernet cable is designed to support ethernet connection speeds of up to 10Gbps. It has a maximum frequency of 250 MHz and a maximum length of 100 meters. The performance will steadily decrease as you surpass this distance and will get worse as it goes. Cat6 patch cables are constructed with RJ-45 connectors and four pairs of pure copper wires. These cables can be used for gaming, lte, and a wide variety of network systems. Cat6 patch cables are backward compatible with Cat5 and Cat5e.
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Cat7 Ethernet Cable
A Cat7 patch cable can support speeds up to 10 Gbps at a frequency of 600 MHz. These cables are designed with fully shielded wires to eliminate crosstalk and minimize noise. This technology can improve speed over longer cable distances. Cat7 cables can also be used for gaming, lte, and other networking systems. These cables are compatible with prior versions such as Cat5, Cat5e, and Cat6.
Up Next…
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