Home

 › 

Vs.

 › 

Cat6 vs. Cat7: Full Comparison

Cable, Network Server, Network Connection Plug, Telecommunications Equipment, Connection

Cat6 vs. Cat7: Full Comparison

Cat6 and Cat7 cables are two types of ethernet cables that are used to connect electronic devices to the internet or to each other. The Cat6 cable is the most commonly used type of ethernet cable, and it can support speeds of up to 10Gbps over 55 meters (or 1Gbps over 100m). It is less expensive than Cat7 cables and is suitable for most small to medium-sized networks. On the other hand, Cat7 cables are designed to support higher bandwidths of up to 10Gbps over 100 meters and are shielded to provide better protection against interference. They are more expensive, thicker, and more difficult to install than Cat6 cables but are ideal for larger networks with high demands for speed and bandwidth.

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

Cat6 vs Cat7
Cat6 cables are the standard for most homes and small businesses, offering a relatively inexpensive and efficient solution for fast internet speeds.
  • 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.

Cat 6 cable
Cat6 cables are relatively thin, making them easy to install and move, and they are compatible with a wide range of devices.

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.

Colorful network cables connected to a switch
Cat7 cables are designed for more demanding applications.

Up Next…

Still not convinced? Keep reading to find out more about connecting devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cat6 Ethernet Cable?

A Cat6 patch cable is used for ethernet connections and can support speeds up to 10 Gbps. These cables have a maximum frequency rating of 250 MHz. They can be used in a home or business setting for gaming, lte, and a number of other network applications.

What is a Cat7 Ethernet Cable?

A Cat7 patch cable that is used for ethernet connections and can support speeds up to 10 Gbps. These cables have a maximum signal frequency rate of 600 MHz. They can be used in a home or business setting for gaming, lte, and a number of other network applications.

Is Cat6 or Cat7 Better?

Cat7 ethernet cables are better cables because they have a higher frequency rating and better overall construction. They also do a better job of eliminating crosstalk and interference.

What is the difference between cat6, Cat7, and Cat8?

The differences between these patch cables come down to their speed, frequency, and design quality. Cat6 cables can transmit up to 10 Gbps. They have a frequency rating of up to 250 MHz. Cat6 cables have a maximum length of 100 meters. Cat7 cables can also transmit up to 10 Gbps. These cables have a frequency rating of 600 MHz. They also require wire shielding to eliminate crosstalk and noise. Cat7 patch cables have a maximum length of 100 meters. Cat8 ethernet cables are much shorter and have a maximum length of 30 meters. They can transmit speeds up to 40 Gbps. Cat8 patch cables have a frequency rating of 2GHz. They also require shielding to eliminate crosstalk and noise.

To top