Here we can see, “cat6 vs cat7”
Have you ever heard of Cat6 and Cat7? Well, if you’re not a technician or a network administrator, you’d probably have confusion or don’t know what these terms mean. to chop to the chase, Cat6 and Cat7 are coaxial cable types. However, if you’re curious to understand how Cat6 cables and Cat7 are different and their applications, compare Cat6 vs. Cat7, then read along.
You’ll find a quick description of Cat6 and Cat7, pros and cons, and a comparison table during this article. So, let’s begin.
What is Cat 6 (Category 6)?
Cat6 or category 6 is a coaxial cable type used mostly at homes or offices for enabling a network connection. Category 6, because the name suggests, is the 6th gen cable, defined by the EIA and TIA. Such cables are compatible with the CAT 5e and CAT 5 cables in a backward manner.
The Cat6 wiring supports data transfer rates of up to 10GB/s and a maximum frequency of about 250Mhz. Cat6 cables are tightly bound and have two or more twists every cm. However, the amount of twists varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.
The Cat6 cables accompany thicker sheaths as compared to its previous generation. While they will be used for a distance of up to 100m when used for 1000BASE-T Ethernet, the length of Cat6 cable drops to around 37m – 55m when used for 10GBASE-T Ethernet.
Because of the thickness of the sheath, the Cat6 wires are protected against Alien Crosstalk and Near-End Crosstalk.
Pros & Cons of Cat 6
Let’s now move towards the pros and cons of Cat6 cables.
Pros:
- Cost-effective to shop for and install
- Cat6 cables offer better insulation
- Meets most household requirements
- Recognition from EIA and TIA
- Compatible backward with the last two generations
Cons:
- Installation is hard
- Cat6 cables cannot manage multiple applications
- Life span is brief
- Cat6 cables have fewer bandwidths as compared to the Cat7
How fast is Cat 6?
The Cat6 cables offer a knowledge transfer rate of 1 Gigabit/second up to 100m. However, this speed may be a theoretical value. the important value is going to be less due to several collisions, interruptions, or transient failures. But if the conditions are optimal, you’ll achieve speeds of about 900Mbps for a quick period.
The Cat6 cables can easily manage up to 10Gigabit connections within a limited distance (up to 55m). one Cat6 cable can allow one 10Gigabit connection over a 180 feet distance.
What Connectors do CAT 6 Cables use?
The Cat6 cables use Registered Jack 45 (RJ-45) connectors, which are also employed by the Ethernet cables’ previous-gen. The RJ45 plugs accompany eight pins where each wire of the cat6 cable connects electrically. Ideally, each wire strand is inserted at about 1 millimeter apart with the assistance of a crimping tool.
In the (RJ-45) plug, the plug means the male end of this connection. and therefore, the jack means the feminine end where the male end or plug is inserted.
What is Cat 7 (Category 7)?
Cat7 cables are the higher versions of Cat6. As a result, cat7 cables offer better bandwidth and speed when it involves data transmission. That’s the rationale why Cat7 cables are expensive as compared to Cat6. But if you think about the performance and advantages, the worth you pay is worthwhile.
The Cat7 cables can easily reach speeds of up to 100GBs/second during a range of up to fifteen meters. Now, if you’re within this range, the Cat7 is often easily connected with the newest routers and modems then to your devices.
Similar to the Cat6 Ethernet cables, the Cat7 cables also are shielded. It’s done to get rid of any noise and helps enhance the standard of the connection.
Pros and Cons of Cat 7
Find the pros and cons of Cat7 cables below: –
Pros:
- The noise and crosstalk is minimum during this case
- It’s great for contemporary homes
- Cat7 cables have a far better lifespan
- Cat7 offer backward compatibility
- Offer better speed
- It offers better bandwidth
Cons:
- Suited for offices and professional spaces.
- The initial cost and installation are costly
- The Cat7 has no recognition from TIA/EIA
- Cat7 wires are hard to put in
How fast is Cat 7?
The Cat7 cables can support speeds of up to 10GBps. However, the laboratory testing proved that you could achieve up to 40GBs/second over a distance of fifty meters, and in extreme cases, you’ll touch 100GBs/second.
It said that the “Class F,” which is that the newer version of cabling, can support better frequencies of up to 600Mhz. However, Cat7 being a more modern variant is yet not approved by TIA/IEA for telecommunications. So, you’ve got to consider it before using it.
What Connectors do CAT 7 Cables use?
There’s no use of the RJ-45 connectors within the case of Cat7 cables. The Cat7 cables make use of the modified GigaGate 45 (GG45) Connector.
Comparison Table of Cat6 Vs. Cat7
Let’s compare Cat6 and Cat7 employing a comparison table: –
| Category 6 / cat6 | Category 7 / cat7 | |
|---|---|---|
| Applicable for Phone | YES | NO |
| Applicable for Office Network | YES | NO |
| Applcable for Home Network | YES | NO |
| Applicable for Data Center | NO | YES |
| Recognition from TIA/EIA | YES | NO |
| Networks Supported | 1000BASE-TX | 10GBASE |
| Bandwidth | 250 MHZ | 600MHZ |
| Transmission Speed | 1 Gbps | 10 Gbps |
| Shielding | unshielded or shielded | Shielded |
| Transmission Distance | 37-55 meters or less | up to 100 meters |
| Impedance | 100 ohms = 15% | 100 ohms = 15% |
| NEXT (Min. @ 100 MHZ) | 44.3 dB | 62.1 dB |
| EL-FEXT (Min. @ 100 MHZ) | 27.8 dB | NA |
| PS-ELFEXT (Min. @ 100 MHZ) | 24.8 dB | NA |
| PS-NEXT (Min. @ 100 MHZ) | 42.3 dB | 59.1 dB |
| PS-ANEXT (Min. @ 500 MHz) | —- | —- |
| PS-AELFEXT (Min. @ 500 MHz) | 20.1 dB | 14.1 dB |
| Return Loss (Min. @ 100 MHz) | 20.1 dB | 14.1 dB |
| Delay Skew (Max. per 100m) | 45 ns | 20 ns |
| Attenuation (Min. @100 MHZ) | 19.8 dB | 20.8 dB |
| Crosstalk/Noise | More | Less |
| Cost | High | High |
Why are the Copper wires in Cat6 & Cat7 twisted?
The copper wires within the Cat7 and Cat6 cables are twisted so on reduce interference. When the interference decreases, the crosstalk decreases & the range increases, which helps improve the connection speed and quality. It’s the rationale that cables with more turns are better in terms of eliminating noise and crosstalk.
Is Cat7 the fastest Ethernet cable?
No. There’s another version referred to as Cat8. The Cat8 cables have better shielding, which protects their conductors from EMI or electromagnetic interference. The Cat8 cables can reach speeds of up to 40GBs/second and frequencies of up to 2Ghz.
What Ethernet Cable Should I Use?
Whichever coaxial cable meets your requirements, the simplest is what you ought to choose. However, as per the experts, if you’re buying a coaxial cable for your home, you should choose Cat6 cables. This is because it can easily manage your basic downloads and even online gaming needs. So, if you’ve got an honest internet connection at your home, the Cat6 cables won’t allow you to down.
If you’ve got professional requirements, such as running multiple applications, Cat6 cables might limit you. And during this situation, you ought to choose Cat7 cables. The Cat7 cables can prove more reliable because they support multiple connections without causing many errors or crosstalk.
Conclusion
By now, you’d have known what Cat7 and Cat6 cables are and what they’re used for. Of course, these Ethernet cables have their advantages and drawbacks but still serve the aim pretty much. And if you’re unable to make a decision, you’ll ask the above paragraph. We hope this text will clear all of your questions regarding Cat7 and Cat6 cables.
User Questions:
1.Can I use Cat 6 rather than Cat7?
Compatibility. Both CAT6 and CAT7 are backward compatible cables. This suggests that they’re going to work with CAT4 better, so upgrading to either system doesn’t mean needing to upgrade equipment.
2.What is CAT 7 cable used for?
A Category 7 cable, more commonly referred to as a CAT 7 or Cat-7 cable, is employed for the cabling infrastructure of Gigabit Ethernet. A CAT 7 cable offers a performance of up to 600MHz. So put, a CAT 7 cable is what we recommend you employ when wiring your smart home!
3.Can I use a Cat 7 coaxial cable for ps4?
The DanYee Cat 7 coaxial cable is that the perfect coaxial cable for your PlayStation 4. While the category doesn’t make an enormous difference, the braided cord means it’s durable, and it should last you the lifetime of your console.
4.Cat6 vs. Cat7
5.Cat 6, Cat6A, or Cat7?
