As Cat 9 and 10 will surely come along, it's worth wondering what the next generation of wired connectivity will look like. Many homes already get blazing internet speeds via Fiber to the Home (FTTH), but the current technology limits them to copper Ethernet cables to then connect to the router, access points and other networking accessories. The next step could be to extend fiber's reach to inside the home with the ability to carry thousands of times more data than copper wires can today. Cat 6 cables are unshielded by design but are built to more robust standards than previous generations of unshielded Ethernet cables. The specification mandates they be made with pure copper wires, rather than copper-clad aluminum. This makes them better protected against crosstalk and noise from the other internal wires within their own twisted pairs. That makes Cat 6 cables better suited than older designs for busier networks and office environments, but still not as strong as fully shielded cables with foil and braided protection against electromagnetic interference. These cables have a nylon braid on the outside to better protect the casing and help prevent damage caused by frequent flexing or other causes. Ethernet cable colors

If all of your links are in a data centre environment and under 30 metres, then it may pay to futureproof and flood wire Cat8 links. This will never be installed in an office environment. Notes Alongside its unique launch timeframe , Cat7 has some unique eccentricities where other categories of cable adhere to strict specifications for all parts of their design. Partly because of that, but also because more standard Ethernet cables are now readily available and can compete directly with Cat7 , it's not hugely popular, despite its impressive specifications (especially considering when it was released). But the magic of that higher number means that comparable cables of lower categories are occasionally mis-sold as Cat7 cables instead. In fact, if you come across a Cat7 cable from some other retailer, you’re almost certainly buying a Cat 6A cable.Both of these terms mean the same thing: They use a pair of unique adapters that send internet data through coaxial connections. This is typically used to send internet data directly to media players and home theaters. Although designed with that 10 Gbps bandwidth in mind, Cat 7 actually proved even more capable in real-world use, with some high-quality Cat 7 Ethernet cables able to transmit up to 40 Gbps over 50 meters, and 100 Gbps over 15 meters. The cables aren’t rated for that kind of speed, but it shows what a capable solution it was when first launched, making it all the more impactful that Cat 7 was not adopted more widely. One additional strength of Cat7 cable over Cat6 is that the newer variant is better shielded against crosstalk and EMI, having been double-shielded (both individual wire twists and the cable as a whole) to meet more stringent specifications in this regard. This is the only out-of-the-box physical difference between most Cat6 and Cat7 cables - while double-shielded designs are now available with Cat6 and even earlier revisions of Ethernet grade wire, it’s part of the core design for Cat7 versions. A solid core cable between the patch panel in the data cabinet and the wall outlet. This is know as the permanent link. This should be less than 90 meters long.

An “F” means that there is a foil shield in place. That’s a layer of metal foil, copper, or aluminum, with a polyester cover for durability. It’s an inexpensive method to shield Ethernet cables and is very effective, but in certain environments, the foil can degrade over time and it’s prone to tearing.Cons – Old legacy technology. May not always give 1 Gbit performance in every environment. Very little headroom at 1 Gbit. Cat6 Like some of the Cat 7 Ethernet cable’s earlier battles with Cat 6 and Cat 6A, it ultimately doesn’t stand much of a chance against Cat 8 cables. Although Cat 7 and Cat 7A are impressive cables and connectors, the standardization of Cat 8 is too much for it to compete with. Cat 8 is a true evolution of Cat 6A and the perfect upgrade path for anyone looking to expand their network’s capabilities.

Not on Cable Matters . All cables in that store are accurately labeled to help you make an informed choice. But knowing what is Cat7 can save you some headaches when it comes to upgrading your Ethernet cables. Cat 7 ethernet cables feature four individually shielded pairs as well as an overall cable shield to protect the signals from crosstalk and EMI. Cat7 cables are designed for use in Industrial Ethernet networks, designed to withstand the entire spectrum of environmental and mechanical hazards, from temperature extremes and sunlight to solvents, oils, chemicals and moisture. Cat 7 Ethernet Cable Support As for cost, Cat 8 Ethernet cables are typically a little more expensive, but considering you get the ratified and official standard and supported features, as well as more impressive rated performance, there really is no competition: Cat8 cables are better. You probably don't need Cat7. Use Cat6A or Cat8 instead In addition to their performance specifications, Ethernet cables can also come in different designs. Some Ethernet cable styles are made with specific jobs or environments in mind, so you can tailor your Ethernet cable choice to where you are going to use it. Here are some common examples: Slim and Ultra—Slim These cables use a very compact casing for a slimmer overall profile. That can be useful in certain data centers and server rooms where space is very limited, and extra space is needed for better airflow, which improves cooling. It can mean more limited shielding, however, so bear that in mind. FlatCat 7 Ethernet cables can support a higher 600Mhz bandwidth than even Cat 6A and introduced support for 10Gbps Ethernet speed a full four years before Cat 6A was ratified. However, Cat 7 cables do not use standard 8P8C connectors, but rather TERA GG45 connectors. They are compatible with 8P8C, but by virtue of not using that more recognized and supported standard, Cat 7 cables further alienate themselves as atypical, making them less desirable for network installation. I want to make sure that I buy something sturdy that is weatherproof and rainproof and I want it to be insulated to reduce cross talk or other interference as much as possible. (I am not an expert at this) Cat 6, Cat 6A, and Cat 7 have a lot of features in common, but there are some real differences between them. That means there are some good reasons to use them, and for Cat 7, some very real reasons that you shouldn’t.