Cat 7 Cables

Cat 7 cables, also known as Category 7 cables, are a type of Ethernet cable that offers enhanced performance and specifications compared to previous cable categories. Although not officially recognized by the TIA or IEC as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, Cat 7 cables are sometimes used for specific applications that require higher data transfer speeds and better shielding.

Cat 7 cables feature four individually shielded twisted pairs of copper wires, as well as an overall shield that wraps around all the pairs. This design provides superior resistance to crosstalk and external interference, resulting in improved signal quality and reliability.

These cables are capable of supporting higher data transfer speeds compared to lower categories, such as Cat 5e or Cat 6. They are often advertised as being able to transmit data at speeds up to 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps) over a maximum distance of 100 meters.

Cat 7 cables typically utilize the GG45 or TERA connectors, which are backward compatible with the standard RJ-45 connector used in previous cable categories. These connectors offer improved shielding and performance characteristics to match the capabilities of the Cat 7 cable.

It’s important to note that the use of Cat 7 cables may not provide any significant advantages in standard residential or small business networking environments. The benefits of Cat 7 cables are more relevant in specialized applications that require extremely high data transfer speeds, such as data centers, server rooms, or industrial settings.

When considering the use of Cat 7 cables, it is advisable to consult with industry experts and ensure that the network infrastructure, including devices and connectors, fully supports the Cat 7 specifications to achieve the desired performance.