Category 7 cable, also known as Cat 7 cable, is a 4-pair Ethernet cable that is typically used for data center networks because of its 10 Gigabit speed capability. The specifications of a standard Cat 7 cable consists of 4 shielded pairs of wires and a drain wire that connects to the connector. All Category 7 wiring is shielded, so there is no need for additional labels like STP and UTP like you’ll see in Cat 6a.
Connection Speeds
Cat 7 cable speeds can easily reach 100 Gbps (100 gigabits per second) at distances of 15 meters or shorter. A guaranteed speed of 10 Gbps at distances up to 100 meters is achievable as well. These top speeds are ten times the top speeds available using Cat 6 or Cat 6a cabling. If speed is of the utmost importance for you and your existing equipment can operate at these high speeds, then Cat 7 is the best choice for you.
Connection Type
Cat 7 cables don’t use the familiar RJ-45 connector (or Ethernet connector) that’s found throughout the Cat 5 and Cat 6 families. Instead, Category 7 cabling uses GigaGate or TERA connectors. Both these connection types are newer and not as widely supported as RJ-45. If you’re concerned about all your legacy equipment that doesn’t support these connection types, there is a workaround. Those devices that connect via Ethernet connector can be supported by using a Cat 7 patch cable with RJ-45 on one end and a TERA connection on the other end.
Cost and Complexity of Installation
Category 7 cables, Cat 7 cable connectors, and patch cables are extremely expensive compared to Category 5 and Category 6 cables. Further, you’ll need a special tool to crimp the connectors onto the cable when you’re working on Cat 7 installation. And you only get one shot per jack: if you make a mistake while crimping the connectors on, you’ll have to throw away a $15 jack and redo it. Doing this properly takes some practice, as it is nothing like terminating an Ethernet jack.
Conclusion
The bottom line: unless you have a specific need for Category 7 wiring, your budget and your sanity are likely better off with Cat 6 or Cat 6a.
If you do need the benefits that come with Category 7 cabling, you’ve come to the right place. Voicecom Plus has the expertise required to install bulk Cat 7 Cabling for your business. If you are interested in Cat 7 or want to learn more about our cabling services, call us at 201-512-3900 or contact us online.