The question of whether Cat6a cable is faster than Cat7 cable is a common one, especially among individuals and businesses looking to upgrade their network infrastructure. While it may seem like a simple question with a straightforward answer, the reality is a bit more complex.
Difference Between Cat6a and Cat7
First, it’s important to understand the basic differences between Cat6a and Cat7 cables. Both are types of Ethernet cables, which are used to connect devices to a network in order to transmit data.
Cat6a cables are designed to support data transmission at speeds of up to 10 Gbps (gigabits per second) over a distance of 100 meters. Cat7 cables are capable of transmitting data at speeds of up to 10 Gbps over a distance of up to 120 meters.
Which one To Use?
So, at first glance, it may seem like Cat7 cables are the clear winner in terms of speed. However, there are a few factors to consider when determining which type of cable is the best choice for your needs.
One important factor is the type of network you are using. If you are using a Gigabit Ethernet network, which is the most common type of network in use today, both Cat6a and Cat7 cables will be more than sufficient for your needs.
In this case, the main difference between the two cables is the distance over which they can transmit data at full speed.
However, if you are using a 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE) network, the picture becomes a bit more complicated.
While both Cat6a and Cat7 cables are capable of transmitting data at speeds of up to 10 Gbps, they may not be able to do so over the same distance.
Cat6a cables are generally able to transmit data at full speed over a distance of up to 100 meters, while Cat7 cables may be able to do so over a slightly longer distance of up to 120 meters.
Cat7 Cables for 10 GbE Ethernet
So, in the context of a 10 GbE network, Cat7 cables may be the slightly faster option, at least in terms of the distance over which they can transmit data at full speed. However, this difference may not be significant for most users, especially since the vast majority of network connections are much shorter than 100 meters.
Another factor to consider is the type of connector used with the cable. Both Cat6a and Cat7 cables use a connector called an RJ45 connector, which is the most common type of connector used with Ethernet cables. However, there are different versions of the RJ45 connector, and the type of connector used can affect the speed and performance of the cable.
Connectors
For example, Cat6a cables may use a connector called an ” RJ45 connector,” which is designed to reduce interference and improve performance. On the other hand, Cat7 cables may use a connector called a “screened shielded twisted pair (SSTP) connector,” which is also designed to reduce interference and improve performance.
Overall, the question of whether Cat6a cable is faster than Cat7 cable is a bit more complex than it may seem at first glance. While Cat7 cables may be able to transmit data at slightly faster speeds over longer distances, the differences between the two cables may not be significant for most users.
In addition, the type of connector used with the cable can also impact its performance.
Is Cat6a Cable Faster than Cat7 Cable?
The answer is no. Cat7 cable is faster than Cat6a. However, if you are looking to buy Cat6a or the 7 cables, you might want to consider the other factors as well.
Factors other than speed such as the resistance to EMI, ease of installation, value for money, and reliability must be considered when choosing between two ethernet cables.
So in this case, the Cat7 cable does provide faster data transfer speed. But it is also costly when you compare it to the speed it relays.
Furthermore, do you really need the 10 GBit/s data transfer speed over 120 meters? Because most LAN networks, even data centers across the world need the Cat6a speeds and not more than that.
In any case, splurging on the Cat7 can and will allow fast data transmission over longer distances, but it will only be useful if you have an equally fast internet connection.
Meaning, if you are getting 100 MBit.s from your internet service provider, you don’t need the Cat7 speeds just yet. And the Cat6a gives you the best value for money.
Final Verdict
Ultimately, the best choice for your needs will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of network you are using, the distance over which you need to transmit data, and your specific performance and reliability requirements. It’s always a good idea to consult with a network specialist or IT professional to determine the best solution for your needs.
