Cat6 vs Cat7
Cat6 is a recognised TIA category; Cat7 is not, and the RJ45 cable sold under that name does not meet the specification it borrows the name from.
Last reviewed
This comparison has a catch. Cat7 was never recognised as a category by the American standards bodies that define Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a and Cat8. It exists as an international specification, but it was designed around connectors that ordinary networking equipment does not use. The “Cat7” cable sold online with normal RJ45 plugs is not a compliant Cat7 at all. If you want more than Cat6, the answer that is actually standardised is Cat6a.
- Verdict:
- Cat6a rather than either — Cat7 is not a recognised category
Side by side
| Specification | Cat6 | Cat7 |
|---|---|---|
| TIA-recognised | Yes | No |
| Bandwidth | 250 MHz | 600 MHz as specified |
| Specified connector | RJ45 | GG45 or TERA, not RJ45 |
| 10 Gbps distance | About 55 m | 100 m as specified |
| Shielding | Usually unshielded | Fully shielded |
| The sensible alternative | — | Cat6a |
Why the category is not recognised
ANSI/TIA never adopted Cat7. The ISO specification that defines it requires GG45 or TERA connectors, which almost no switch, router or wall plate uses. A cable terminated in RJ45 cannot meet it whatever the box says.
The cable is not necessarily bad
Much of what is sold as Cat7 is well-built, heavily shielded cable that performs at least as well as Cat6a. The objection is to the label, not the copper — you simply cannot verify what you are buying against a standard it does not claim compliance with.
What to buy instead
For more than Cat6, buy Cat6a: recognised, RJ45-terminated, and 10 Gbps to 100 metres. If you genuinely need beyond that, the next recognised step is Cat8.
Why the label persists
Cat7 sells. It is a bigger number than 6, and marketplaces do not police cable categories, so listings advertise Cat7 and Cat8 patch leads for a few pounds. The cable is often decent shielded stock; the category claim is the part that means nothing.
Buying with confidence
For a permanent run wanting more than Cat6, buy Cat6a from a supplier who will state compliance against the standard. For a patch lead, buy Cat6 or Cat6a from a known brand. Neither costs meaningfully more than the Cat7 listing sitting next to it.
Shielding is not automatically better
Fully shielded cable needs correct earthing to help, and in a home with no grounded patch panel it can be neutral at best. Much of the appeal of Cat7 listings is the shielding, which in a domestic installation usually does nothing.
Check before you swap. Batteries with similar dimensions are not always interchangeable. Always verify voltage, chemistry and the requirements printed in your device manual before fitting a replacement.
Cat6 vs Cat7: common questions
What is the difference between Cat6 and Cat7?
This comparison has a catch. Cat7 was never recognised as a category by the American standards bodies that define Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a and Cat8. It exists as an international specification, but it was designed around connectors that ordinary networking equipment does not use. The “Cat7” cable sold online with normal RJ45 plugs is not a compliant Cat7 at all. If you want more than Cat6, the answer that is actually standardised is Cat6a.
Which should I choose, Cat6 or Cat7?
Cat6a rather than either — Cat7 is not a recognised category. Cat6 is a recognised TIA category; Cat7 is not, and the RJ45 cable sold under that name does not meet the specification it borrows the name from.
TIA-recognised — how do they compare?
Cat6: Yes. Cat7: No.