Should You Buy Cat6 or Cat7 Ethernet Cables?

Category 6 network patch cables are considered today's standard for ethernet connections. Category 7 patch cables can transfer data at rates up to ten times that. How do you choose between Category6 and Category7 Ethernet Cables?

Since their adoption in the 1990s, Category 6 patch cables have become the industry standard network patch cord for modern data network installations. Cat6 cables offer up to twice the speed of Category 5e cables and are gigabit rated, which makes them suitable for POE (Power Over Ethernet) devices - no additional cables needed. Our Datacomm Cat6 and Cat6A cables offer a reliable and secure connection between your devices and your home or office connection for a lower price than fiber optic cable. But what if you're looking for something somewhere between a fiber optic installation and a standard ethernet connection?

Why Buy Category6 Ethernet Cables?

To date, Cat6 and Cat6A ethernet cables remain the industry standard for home and office internet connections. Technology is constantly evolving, and fiber optic internet currently offers some of the fastest connection speeds available. But ethernet connections remain prized for their stability, affordability, and ease of installation - and in those regards, Category6 ethernet cables reign supreme. Cat6 cables offer up to twice the speed of Category 5e cables and are gigabit rated, which makes them suitable for POE (Power Over Ethernet) devices; and Cat6A network patch cables operate at frequencies up to 500 megahertz—twice the rate of their immediate predecessor. 

When ordering your Category6 ethernet cables, you have the option to choose between bootless connectors and connectors with snagless boots. Bootless Network Cables (also known as assembly type) ensure a snug fit in all receptacles for all applications including high density network switches, where they are recommended. 

Ethernet cables featuring snagless boots are meant to provide a more secure fit in all receptacles in order to avoid the likelihood of an accidental disconnect, which makes them suitable for all applications except high density network switches, wherein they are not recommended due to space constraints. The molded snagless boot is also ideal when you are plugging and unplugging your booted Category6 ethernet cable often, which results in strain on the connector clip.

Why Buy Category7 Ethernet Cables?

Our Category 7 cables are capable of operating at speeds up to ten times those of Cat6 and Cat6A cables, delivering up to 10 gigabit per second data transfer. These Cat7 ethernet cables are manufactured with four individually shielded pairs of pure copper wire inside an overall braided shield jacket to ensure that your connection stays strong and free from unwanted EMI or electromagnetic interference. The connectors are shielded as well, featuring 50 micron gold plated pins on either end. They're ideal for connecting devices in your home or business to your wired ethernet network, and they're backwards compatible with Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6A cables. 

Manufactured to even higher specifications than our high quality Cat6A network patch cables, our molded 26 AWG 600 Mhz Cat7 cables meet all 10G Base-T ethernet requirements over 100 meters. It's built with snagless boots, ensuring a snug fit into the receptacle without any worries that it might get pulled free unexpectedly. 

Customize Your Category6 or Category7 Ethernet Cable

Cables.com is committed to helping you purchase exactly the kind of cable you need for your particular installation - there's no such thing as one size fits all! This means that even if the Cat6 and Cat7 cables listed on our website aren't quite what you need, you can work with us to have a custom cable prepared for your home or office. You may be able to have a unique cable with the color, length, and configuration you're looking for prepared for you. Our Datacomm cables are proudly manufactured here in the US and come with a lifetime guarantee. Whether you're looking for a simple home ethernet cable or something intended for outdoor use, we want you to keep coming back to us for your cables needs. You can even have the option of buying your cable in multiple packs or in bulk depending on how much you require. 

Feel free to contact us using our web form, or by email at sales@cables.com. You can also reach us by phone toll-free at 1-800-372-3725.

We look forward to working with you!

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