Cat 7e Ethernet Cables vs. Other Categories- What’s the Difference?
Cat 7e Ethernet Cables vs. Other Categories: What’s the Difference?
Introduction
Cat 7e Ethernet cables are the newest and most advanced type of Ethernet cable on the market. They offer a number of advantages over older Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables, including increased bandwidth and speed. However, Cat 7e cables are also more expensive than older cables. So, is it worth it to upgrade to Cat 7e? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Cat 7e Ethernet cables and compare them to other categories of Ethernet cables. We’ll also help you decide if Cat 7e is the right choice for your needs.
Speed and Bandwidth
The most significant difference between Cat 7e Ethernet cables and other categories of Ethernet cables is their speed and bandwidth. Cat 7e cables are capable of supporting speeds of up to 40 gigabits per second (Gbps), while Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables are only capable of supporting speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) and 10 Gbps, respectively. This makes Cat 7e cables the ideal choice for high-bandwidth applications, such as streaming video, gaming, and file transfers.
Cable Construction
Cat 7e Ethernet cables are also constructed differently than other categories of Ethernet cables. Cat 7e cables have four twisted pairs of copper wires, while Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables have only two or four twisted pairs of copper wires. The additional twisted pairs of wires in Cat 7e cables help to reduce crosstalk and interference, which can lead to higher speeds and better performance.
Shielding
Cat 7e Ethernet cables are also shielded, while Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables are not. Shielding helps to protect the cables from electromagnetic interference (EMI), which can also lead to higher speeds and better performance.
Price
Cat 7e Ethernet cables are more expensive than Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables. The price of Cat 7e cables will vary depending on the length and quality of the cable, but you can expect to pay around $20 to $50 for a Cat 7e cable.
Conclusion
Cat 7e Ethernet cables are the newest and most advanced type of Ethernet cable on the market. They offer a number of advantages over older Cat 5e and Cat 6 cables, including increased bandwidth, speed, and shielding. However, Cat 7e cables are also more expensive than older cables. So, is it worth it to upgrade to Cat 7e? If you need a high-bandwidth cable for a demanding application, then Cat 7e is the right choice for you. However, if you’re on a budget, then Cat 5e or Cat 6 may be a better option.