Cat6 vs. Cat7- Which Ethernet Cable is Best for WiFi 6?
With the advent of WiFi 6, you may be wondering if it’s time to upgrade your Ethernet cables. After all, you want to make sure that your wired connections are fast enough to keep up with your wireless speeds. In this article, we’ll compare Cat6 and Cat7 Ethernet cables to help you decide which one is right for you.
Speed
The most important factor to consider when choosing an Ethernet cable is speed. Cat6 cables are rated for speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps), while Cat7 cables are rated for speeds of up to 100 Gbps. If you have a gigabit internet connection, then a Cat6 cable will be sufficient. However, if you have a multi-gigabit or 10-gigabit internet connection, then you’ll need a Cat7 cable to take full advantage of your internet speed.
Bandwidth
Another important factor to consider is bandwidth. Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transmitted over the cable at one time. Cat6 cables have a bandwidth of 250 MHz, while Cat7 cables have a bandwidth of 600 MHz. The higher the bandwidth, the more data that can be transmitted over the cable at one time. This can be important for applications that require a lot of bandwidth, such as streaming video or playing online games.
Length
The length of the Ethernet cable is also an important consideration. Cat6 cables can be up to 100 meters long, while Cat7 cables can be up to 150 meters long. If you need to run a long cable, then you’ll need to choose a Cat7 cable.
Price
Price is another important factor to consider. Cat6 cables are typically less expensive than Cat7 cables. If you’re on a budget, then a Cat6 cable may be a better option for you.
Conclusion
So, which Ethernet cable is best for WiFi 6? If you have a gigabit internet connection, then a Cat6 cable will be sufficient. However, if you have a multi-gigabit or 10-gigabit internet connection, then you’ll need a Cat7 cable to take full advantage of your internet speed.