Key Considerations Before Purchasing Shielded CAT 7 Ethernet Cables
CAT 7 shielded Ethernet cables have become the ideal choice for high-speed data transfer in a variety of applications, including data centers, commercial buildings and home networks. These cables offer significantly improved performance over their predecessors, with a theoretical maximum speed of 10 Gbps and bandwidth of 600 MHz.
However, choosing the right shielded CAT 7 Ethernet cable can be intimidating, given the wide range of options available. To make an informed decision, it is crucial to consider the following factors:
Cable shielding type
Shielded twisted pair (STP)
The STP cables have individual pairs of wires wrapped in their own metal foil shielding. This provides excellent protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk, making them ideal for demanding environments.
Partially Shielded Twisted Pairs (S/FTP)
The S/FTP cables have a foil shield covering the entire cable, in addition to the individual shields of the wire pairs. This provides even greater shielding compared to STP cables, making them suitable for environments with extreme levels of electromagnetic interference or crosstalk.
Conductive material
The material conductor determines the electrical properties of the cable.
Copper
Copper cables provide excellent conductivity and are the most commonly used type in CAT 7 shielded Ethernet cables. They provide reliable performance at high speeds and are cost-effective.
CCA (Copper-Clad Aluminum)
CCA cables use aluminum conductors coated with a thin layer of copper. Although they are less expensive than pure copper cables, they have slightly lower conductivity and may experience signal loss over longer distances.
Cable length
The length of the cable affects its performance. Longer cables are more susceptible to signal loss and attenuation.
Standard Lengths
Pre-fabricated CAT 7 shielded Ethernet cables are typically available in standard lengths such as 1, 5, 10 and 25 feet.
Custom lengths
For specific requirements, custom length cables can be ordered from manufacturers or distributors. However, custom cables may have longer delivery times and higher costs.
Price and availability
The price of shielded CAT 7 Ethernet cables varies depending on factors such as shielding type, conductor material and length. It is important to consider budget and availability when making a purchase.
Cost-effective options
STP cables are generally more cost-effective than S/FTP cables, while copper cables are generally more economical. more expensive than CCA cables.
Market availability
Availability of specific cables may vary by region and provider. It is advisable to check with local distributors or online retailers for product availability.
Compatibility and Warranty
Before purchasing CAT 7 shielded Ethernet cables, make sure that they are compatible with your equipment and meet industry standards. :
Standard Compliance
CAT 7 shielded Ethernet cables must meet specifications set by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) for Category 7 cabling.
Device Compatibility< /p>
Cables must be compatible with your network devices, such as switches, routers, and network interface cards.
Warranty
A warranty provides protection against manufacturing defects or malfunctions. Longer warranties generally indicate higher quality and reliability.
such as switches, routers, and network interface cards.
Warranty
A warranty provides protection against manufacturing defects or malfunction. Longer warranties generally indicate higher quality and reliability.
such as switches, routers, and network interface cards.
Warranty
A warranty provides protection against manufacturing defects or malfunction. Longer warranties generally indicate higher quality and reliability.