The Difference Between Cat5, Cat6, and Cat7 Ethernet Cables

Ethernet cables are essential for connecting computers, routers, and other networking devices. But with so many different types of Ethernet cables on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. In this article, we’ll explain the difference between Cat5, Cat6, and Cat7 Ethernet cables so you can make an informed decision about which one to buy.

Cable Speed

The most important difference between Cat5, Cat6, and Cat7 Ethernet cables is their speed. Cat5 cables are the slowest, with a maximum speed of 100 Mbps. Cat6 cables are faster, with a maximum speed of 1 Gbps. And Cat7 cables are the fastest, with a maximum speed of 10 Gbps.

Cable Length

Another important difference between Cat5, Cat6, and Cat7 Ethernet cables is their maximum length. Cat5 cables can be up to 100 meters long. Cat6 cables can be up to 55 meters long. And Cat7 cables can be up to 15 meters long.

Cable Construction

Cat5, Cat6, and Cat7 Ethernet cables are all made of copper. However, Cat7 cables have a thicker copper core than Cat5 and Cat6 cables. This thicker copper core allows Cat7 cables to support higher speeds and longer distances.

Cable Price

Cat5 cables are the least expensive type of Ethernet cable. Cat6 cables are more expensive than Cat5 cables, but they are still relatively affordable. Cat7 cables are the most expensive type of Ethernet cable.

Which Cable Should You Buy?

The type of Ethernet cable you need depends on your specific needs. If you need a cable for basic internet browsing and email, then a Cat5 cable will be sufficient. If you need a cable for gaming or streaming video, then a Cat6 cable is a better choice. And if you need a cable for high-speed data transfer, then a Cat7 cable is the best option.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between Cat5, Cat6, and Cat7 Ethernet cables:

| Feature | Cat5 | Cat6 | Cat7 |

|—|—|—|—|

| Maximum speed | 100 Mbps | 1 Gbps | 10 Gbps |

| Maximum length | 100 meters | 55 meters | 15 meters |

| Copper core thickness | Thin | Thick | Thickest |

| Price | Least expensive | More expensive | Most expensive |