Cat 7 vs Cat 8 Cables

 

Cat 7 vs Cat 8 Cables: What's the Difference?

 

• Cat7: Cat7 cables support up to 10 Gbps over a distance of 100 meters, and their maximum frequency is 600 MHz. This makes them suitable for most business and data centre environments where high-speed data transfer is needed but not at the extreme levels demanded by the latest technology.
• Cat8: Cat8 cables are designed to support up to 40 Gbps over shorter distances (up to 30 meters), with a maximum frequency of 2,000 MHz. This dramatic increase in bandwidth and speed capacity is ideal for ultra-fast data transfer in environments like data centres and server farms where top-speed connectivity is essential.

 

 

Is Cat 8 better than Cat 7?

CAT8 cables represent the next level of advancement compared to CAT7. They are designed to provide even higher performance and bandwidth for demanding applications.

While CAT7 cables support 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T) up to 100 meters,

CAT8 takes it a step further, supporting data rates of up to 40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GBASE-T) over shorter distances.

 

Do Cat 8 cables make a difference?

Yes, Cat7 and Cat8 cables are both high-performance Ethernet cables, but they differ significantly in terms of speed, shielding, frequency, and ideal applications.
CAT8 cables make a significant difference in terms of performance and data transfer speeds. With the capability to handle higher data rates, CAT8 cables are suitable for environments requiring ultra-fast and reliable connections, such as data centres, high-performance computing, and professional networking setups.

How much faster is Cat 8 than Cat 7?

Cat8 cables are up to 4 times faster than Cat7 cables.

While CAT7 supports 10Gbps, CAT8 can handle speeds of up to 40Gbps.

The increased speed and frequency of Cat8 allow it to handle 40 Gbps, which is four times the maximum speed of Cat7’s 10 Gbps.
However, this performance difference is most beneficial in short-distance applications, like within data centres, where servers and network equipment are close together.

 

What is the maximum distance for Cat 8 cable?

The maximum distance for reliable data transmission using CAT8 cables depends on the specific application and environment. CAT8 cables can support 40GBASE-T up to 30 meters and 25GBASE-T up to 50 meters.
For shorter distances, CAT8 cables can achieve even higher speeds.
Beyond 30 meters, Cat8’s performance decreases, so it’s typically used for connections within close proximity, such as server-to-server setups.

 

Will Cat 8 work with my router?

Yes, Cat8 cables are compatible with standard routers that use RJ45 connectors. However, Cat8’s high speed and shielding are often unnecessary for typical home routers and internet speeds.
Compatibility between CAT8 cables and your router depends on the router's specifications and supported Ethernet standards.

It's important to ensure that your router is compatible with CAT8 cables and supports the desired data rates.
Consult the router's documentation or the manufacturer's website for specific compatibility information.

 

Cat 7 vs Cat 8 Cable Categories

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Summary: Cat7 vs. Cat8 Ethernet Cables

• Speed & Bandwidth: Cat7 supports up to 10 Gbps at 600 MHz over 100 meters; Cat8 delivers up to 40 Gbps at 2000 MHz over 30 meters.
• Use Cases: Cat7 is suitable for high-speed networking in business environments; Cat8 is ideal for ultra-fast data transfer in data centres and server farms.
• Connector Compatibility: Cat7 often uses GG45 or TERA connectors; Cat8 typically uses RJ45 connectors, ensuring broader compatibility with existing equipment.
• Distance Limitations: Cat7 maintains performance over longer distances (up to 100 meters); Cat8's high-speed performance is optimized for shorter distances (up to 30 meters).
• Recommendation: Choose Cat7 for general high-speed networking needs; opt for Cat8 when ultra-fast, short-distance connections are required, such as in data centres.

While both Cat7 and Cat8 offer high-performance networking capabilities, Cat8 provides superior speed and bandwidth for specialized applications. Consider your specific networking requirements and infrastructure before selecting the appropriate cable category.

 

Further reading on Cable Categories

Data Cabling Knowledge Centre
What is the difference between Cat5 Cat6 Cat7 Cat8 Cabling?