Frequently Asked Questions about Cat7 Ethernet Cable

What is a Cat7 Ethernet Cable?

The Category 7 cable, often called Cat7 Ethernet cable, is an advanced data cabling solution. Cat7 has the ability of a range of transmission requirements such as Gigabit, 10 Gigabit, 40 GB, and 100 GB Ethernet setups. A Cat 7 cable offers performance up to 600MHz. Cat7a offer performance up to 1000Mhz

However, it is still an unknown cable category in telecom networks in many situations. Tests have shown that it can transmit 40 Gb at 50 meters and 100 Gb at 15 meters.

What is the Cat7 Cable Specification?

Cat7 Ethernet cable is specified in the ISO / IEC standards as a "Class F " cable. The Cat7 standard follows previous Classes such as Cat5e - Class D, Cat6 - Class E, and Cat6a - ClassEa. The specifications cover generic data cabling situations for a wide range of applications. Therefore, whatever the technology employed, they will all perform the same over a set standard of data cabling class rating

The full ISO/IEC 11801 standards are explained further here

What is the Cat7 Cable Speed?

The Cat 7 cable was designed to support 10 Gbps Ethernet. However, certain tests have shown it to be much higher, showing capability for 40 Gbps and even 100 Gbps. The 100 GB capability has been tested to 15 meters—however, an exact setup of synchronised hardware will be required. It must be kept in mind, however, that these are lab tests and not standards set by the cabling standard authorities. 

Compared to previous categories, Cat 7 speeds are six times higher than Cat5e cabling (100 MHz) and 2.4 times higher than Cat6 (250 MHz). However, this is only a slight increase from Cat6a, which has a bandwidth of 500Mhz. However, when considering Cat7a, the performance jump from Cat6a to Cat7a is double. Thus, 500Mhz to 1000Mhz

What is the Cat7 Max Length

Cat7 standards are standardised at a permanent link of 90 meters, the same as all previous categories. There is an allowance of 5 m patch leads at each end. A direct link of 100 m is also applicable. The Cat7 max length should be considered and adhered to in all designs. Outside of these distances, the cable's performance will be unknown.

What is the Cat7 Connector?

In many ways, a Cat7 ethernet cable connector looks similar to the previous data cabling categories. The RJ45 plug connector is still present. However, there are additional connection points within the termination connector. These new connectors are commonly known as TERA or GG45 connectors. These changes are replicated within a termination jack/modules, a termination plug, or a Cat7 patch cable. Also, the hardware used for transmitting and receiving must be capable of operating over these additional termination points. Therefore, a Cat7 cabling system is a significant undertaking and a consideration.

Is Cat7 Backwards Compatible?

Cat7 connectors are very similar in look and nature to those of the previous data cabling categories. Like the previous cabling systems, they have an RJ45 central connector. However, the connector has four additional connectors, commonly known as TERA or GG45 connectors, to increase the transmission capabilities.

Due to the central RJ45 connector, Cat7 cabling will plug into the previous Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a systems. The reverse is also true. However, a cabling system is only as fast as its weakest part; therefore, when combining systems, the overall performance will only be as good as the lowest category of cabling within that link. For example, plugging a Cat7 patch leads into a cat5e system doesn't change the performance of a Cat5e system. Conversely, plugging a cat5e patch lead into a Cat7 system reduces its cabling standards to a Cat5e cabling link.

Additional Article: Is Cat7 Backward Compatible?

 

The chart below will give you a comparison of cabling systems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cat7 vs Cat6 and Cat7 vs Cat6a

How do we compare Cat7 speeds vs. Cat6 speeds? We have already seen that Cat 7 speeds have an increased bandwidth of 600Mhz, and Cat7a has an increased bandwidth of 1000Mhz. Cat6 and Cat6a had previously been capable of 250Mhz and 500Mhz. 

The construction of the Cat7 cable is also further advanced. It has greater shielding to better protect against EMI and alien crosstalk, both hindering higher-speed transmissions. Cat7 has individual shielding for the inner pair twists and overall shielding for the entire cable. This shielding is the core standard in Cat7 cables. However, it is also seen in some options for Cat6a cables, although not as the common standard. 

Cat7 vs Cat8 - What is the difference between Cat7 and Cat8?

The first main difference between Cat7 vs Cat8 is the bandwidth. Cat7 Ethernet cable speed is rated at 600Mhz, Cat7a cable at 1000Mhz, and cat8 at 2000Mhz

Cat8 is a standard that differs from previous cabling categories. In previous categories, the standard of 90 meters was used to judge the performance of the cable and the transmission speeds it was capable of over that link length. However, Cat8's ability to not exceed 90 m isn't different from Cat6a and Cat7 in that it still only achieves 10 gigabits at that distance.

Cat8 cable has a maximum Permanent Link Length of 24 meters and a maximum Channel length of 30 m when supporting 25Gbps and 40Gbps speeds. It is the first cable to be ratified at these distances. Therefore, the main difference between Cat7 and Cat8 is the ability of Cat8 to be ratified for 25 gigabit and 40 gigabit. 

Further Cat7 Ethernet cable articles

We have also written several other articles concerning Cat7 cabling and other categories. Please click below to read these articles.

 

Cat6 vs Cat7. Whats the difference?

Whats the difference between Cat5 Cat6 Cat7 Cat8 Cabling?

What is Cat7 Ethernet?

For further articles with regards to Cat7 Ethernet cable please visit our Knowledge Center HERE

For a Free Quotation please email sales@nmcabling.co.uk or call 01923 888588

The post 8 FAQ about Cat7 Ethernet Cable appeared first on Cabling Solutions.

Is Cat7 backward compatible?

With ever changing technology and cabling requirements many businesses are looking to future proof there cabling. However they are not always ready to go to a full on high specification system. Rather they want to be ready for when the technology requires it. Therefore a common situation is installing the main data cabling in a high grade cabling specification but maintaining a lower lesser grade of hardware and connection cabling. Thus is a higher grade of cable is installed such as Cat7 can you be confident to answer the question is Cat7 backward compatible

What is a Cat7 Cable?

A Category 7 cable is generally called a Cat7 or Cat7a cable. It was first designed to be used for the cabling communications of 10 Gigabit Ethernet. However theoretically it can support 40Gb and 100Gb at shorter distances.

A Cat 7 cable offers bandwidth up to 600MHz. Thus in simple terms is 6 times the capacity of Cat5e and 2 and a half times that of Cat6. Simply put, a Cat 7 cable is what we recommend you use when wiring your smart home.

The first consideration with Cat7 is that over the standard structured cabling length of 90m it only has the capacity of 10 gigabit ethernet. Thus the same as Cat6a

Cat 7 supports the theoretical capabilities of 40 Gbps and also 100Gbps. Thus it is desirable but unfortunately it can only achieve this at reduced distances. Independent testing has shown the capability of 40 Gigabit in distances up to 50m and 100 Gigabit up to 15m. However this is dependent on bespoke hardware setup and isn’t a ratified standard. Therefore this is why Cat7 is more commonly seen in data centres or home installations where the installation runs are shorter

However the frequencies that allow the Cat 7 cabling to reach such impressive speeds are currently not available on any home network. Thus it might be able to transmit at such increased speeds but the hardware in the market doesn’t yet need this capacity. Thus the consideration is then installing Cat7 for future usage when hardware improves and is a higher standard. This is more desirable than the disruption of re-cabling the building again

If I install Cat7 cabling is Cat7 backward compatible?

The Cat 7 cable is compatible with the Cat 6, Cat 5, and Cat 5 cable categories. It offers 90/100m 4-connector channels using shielded cabling and is designed to transmit signals at frequencies up to 600MHz.

Cat 7 cables require full shielding of twisted wires called screen shielded twisted pair (SSTP) or screened folded twisted pair (SFTP) wiring, which is further eliminates alien crosstalk while significantly improving noise resistance. This way it allows the user to get maximum speed even with long cables.

The Cat7 cable differs from previous Ethernet cable standards in that the Cat5 and CAT6 are available in several ways, however, the biggest advantage of the Cat7 cable is its ability to protect twisted pairs, which can be noisy. This is achieved with increase and greater shielding. Thus this significantly improves signal loss and corruption.

Cat7 cabling is usually terminated onto GG45 connectors which in addition to the standard 8 termination connectors they have 4 additional points of contact. In a Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat6a connector they are just the standard 8 points of contact. However the connector is still suitable for a RJ45 connector. Therefore a Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat6a patch lead can be plugged into a Cat7 connector. The reverse is true for using Cat7 patch leads into a lower grade of permanent data cabling

Situations where Cat7 is installed and used backward compatible

• Cat7 cabling is installed into the fabric of the building but Cat6a termination modules are used. This is sometimes to reduce intital cost and other times due to manufacturer limitations on a Cat7 or Cat7a connector
• A Full Cat7 structured cabling installation is undertaken including GG45 modules. However Cat6a patch leads are used. The limitation on longer runs is 10 Gigabit and therefore Cat6a patch leads are sufficient and a lot more cost effective. However the cabling is in place for future technologies
• A full cat7 cabling installation is put into a new building but the client brings over their existing hardware and patch leads and connects. This could be Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat6a. Therefore the system runs at their old speeds but is in place for the future. This isnt very common but has been the case on past projects

Better shielding

The Cat7 cables incorporate a better separation than the previous standards. In addition with its additional shielding it has noise protection much stronger than other components, greatly reducing signal loss. Thus each pair of wires are secured in shielded sheaths and an additional layer of shielding protection also over the entire cable. As a result, the cable undergoes a strict procedure to prevent signal loss at long distances. Furthermore for the full shielding and performance benefits  the special connectors of GG45 should be used. In additional care should be taken to maintain the bend radius and installation guidelines to enjoy the full functionality of this cable.

Conclusion – Is Cat7 backwards compatible

If you have smart home technology or are in a situation that requires a shorter links, Cat7 cables are the perfect match. Under 100 Gigabit Ethernet, cables will reach 15 meters and up to 50 meters under 40 Gigabit Ethernet.  However as previously stated this is a non ratified standard.

Due to their higher grade requirements most data centres are moving beyond Cat7 and straight to Cat8.

For further articles with regards to Is cat7 backward compatible please visit our Knowledge Center HERE

For a Free Quotation please email sales@nmcabling.co.uk or call 01923 888588

The post Is Cat7 backward compatible? appeared first on Cabling Solutions.

What is Cat7 Ethernet?

The Category 7 cable, commonly referred to as Cat7 cable is a type of advanced data transfer patch cable used to provide the basic infrastructure for a wired Gigabit, 10 Gigabit, 40 GB and 100GB  Ethernet setup. A Cat 7 cable offers performance up to 600MHz but is still an unknown entity in telecommunications. Testing has successfully shown its ability to transmit up to 40 Gb at 50 meters and even 100 Gb at 15 meters

Ethernet cables come in all shapes, lengths, and sizes, but the biggest difference between them is their construction and size. This indicates both their performance, which is directly related to signal to noise ratio. While cables like Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 6a, are quite common, Cat 7 is a little different. Its not often found outside the data centre or home automation environment.

Indeed a majority of manufacturers don’t offer a total Cat7 solution and prefer to base their design on a shielded Cat6a solution which has the same performance at 90m

However today, a very diverse range of commercial and industrial sectors is rapidly increasing the demand for internet and data transfer speeds. A modern reflection of this fact is that we are constantly looking for ways to leverage the highly efficient capabilities of our latest technology. Especially as we get closer to the internet of things era where almost any device allows you to record and transfer potentially valuable user data in real-time, so moving forward forever is becoming more important. The technology is a steep curve and the cabling will be required to follow

Cat7 cable specifications

Category 7 Ethernet cable springs are described in ISO / IEC 11801: 2002. This specification is also known as Class F standard, which is why Cat 7 cable is sometimes called ISO class F cable. This Cat 7 Ethernet cable specifies that there must be a wired connection:

• It can provide reliable data transfer rates over a certain range of distances
• It can deal with a range of potentially troublesome environmental hazards as it provides these speeds
• Designed to meet stringent standards around the cross stall and system noise prevention
• Minimum age guarantee in permanent operation
• Its is ratified to a permanent link of 90 metres with an allowance of patch leads of 5m at each end

Cat7 cable speed

The Cat 7 was designed to support 10 Gbps Ethernet, although laboratory tests have successfully shown it to be much higher, up to 40 Gbps and even 100 Gbps. The 100GB capability has been moved to 15 meters – however, the exact setup of the synchronized hardware will be required. In terms of raw performance compared to the previous review, it is theoretically 6 times higher than the Cat 5e (100 MHz), and 2.4 times higher than the Cat 6 (250 MHz)

Cat7 Ethernet cable standards

The Category 7 wire includes four individually shielded twisted copper pairs. In additionl as an overall cable shield. Thus helping meet stringent standards for compensating for signal loss over distance. Furthermore the Cat 7 cable is better designed to protect against potential degradation caused by such issues crystalline and EMI.

In the connectors there are also additional copper connections top left and top right. Thus in addition to the usual 8 core positions in Cat5e through Cat6a. Therefore this requires matching patch leads and specialised switches to interact with these connectors for transmission. These connectors are commonly known as GG45 connectors or TERA conectors

Types of Cat7 Ethernet cable

Cat7a cable

Category 7A, also commonly called Augmented Category 7, operates at frequencies up to 1000 MHz. The Cat7a is designed for multiple applications in a single cable, including 40 Gigabit Ethernet and 100 Gigabit Ethernet. Test results show that 40 Gigabit Ethernet will work up to 50 meters and 100 Gigabit Ethernet up to 15 meters is possible. Furthermore, CAT7 can be employed for pair sharing. Therefore one cable can be used for two or more different devices

Benefits of Cat7 Ethernet

There are the following benefits of Cat7 ethernet

Backward compatibility

Backward compatibility refers to the next generation cabling that meets all the features of its category and the features of the current category. Cat 7 cables are backward synchronized with Cat 5, Cat 5e, and Cat 6 categories. If you connect a Cat7 cable to an old router, everything will work fine. However bear in mind that a cabling link is only as good as its weakest point. Therefore with a cat5e patch leads is only rated as a Cat5e performance link

Performance

As the latest category of Ethernet cables, the Cat7 performs relatively fast and increases bandwidth compared to its predecessors. With a maximum transmission frequency of 600 MHz and a maximum speed of 10 Gbps for copper wires over 100 meters, this cable is a high-performance Internet connection for smart homes or in business environments.

Conclusion

If you have smart home technology or are in an environment that requires a fast internet connection, the Cat 7 Cables are the perfect match.  However, if you are on a reduced budget, you can choose Cat 6 or Cat 5 cables. Cat6a in most cases will in fact provide the same performance as Cat7

For further articles with regards to What is Cat7 Ethernet please visit our Knowledge Center HERE

For a Free Cat7 installation Quotation please email sales@nmcabling.co.uk or call 01923 888588

The post What is Cat7 Ethernet appeared first on Cabling Solutions.

How does data cabling work?

Data cabling comes in various categories of cable which have have varying standards of performance. However regardless of category each cable is constructed in a very similar way. Each cable consists of 8 individual copper cores enclosed in a plastic outer sheath. These cores are continually twisted in pairs throughout the cables length within the outer sheath. This is to help avoid cross communication between the cables cores during transmission. In some cables a shield foil wraps around the center cores

These cores can vary is diameter and as the categories increase they become tighter twisted and have varying levels of separation to help further separate the signals as they carry faster and denser transmissions. Signals are sent across all 8 cores in both directions. Each category of cable is certified to a certain standard to how much bandwidth that cable can accommodate. This standards are all based on a transmission distance of 90 meters for the permanent link element of the cable and an allowance of 5m patch leads at each end. Therefore with regards to Cat6 vs Cat7 cables there will be a difference in the cables but they will both be certified to the same 90m link length.

What is data cabling used for?

Data cabling is used for connecting numerous types of technology. Furthermore it is the medium that takes the signals from each of these technologies and transmits those signals between devices. In addition via POE (Power over Ethernet) the data cabling can carry a power source as well as the signal between host switch and hardware such as a VOIP Phone or CCTV Camera.

Data cabling can be used to transmit for the following among many others

• Telephones
• Computers
• Wifi Access Points
• CCTV Cameras
• Access Control
• Building Management Systems
• Audio Visual Systems
• Aerials and Satellites

The aim of most data cabling installations is to install all the cabling to a single common termination point or a set of pre-designed common termination points. Therefore the data cabling within these areas can be used and switched for use for any type of technology. This is commonly known as Structured Cabling

What is Cat6?

Cat6 cabling consists of two standards. The Cat6 standard was ratified in 2002 and the Cat6a standard was introduced in 2009.

Cat6 cable is still seen as the basic standard for any new installation in the majority of standard office and building space. It is cost effective and has few limitations on its installation due to its core size. However in many cases people are still choosing to install Cat5e which is even more cost effective and easier to install due to a further reduced core size. The reason for this is Cat5e and Cat6 both transmit 1 gigabit speeds over the standard 90 metre cable distance. However Cat6 does have a bandwidth capability of 250mhz compared to 100Mhz in Cat5e.

Cat6 is also capable of transmitting 10 Gigabit  up to 55m which is a bespoke standard distance rather than the accepted 90m / 100m standard. Therefore when 10 gigabit is requited Cat6 is rarely specified in a new installation

Therefore when 10 Gigabit is the required standard Cat6a is the cable of choice. Cat6a has a bandwidth of 500Mhz and transmits 10 gigabit up to 90m / 100m. Therefore this is specified into most new installations when used as a standard design. However Cat6a cable is larger and less flexible than Cat5e or Cat6. Therefore when installing to an existing premises this needs to be taken into consideration. A large part of this is the additional shielding sometimes used in Cat6a cables

Considerations for installing Cat6a Cabling

• Is the existing containment suitable for the cables
• Can the increased bend radius of the Cat6a cables fit and go around the dado trunking
• Do the floor boxes have enough depth for terminating the Cat6a modules

Each installation is unique. Therefore as mentioned previous you need to start with he outcome in mind and then choose the most suitable and possible cable choice.

What is Cat7?

The evolution from Cat6a to Cat7 involved adding shielding to each of the individual pairs as well as an overall cable shield. Cat7 due to its increased shielding is therefore capable of transmission speeds of 600MHZ. Category 7A performs up to 1000MHZ which shows massive increases in capabilities. In addition it uses a different type of connector. Although Cat6a and below patch leads can be used (which reduces its overall speed) it does require a total solution to include new patch leads and suitable transmitting data switches

It is able to transmit 40Gb at 50 metres and even 100Gb at 15 metres.

Cat7 isn’t currently seen often in the commercial environments. It mainly is used in home automation projects for high speed audio visual projects. Firstly due to the increased size and installation problems that come with large installations of Cat7 cabling. Secondly in homes there isn’t a large number of cables generally. However in commercial installations where there is a large cable requirements the costs can be off putting for most. Lastly the majority of commercial technology does not require any more than 10 gigabit transmission so Cat6a is more than suitable

Cat6 vs Cat7 Comparison Chart

The chart below compares Cat6 vs Cat7 and other cabling categories

In summary when designing your installation its best to look with the end in mind and from those requirements the most suitable cabling can be specified.

We offer free surveys and during these surveys we will be able to discuss those requirements and offer you the best solution

For further articles please visit https://www.nmcabling.co.uk/knowledge-centre/

The post Cat6 vs Cat7 What is the Difference? appeared first on Cabling Solutions.

NM Cabling are delighted to announce that we have been appointed as an approved installer for Brand Rex structured cabling

NM Cabling are now an approved installer for Brand Rex structured cabling. The NM Cabling team will offer expertise in data cabling system design, Fibre Optic Cabling and Copper Data Cabling installations.
Brand-Rex is a leading global supplier of standards based structured cabling systems for data centres, Cat5e Cabling ,Cat6 Cabling, Cat6A Cabling, Cat7/7A Cabling and 10 Gig Cabling Networks
The Brand Rex structured cabling solutions will be primarily focused in London, The South East and throughout the UK and serviced from NM Cabling’s three offices in Rickmansworth, Andover and Central London

The post NM Cabling appointed as an approved installer for Brand Rex structured cabling appeared first on Cabling Solutions.