Cat5 vs. Cat6 vs. Cat7 Ethernet cables – Which one is most practical?

Different Ethernet cables have varying capacities, making the ideal for different settings. Some have been around for quite some time, and some have been introduced in the recent past. So how do they differ?

The Cat5, Cat6 and Cat7 Ethernet cables have been widely used for data transmission. The cat5 cable was brought into the market quite some time ago, and while it is still in use, it is considered old technology. For this reason, it has become obsolete. It has a relatively poor build and low transmission speed and cannot support fast data transfer.

The Cat6 cable is quite the upgrade and works a whole lot better than the Cat5. It has no qualms whatsoever handling fast data transfer and it boasts a sturdier build. It works great in both home and office settings but it also is not short of its own limitations, though.

The Cat7 Ethernet cable is an upgrade for both the Cat5 and the Cat6 Ethernet cables. It is able to handle higher rates of data transfer at a time, owing to its broader bandwidth. Its specifications make it ideal to use in offices that have heavy data traffic and data centers.

But what characteristics make these three cables, and which one of them are you better off using? In this article, we are going to look at the specifications of each cable to see how they differ, and how best they can be used. Come along!

Differences between the Cat5, Cat6 and Cat7 Ethernet Cables

Category	Cat5	Cat6 (Winner)	Cat7
Shielding	Unshielded	Unshielded / Shielded	Shielded
Max Transmission Speed	10 / 100 Mbps	1000 Mbps/ 10 Gbps	1000 Mbps / 10 Gbps
Max Bandwidth	100 Mhz	250 MHz	600 Mhz
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How do the Cat5, Cat6 and Cat7 Cables compare?

Shielding

Since these three cables use copper wires for electromagnetic transmission, it is important that these wires do not come into contact as it may result in interference and crosstalk. For this reason, the cables are covered in thin flexible pvc.

In the Cat5 Ethernet cable, the wires are twisted together in twos to make 4 pairs. The twisting is, however, a bit loose. The looseness does not effectively prevent interference, making this cable highly susceptible to crosstalk. There is no shield between the twisted copper wires and the outer jacket, making it a bit structurally weak and prone to fast degradation.

The Cat6 cable comes in two variations. The unshielded variation is the UTP, and it has no foil shield around the twisted copper wires. The second variation, the STP, has a foil shield between the twisted copper wires and the outer jacket which add structure and also reduces crosstalk. Both variations have a spline running the whole length of the cable for better structure and durability.

The Cat7 cable also boasts tightly twisted copper wires. All Cat7 cables come shielded, but their shielding is on a different level. All pairs of copper cables have their own pvc cover. They are then covered in a strong braided shield, adding a lot more structure and durability.

Max Transmission Speed

Being old technology, the Cat5 cable has a maximum transmission speed of 10/100 Mbps. This is considerably low, and it makes the cable only suitable for use in a home setting.

The Cat6 cable has a much higher maximum transmission speed. It boasts up to 10 Gbps transmission speed, but at a limited distance. When the cable goes beyond 100 meters, the speed reduces to 1000 Mbps.

The Cat7 cable also has a transmission speed of 10Gbps, but it is able to hold this speed for distances of up to 100 meters.

Bandwidth

The Cat5 cable has a bandwidth of 100 MHz, which, though small, is able to sustain home use quite well.

The Cat6 has a higher bandwidth of 250MHz which is an upgrade from the Cat. It puts it in a better position to transmit lots of data within a short time.

The Cat7 cable has a bandwidth of 600MHz, placing it well above the Cat5 and Cat6. It makes it better suited for office and data center use.

The Cat5, Cat6 and Cat7 Cable Overview

The Cat5 Cable

This cable has a maximum transmission speed of 10/100Mbps, making it fit for home use. It also has a maximum bandwidth of 100MHz which, for its caliber, is quite okay. This cable is not as strong as the Cat6 and Cat7, but it can easily be installed in places with sharp corners.

Pros

• It is quite flexible and can be installed in sharp corners and bends
• The 100 MHz bandwidth supports its speed quite well

Cons

• It is old and obsolete
• It cannot last as long as the Cat6 and 7

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The Cat6 Cable

This cable is quite an upgrade. It has a maximum transmission speed of 10 Gbps but this speed drastically reduces to 1000Mbps at distances longer than 30-55 meters. It has a 250MHz bandwidth which supports proper Gigabyte transmission. It comes either shielded or unshielded, but it remains structurally strong owing to the spline running through it.

Pros

• It has a high transmission speed
• It is more structurally sound than the Cat5
• It has a high maximum bandwidth

Cons

• The splein makes it hard to bend, making it hard to install in sharp corners

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The Cat7 Cable

With its 10Gbps transmission speed and a bandwidth of 600 Mhz, this cable outperforms the Cat5 and Cat6 cables. This makes it suitable for use in large offices and data centers. It is able to sustain the 10Gbps speed at distances of up to 100 meters. Much as it does not have a spline, it is made structurally sound by the extra pvc cover on ever twisted copper pairs. It also has a braided shield that enhances the cable and reduces the chances of crosstalk.

Pros

• It has a high transmission speed at a longer distance
• It has a broad bandwidth
• It is very structurally sound

Cons

• It is more expensive than the Cat5 and Cat6 cables

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Conclusion

These three Ethernet cables have the capacity to handle Gigabyte transmission, but the Cat5 has become obsolete. An upgrade to a Cat6 would do you a whole lot of good. The Cat6 and Cat7 cables are really good and modern, and are ideal for fast data transmission.

Verdict: So, which one is more practical – Cat5, Cat6 or Cat7?

The Cat6 is definitely the best option for both home and office use. It combines fast transmission speeds, broad bandwidth and stable build. The Cat5 is old and obsolete, while the Cat7 is better suited for data centers and is also expensive.

FAQs

1. What length of Cat6 Ethernet cable does an average household require?

The average household requires an approximate 750 meters or 2,500 feet of Ethernet cable. This length is equivalent to 3 boxes.

2. Can I run the Cat7 Ethernet cable outdoors?

Yes, the cable can be run outside, but being made of pvc, it will wear fast when exposed to the elements. Run it through a conduit to protect it from this exposure and to ensure it stays a long time.