Cat5 vs. Cat7 Ethernet Cables – Is newer always better?
Much as both of these Ethernet cables are made for data transfer, they have many things that set them apart. But does a newer generation cable mean better transmission?
When it comes to the concept of old and new things, there are two different schools of thought. Some may argue that old is gold, while yet others may say that new brooms sweep clean. But what is the situation with these two cables? When it comes to upgrading, should you or should you not?
The Cat5 cable has been around a great deal of time and has been useful in connecting homes and offices to Gigabyte routers. However, more advanced Ethernet cables have entered the market. They come with stronger builds, faster transmission speeds and broader bandwidths.
The Cat7 is one such cable. It boasts a strong and flexible build and also transmits data at speeds that would give the Cat5 a run for its money. In this article, we are going to look at each cable in detail to find out whether an upgrade is worth the effort.
Come along!
Table of Contents
Differences between the Cat5 and Cat7 Ethernet Cables
Category |
Cat5 |
Cat7 (Winner) |
Shielding |
Unshielded |
Shielded |
Maximum Transmission Speed |
10/100 Mbps |
10 Gbps |
Maximum Bandwidth |
100 MHz |
600 MHz |
How do the Cat5 and Cat7 Ethernet Cables Differ?
Shielding
Both the Cat5 and Cat7 transmit electromagnetic impulses. For this reason, their interior is made of copper wires, usually 8 per cable. Each of these wires is covered in thin pvc casing to ensure that they do not come into contact, which could result in serious interference.
In the case of the Cat5 Ethernet cable, this thin pvc casing is the only protection given to these copper wires. They are then twisted in two to make 4 pairs of copper wire. This twisting is helpful in reducing the chances of interference and adding strength to the cable.
In the case of the Cat7 Ethernet cables, once the copper wires are twisted into pairs, each pair gets covered in another pvc casing. The twist for the copper wires in this cable is tighter, making it stronger as it also significantly reduces the chances of crosstalk. After the wire pairs are encased in the pvc, they are then covered in a braided foil that also adds structure and support to the cable, along with reducing the chances of crosstalk. This cable is stronger and more durable than the Cat5.
Maximum Transmission Speed
Being old technology, the Cat5 cable has a maximum transmission speed of 10/100 Mbps and in this day and age, that is quite low. This does not mean that it cannot be used though. It makes for an efficient cable, especially in a home setting or small office with few computers. This transmission speed, unfortunately, remains constant within 100 meters of the cable.
The Cat7 cable is a stark contrast to the Cat5 as far as transmission speeds go. It has a maximum transmission speed of 10 Gbps which is a whole lot faster than the Cat5. It is able to maintain such transmission speed over a distance of up to 100 meters.
Maximum Bandwidth
With its maximum transmission speed taken into account, its maximum bandwidth of 100MHz seems quite sufficient for it. However, it is still quite low as compared to other cable bandwidth ranges.
The Cat7 cable boasts a broad bandwidth that stretches to 600 MHz. this enables the cable to handle data transfers that are quite heavy within a short time. This is why this cable sits right at home in data centers.
Cat5 vs. Cat7 Ethernet Cable Overview
Cat5 Ethernet Cable
- Belkin Cat5e Patch Cable - 1000ft - Blue
This cable came as an improvement to the Cat3 Ethernet Cable. It is mainly used in the home setting, or in offices of 1 to 2 people. It is basically old technology that is now considered obsolete. It has a maximum transmission speed of 10/100 Mbps, making it one of the slowest cables, especially in this day and age. Its 100MHz bandwidth is standard for this cable, and it allows it to handle its data transmission efficiently.
The Cat5 Ethernet cable uses 8 copper wires for electromagnetic transmissions. For this reason, the copper wires are covered with pvc covering, since contact would result in interference. The cables wires are then twisted in twos to make 4 pairs. The twisting helps to reduce the occurrence of crosstalk. The cable is then covered in a pvc jacket that I quite flexible, allowing for easy bending of the cable.
Pros
- Its copper wires are twisted for reduced crosstalk
- It is an affordable cable
- It supports home use quite well
- It is bendable for easy installation, even in corners
Cons
- The cable is not strong enough to be subjected to heavy crisscrossing
Cat7 Ethernet Cable
- ⚡【Up to 40Gbps 2000MHz High Speed】Jadaol Hyper Speed Cat 8 / Cat 7 Ethernet cable supports...
- ⚡【Wide Application and Compatibility】High performance Cat8 / Cat7 patch cable is also compatible...
This cable packs advantage after advantage. It boasts a high maximum transmission speed of 10 Gbps which it is comfortably able to sustain over a distance of up to 100 meters. It also has a broad bandwidth of up to 600 MHz. this gives the cable the capacity to handle heavy data transfer at a time. For this reason, this cable is used in data centers and office settings.
This cable also has a unique shielding pattern. Just like in the Cat5 Ethernet cable, the Cat7 uses copper wires. They are also covered in pvc for interference prevention. The copper wires are then twisted in twos, but the interesting bit is that each of the pairs is then covered in pvc. There is also a braided casing that supports these wires more, and it is place between the copper wire pairs and the outer jacket. This makes the cable structurally sound and durable.
Pros
- It has a high maximum transmission speed
- It has a broad bandwidth
- It has a strong and stable build for durability
Cons
- It is more expensive than the Cat5 Ethernet Cable
Conclusion
Both of these cables are used in different settings, and each one is able to deliver in the environment for which it is made. The Cat5 cable has, unfortunately, become obsolete even though it continues to be used. On the other hand, the Cat7 may be a little too advanced for a home setting, and it is also more expensive.
Verdict – Which one is better for home installation; The Cat5 or Cat7 Ethernet cable?
Much as it is intended for high data usage in offices and data centers, the Cat7 would be the best choice for your home installation. You will be able to enjoy extremely high speeds over a long distance. Its tight twisting in the copper wire pairs also comes in handy since it reduces the chances of crosstalk and last, but not least, this cable will last a long time with its strong build. It is, therefore, safe to say ‘Out with the old, in with the new’.
FAQs
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What type of connector is best for a Cat5 Ethernet cable?
The Cat5 Ethernet cable uses the Rj45 connector that has the 8P8C (8 positions and 8 connection points) configuration.
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Is the Cat7 cable backward compatible?
Yes, it is backward compatible and can be connected with other Ethernet cables such as Cat5 and Cat6.
