Difference Between Cat6 Cat6a Cat7 Cat7a Cat8
Many people wonder what Ethernet cable they should install at home. Many wonder about the difference between cat6 cat6a cat7 cat7a cat8.
To help better understand the difference between cat6 cat6a cat7 cat7a cat8, let's define some terms.
• Bandwidth: Measured in MHz, bandwidth is how much data gets transferred between 2 points within a given amount of time.
• Data Rate: Measured in Gbps (Gigabits per second), data rate refers to the speed at which data travels across the network.
For many types of cable, ISO11801 Standard sets out performance requirements
Category 6 (class E)
Category 6, also known as Cat6, has quickly become outdated due to large amounts of data traveling in short amounts of time. Large files can result in long wait times.
With a 250 MHz bandwidth, it can carry 1 Gbps over 100 metres without deteriorating.
However, you can use Cat6 cabling for lengths under 50 metres as it allows 10Gbps across the network.
Category 6A (class Ea)
Cat6A is better for large files and longer distances. With a bandwidth of 500Mhz, Cat6A is able to transfer data at rates of 10 Gbps over a distance of 100 metres.
Since many Network cards in computers are able to accept rates of 10 Gbps, it makes sense to use the same computing speed.
If you're using Cat 6A you should opt for a shielded solution as Alien Crosstalk becomes common with higher frequencies.
Category 7
Cat 7 was created prior to there being a need for it. As a result, it was not ratified as a standard.
The connectors aren't RJ45; However, in order to solve this problem, you're able to purchase a patch lead such as a GG45 or RJ45.
Many people opt for the Cat6A as a cheaper comparison to the Cat7. The Cat7 is similar in many ways to a Cat6A with a bandwidth of 600 MHz and data rate of 10 Gbps.
The Cat7 is also not ratified and supports similar equipment to the Cat6A, making it a more practical alternative to the Cat6A. Cat7 is typically ended with a Cat6A shielded jack.
However, the Cat7A has been increasing in popularity with Audio Visual installers due to its great shielding properties.
Category 8
Cat8 is an uncommon cable as it does not have many practical uses. It is only able to cover distances up to 30 metres, but carries data up to 40 Gbps. Fibre may be a cheaper alternative to this monstrous cable.
If you're looking for the best solution, the Cat6A is shielded up to 90 metres in length. If you're getting a lot of interference or alien cross talk, a Cat7 cable with a double shield can be use, terminated with a Cat6A STP jack.
Your installer should use the Fluke DSX5000 cable tester.