Over the past two decades, Ethernet cable technology has rapidly evolved to support the ever-growing data transmission speed demands of modern networks. As businesses, organizations and even home networks handle increasing volumes of data, reliance on faster, higher-performing cables continues rising steeply.
The two most advanced commercially available Ethernet cable standards today are Category 7 (Cat 7) and Category 8 (Cat 8). Offering major performance enhancements over earlier iterations like Cat 5 and Cat 6, these state-of-the-art cables promise unmatched speed and connectivity for complex networks.
But when choosing between alternatives like Cat 7 and Cat 8 cabling, many questions arise. How exactly do they differ in capabilities and performance? What are the exact speed, distance and frequency allowances of each? And perhaps most importantly – which cable standard makes the most sense for specific types of networks?
This comprehensive guide examines these latest Ethernet cable categories side-by-side. Core specifications, intended use cases, cost considerations and other key factors are covered in detail. Our goal is to provide readers the knowledge needed to select the ideal cabling to meet their networking requirements.
A Brief History of Ethernet Cable Standards
To understand the capabilities of Cat 7 and Cat 8 cabling, it helps to first review the evolution of Ethernet cable categories over time.
Ethernet cables are used to connect devices within local area networks (LANs) – for example, linking computers, printers, servers and other equipment. They transmit data through copper wiring arranged into four twisted pair bundles, which helps minimize signal interference.
The first Ethernet standard debuted in 1985, supporting network bandwidth of 10 megabits per second (10 Mbps). Over years and decades, increased computing processing power enabled advances in cable bandwidth capacity:
- Category 5 / Cat 5 – Introduced in 1995, supporting up to 100 Mbps
- Category 5e / Cat 5e – 1999 – up to 1000 Mbps (1 Gbps)
- Category 6 / Cat 6 – 2002 – up to 10 Gbps
- Category 6a / Cat 6a – 2008 – Improved Cat 6, also up to 10 Gbps
- Category 7 / Cat 7 – Released in 2002, but not widely adopted until ~2010 – up to 10 Gbps
- Category 8 / Cat 8 – 2016 – up to 40 Gbps
The above list highlights the two most advanced cable standards – Cat 7 and Cat 8. Cable categories are assigned based on specific speed/performance testing standards agreed upon by the electronics industry. With each newer category, capabilities are expanded to handle more data bandwidth per second.
Now that there is background on the evolution of Ethernet cables, how exactly does Cat 7 compare to Cat 8 in technical specifications? What are the key differences network administrators should consider when selecting one over the other?
Cat 7 vs. Cat 8 Cables: Key Specifications Compared
While Cat 7 and Cat 8 share similarities in core design – copper twisted pair cabling and compatibility with RJ45 connectors – they differ considerably in supported performance.
| Specification | Cat 7 | Cat 8 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 10 Gbps (Up to 100 m distance) | 40 Gbps (Up to 30 m distance) |
| Frequency | 600 MHz | 2,000 MHz (2 GHz) |
| Max Length | 100 m | 30 m |
| PoE Support? | Yes | Yes |
| Connectors | GG45 RJ45 (some models) | RJ45 (Cat 8.1) GG45 (Cat 8.2) |
| Shielding | STP or FTP | SFTP or SFUTP |
| Cost | $$ | $$$ |
Some clarification on the terminology used in the table:
- Frequency – The supported signaling frequency. Higher frequency allows faster data transmission rates.
- PoE – Power over Ethernet. Allows network cables to supply power to devices.
- Shielding
- STP – Shielded twisted pair. Shielding around each individual wire pair.
- FTP – Foiled twisted pair. Shielding around all wire pairs.
- SFUTP – Shielded foiled unshielded twisted pair. Shielding around all pairs and cable.
- SFTP – Shielded foiled twisted pair. Shielding of individual pairs + entire cable.
- Connectors
- RJ45 – Standard 8P8C modular connector used for Ethernet
*GG45 – Modified connector capable of higher frequencies
- RJ45 – Standard 8P8C modular connector used for Ethernet
So in summary – Cat 8 supports vastly faster theoretical speed and frequency capability – but only over shorter distances of up to 100 feet. Cat 7 offers slightly slower performance of 10 Gbps, but maintains this speed over much longer range – up to 328 feet.
This makes each standard optimal for different types of networks:
- Cat 8 – Short, high-density networks demanding extremely fast data transfer
- Cat 7 – Larger home/office networks where distances up to 300 feet must be supported
Now that the hard performance numbers have been reviewed, what about other considerations like cost, connectors, and compatibility?
Comparing Cat7 vs Cat8: Cost, Connectors & Compatibility
While the speed, length and frequency specifications provide concrete metrics for comparing Cat7 and Cat8 cables, several other factors come into play when selecting one standard over another:
Cost
Cat8 cables that utilize advanced shielding and thicker copper gauges can cost $1-3 more per foot than Cat7 cables with similar shielding. So while Cat8 provides future-proofing for higher network speeds, its premium pricing may make Cat7 the more economical choice for cost-sensitive installations. Unshielded Cat7 can be comparable in price to older standards like Cat6a.
Connectors
The RJ45 connector type commonly used for Ethernet networks is standard on Cat7 cables, and also used for one class of Cat8. However, Cat8 also offers a high-performance GG45 connector option, which supports faster transmission rates through revised physical geometry. So Cat8 offers flexibility – RJ45 for broad compatibility with existing networks, or GG45 for next-gen speed.
Compatibility
Both Cat7 and Cat8 cables are backward-compatible with older Ethernet standards. So they can be used to connect modern networking equipment with existing Cat5e or Cat6a cable segments. Specific connector types used may require adapters to link dissimilar cable types.
Complexity
Cat8‘s faster specifications require more complex cable construction. Thicker copper wires, complex shielding, and advanced connectors add physical bulk. Cat8 cable is larger in diameter compared to other standards, making installation through conduits potentially challenging. Tighter bend radii requirements also apply.
So in areas like cost, interoperability and ease of installation, Cat7 offers advantages over Cat8 for some networking uses.Network administrators must weigh the pure performance gains of Cat8 vs other practical considerations when choosing a standard.
Now that all the technical merits and tradeoffs have been explored, which use cases are best suited to Cat7 and Cat8 cable?
Real-World Applications: When to Use Cat 7 vs Cat 8 Cables
With an abundance of technical detail covered, what are some rules of thumb for deciding between Cat7 and Cat8 cables?
Cat8 is best suited for:
- High-density data centers transferring enormous data volumes
- Network backbones
- Supercomputing clusters
- Short runs between servers in server rooms
- Future-proofing networks for eventual upgrade to 40+ Gbps speeds
Cat7 hits a sweet spot for:
- Office networks supporting bandwidth-intensive operations (CAD/CAM, HD video editing)
- Connecting networked devices distributed throughout large homes and offices
- Network cabling running through ceilings, conduits or spaces with tight corners
- Cost-sensitive installations like schools
The use cases above summarize situations where Cat8 and Cat7 excel based on their technical capabilities. But in some cases, administrators may choose Cat7 even where Cat8 could work from a technical fit perspective:
- To save on material cost in large-scale deployments
- When cable diameters and bend radius issues could complicate routing
- For temporary networks where future bandwidth increases are unlikely
So technical suitability is just one piece of the decision matrix. Budget, installation practicality and network lifespan expectations also come into play.
Now let‘s address some common questions IT departments have about selecting and working with these latest Ethernet standards.
FAQs on Comparing and Working with Cat7 vs Cat8 Cabling
Some additional frequently asked questions when evaluating or planning networks with Cat7 vs Cat8 cabling.
Is Cat7 cable good for gaming?
Cat7‘s 600MHz frequency and 10Gbps speed make it a dependable choice for low-latency gaming connections. Cat7 offers plenty of headroom beyond today‘s highest home internet speeds. Unshielded Cat7 can be easier to install than Cat8 as well. So it represents a solid blend of gaming capability and setup practicality.
Does Cat8 improve gaming ping?
Because Cat8 allows shorter maximum cable lengths versus Cat7, it can theoretically shave off nanoseconds of latency to enhance gaming connectivity. But many other network factors affect ping as well. Cat7 already provides extremely responsive 10Gbps throughput suitable for even fast-twitch gaming. For most, any ping reduction from Cat8 will be imperceptible.
Can you run Cat8 outside?
While Cat8 cable can technically conduct data transmission outside, its shielding lacks waterproofing for permanent outdoor installation. Direct burial outdoor Ethernet cable or gel-filled outdoor conduit housing Cat8 would be required. Outdoor-rated cable is a smarter fit.
Does Cat8 improve streaming?
Cat8 could help bandwidth-intensive 4K/8K video streaming, or handling many simultaneous HD video streams. But its short length limit often makes it impractical for home entertainment networks. Cat7 provides sufficient performance for typical media streaming, including future 4K/8K demands.
Is Cat8 worth it over Cat7?
In data centers, high-performance computing clusters and network backbones transmitting enormous volumes of data, Cat8 can be worth its higher cost. For typical office or home networks, Cat7 provides comparable real-world speed at better value. Evaluate bandwidth needs to determine if Cat8 warrants extra investment.
The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right Cable Standard for Your Network
Advanced Ethernet cable standards like Cat7 and Cat8 provide the backbone for fast, reliable modern data networks. But simply selecting the latest and greatest cable category isn‘t always the ideal decision based on cost and compatibility considerations.
When extreme speeds are the top concern – for example wiring data centers transferring gigantic datasets – Cat8 is the clear choice. Its capacity for up to 40Gbps data rates future-proofs networks to meet rising bandwidth demands. Go with Cat8 for power-hungry applications like machine learning computing arrays.
When balancing performance, budget and installation practicality – Cat7 often strikes the right balance. It still supports 10Gbps throughput suitable even for bandwidth-heavy operations. The standard RJ45 connector is ubiquitous for easy integration with existing networks. And more flexible cable diameter eases wiring through walls and ceilings.
Evaluate factors like network size, cost sensitivities, expected speed needs and ease of installation and connection with other network segments. This determines whether Cat8‘s bleeding-edge performance justifies its higher price tag, or whether versatile Cat7 better aligns with budget and cabling requirements. Consider wiring lifespan as well – Cat8 supports future speed upgrades.
Carefully weighing these factors allows selection of the ideal Ethernet cable standard. Cat7 and Cat8 both offer robust networking performance – choose the one tailored for your environment‘s needs.
