Cat 7 and Cat 8 are high-performance cables used for data transmission. Due to their distinct features, they are suitable for different applications. 

Cat 7 will work for most users while Cat 8 includes extreme speed and shielding characteristics that aren’t necessary for regular applications. 

In this article, we’ve described the key features of Cat 7 and Cat 8 when it comes to their applications and customer experience. 

What is a Cat 7 Cable?

Cat7 ethernet cable is a high-performance Ethernet cable that supports data transfer speeds of up to 10,000 Mbps. These cables offer better shielding and reduced crosstalk compared to lower-category cables. This ensures reliable data transmission for demanding applications.

Cat 7 cables use twisted pair wiring and are backward compatible with previous categories. However, they require compatible equipment to achieve their full potential. 

What is a Cat8 Ethernet Cable?

Cat 8 cable is a high-speed Ethernet cable designed to support data transfer rates of up to 25,000 Mbps (25 Gbps) and even 40,000 Mbps (40 Gbps) over short distances. It utilizes a twisted pair wiring with improved shielding to minimize interference and crosstalk. This way, you can ensure reliable data transmission in high-demand environments. 

Cat 8 cables are backward compatible with lower category cables but require compatible equipment for optimal performance. They are ideal for data centers, server rooms, and applications demanding ultra-fast, low-latency connections, such as high-performance computing, 4K/8K video streaming, and virtual reality (VR) setups, making them future-proof for bandwidth-intensive tasks.

Differences Between Cat 7 and Cat 8

Let’s review the main differences between these two cables. 

• Price. Cat 8 are naturally more expensive because they offer increased performance and a wider set of features.
• Cable Length (Distance). Cat 8 supports a distance up to 30 meters at the highest speed. Cat 7 reaches up to 100 meters.
• Speed. Cat 7 speed range is up to 10 Gbps at 100 meters. Cat 8 speed range is up to 25/40 Gbps at shorter distances.
• Frequency. Cat 7 operates at frequencies up to 600 MHz, whereas Cat 8 operates at frequencies up to 2000 MHz.
• Crosstalk (Shielding). Both Cat 7 and Cat 8 cables have shielding to reduce crosstalk, but Cat 8 features improved shielding for better performance.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE). Both Cat 7 and Cat 8 support PoE, allowing power and data transmission over the same cable.
• Connector Types. Cat7 connectors are standard RJ45 connectors. Cat 8 also uses the same connectors. In this way, they are compatible with most of the networking equipment. 
• Actual Applications. Cat 7 is suitable for high-speed data transfers and video streaming in data centers and enterprise networks. Cat 8 is best for specialized applications like data centers, server rooms, and high-performance computing environments.
• Other Factors. Cat 8 cables are less flexible than Cat 7 due to their thicker shielding and are more suitable for fixed installations.

Notes on TIA/EIA Recognition of CAT cables

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) created the set of standards for different types of twisted-pair copper Ethernet cables. With the standards, there’s consistency and compatibility in network installations. 

The specialists can choose the suitable cables for specific applications more easily. CAT7 is not recognized by TIA and EIA. CAT8 is recognized by TIA and EIA. 

On the other hand, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) plays a significant role in Ethernet standards, particularly through its IEEE 802.3 working group, which defines networking protocols and physical layer specifications, including the use of CAT cables. 

Unlike TIA and EIA, which focus on cabling standards, IEEE's involvement extends to broader aspects of Ethernet networking technologies and protocols. TIA/EIA and IEEE certifications ensure CAT cables meet industry standards for efficient Ethernet networks. They provide a reliable foundation for deploying cables with accepted quality and performance. IEEE recognizes CAT8 and doesn’t recognize CAT7. 

Is Cat7 recognized by TIA/EIA?

The TIA and EIA do not recognize Cat 7 officially. Their standards primarily focus on categories up to Cat 6a for copper Ethernet cables.

Is Cat8 recognized by TIA/EIA? 

The Telecommunications Industry Association/Electronic Industries Alliance (TIA/EIA) recognizes Cat8 cabling.  

Pros and Cons of a Cat 7 Cable

Pros of Cat7 Cable:

• High Performance: Cat7 cable offers high bandwidth and fast data transmission, making it suitable for high-demand applications like 10GBASE-T and future-proofing networks.
• Shielding: It features individually shielded pairs and an overall foil or braid shielding, providing excellent protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk, ensuring reliable data transmission.
• Long Reach: Cat 7 allows you to maintain signal integrity to distances up to 100 meters.
• Backward Compatibility: Cat 7 is compatible with lower-category devices. In this way, you get to have seamless integration with existing network infrastructure. 

Cons of Cat7 Cable:

• Cost: Cat7 cables cost more because they have extra shielding and performance improvements, which makes them less affordable for certain installations.
• Rigid and Thick: Cat 7 aren’t as flexible as cables of lower categories. It’s hard to install them, especially in tight spaces. 
• Limited Availability: Cat7 is not as easy to find as Cat5e and Cat6 due to limited availability in the market.
• Limited Industry Adoption: Not many industries use Cat7, so it can be more expensive and there aren't many choices for network components.

Cat7 cables are ideal for networks that require strong shielding and long-distance transmission. However, they are more expensive and may not be suitable for all purposes.

Pros and Cons of a Cat 8 Cable

Pros of Cat8 Cable:

• Extreme Performance: Cat8 cable offers extreme performance with the highest data transmission rates for copper cabling (up to 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T), making it ideal for data centers and high-bandwidth applications.
• Shielding: It features individual and overall shielding, like Cat7, providing excellent resistance to electromagnetic interference and reducing crosstalk, ensuring reliable data transmission.
• Future-proofing: Cat8 is future-proof, capable of supporting emerging technologies and future networking demands, giving installations a longer life cycle.
• Long Reach: It maintains its performance over longer cable runs, up to 30 meters for 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T, reducing the need for additional networking equipment.

Cons of Cat8 Cable:

• Cost: Cat8 cables are more expensive than lower categories like Cat6 and Cat6a due to higher specifications and shielding requirements, making them cost-prohibitive for some installations.
• Limited Flexibility: Cat8 cables can be less flexible and bulkier due to extra shielding and larger size, potentially impacting ease of installation and cable management.
• Limited Compatibility: Cat8 cables may require specific equipment and connectors, which might not be readily available or could require adapters to work with existing network infrastructure.

Sum Up

When choosing between Cat 7 vs. Cat 8 cables, consider their differences and impact on applications and customer experience, especially for gaming and regular usage:

Cat 7 Cable:

• Suitable for 10GBASE-T in data centers and enterprise environments with excellent shielding for reliable data transmission.
• Lag-free gaming experience and good for future-proofing networks.
• Budget-friendly choice compared to Cat 8.

Cat 8 Cable:

• Extreme performance with 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T, perfect for demanding environments.
• Provides unmatched speeds for ultra-low gaming latency.
• Might be overkill for regular applications due to higher cost and limited availability.

In summary, Cat 7 offers versatility, value, and reliable connectivity for most users, while Cat 8 excels in extreme performance scenarios. For gaming and everyday use, Cat 7 provides a cost-effective and dependable option without sacrificing performance.

At NNC, we offer two Cat 7 cables:

• MIL Cat 7 Ethernet Cable: Specially designed for essential data transmission in applications requiring military specifications, featuring shielded stranded tinned copper conductors and cross-linked ET poly insulation.