Cat7 Networking Cables

Cat7 uses S/FTP construction, individually foiled pairs inside an overall braided screen, and is specified to 600MHz. That shielding gives it strong resistance to both external interference and crosstalk between pairs, which is why it appears in industrial environments and in runs that parallel mains power.

Understanding where Cat7 sits

Worth knowing before you choose: Cat7 is an ISO standard rather than a TIA one, and it was originally defined around GG45 and TERA connectors rather than RJ45. In practice almost all Cat7 cable sold, including these, is terminated with shielded RJ45, which means the assembled channel performs to Cat6A specification even though the cable itself is built to a higher standard.

That makes Cat7 a sound choice when you want heavier shielding than standard Cat6A provides and are working in an electrically noisy space. If your goal is simply 10 Gigabit across a full length run in an ordinary office, Cat6A achieves the same result with less bulk and easier termination. If you are looking for the highest rated short distance performance, Cat8 is the more current answer.

Shielding needs grounding

Like all shielded cable, Cat7 only delivers its advantage when the screen is bonded to ground through shielded keystones, patch panels and equipment. Terminated into unshielded hardware, it performs no better than good unshielded cable.

Further reading: Cat6 vs Cat7 vs Cat8: What Actually Changed? · From Cat3 to Cat8: A History of Ethernet Cable · Shielded vs Unshielded Ethernet Cable Explained