Category 7

Category 7 (Cat7 for short) is a high-performance shielded network cable that complies with the ISO/IEC 11801 standard. Its core positioning is in the 10Gbps 10-Gigabit Ethernet scenario, featuring a 600MHz bandwidth and a dual-shielded S/FTP structure. Its anti-interference capability far exceeds that of Cat6 and Cat6A network cables, making it an excellent choice for enterprise-level networks, high-end home and industrial scenarios.
Previously, the Category 7 flat wire you knew was a detailed form of Category 7 network cables. This time, we will comprehensively analyze the core parameters, technical highlights, classification and application of standard Category 7 network cables (including the mainstream round wire type and the detailed flat wire type).
I. Core Specifications and Technical Parameters
Detailed description of the standard values of parameter items
The maximum transmission rate is 10Gbps, supporting 10GBASE-T Ethernet, and is downward compatible with 1G/100M/10M standards
The bandwidth of 600MHz is 20% higher than that of Cat6A, providing more signal margin and stronger anti-attenuation capability
Shielding structure S/FTP (double shielding) inner layer: 4 pairs of twisted wires, each pair independently shielded with aluminum foil; Outer layer: Integral metal shielding layer (aluminum foil or tin-plated copper woven mesh)
Conductor specifications: 24AWG (mainstream) /26AWG/28AWG are mostly high-purity oxygen-free copper (≥99.95%). 24AWG has the best transmission stability, while 28AWG is softer
The RJ45 connector (metal shielded housing + 50μm gold-plated contacts) must be equipped with a shielded housing to form a complete grounding loop with the cable shielding layer, preventing electromagnetic leakage
The maximum transmission distance is 100 meters. The standard transmission distance at a rate of 10Gbps far exceeds that of Category 8 network cables (30 meters).
The outer covering materials are PVC (conventional), LSOH (low smoke zero halogen), and TPE (flexible). PVC is suitable for general scenarios, LSOH is suitable for computer rooms and public areas, and TPE is suitable for scenarios with frequent bending
The certification standard ISO/IEC 11801:2017 complies with the Class F standard and is the core certification for Category 7 network cables
Ii. Core Technology Highlights
The performance advantages of Category 7 network cables stem from two core designs, which are also the key differences between them and Category 6 / super Category 6 network cables
S/FTP dual shielding structure (Core Advantage)
Double-layer shielding achieves 360° electromagnetic protection without blind spots: The inner layer of aluminum foil shielding supsuppress crosstalk between pairs (NEXT), and the outer layer of overall shielding resists external electromagnetic interference (EMI/RFI).
The anti-interference capability is approximately 50% higher than that of Cat6A. In strong interference environments such as industrial frequency converters, motors, and high-voltage equipment, the transmission stability is significantly better than that of unshielded or single-shielded network cables.
It should be noted that the shielding layer must be reliably grounded to the metal housing of the connector; otherwise, it will become an "antenna" and increase interference instead.
Optimized wire pair twisting design
Four pairs of twisted-pair cables are twisted at different pitches (typically 10-15mm) to reduce signal coupling between pairs, lower crosstalk and return loss.
Some high-end products adopt cross-shaped skeleton isolation to further separate the wire pairs and enhance transmission performance.
The stability of 10-gigabit transmission
The 600MHz bandwidth provides sufficient margin for 10Gbps transmission, ensuring low latency and no packet loss even over long distances (100 meters) or in high-interference environments.
Supports POE + power supply (up to 30W), which can meet the power supply requirements of high-end wireless aps, surveillance cameras, IP phones and other devices.
Classification of Category III and 7 Network Cables (by Form)
Category 7 network cables are mainly divided into round cables (the mainstream type) and flat cables (the detailed type). The core performance of both is the same, and the difference in form determines the applicable scenarios:
Classification structure features Core advantages applicable scenarios
Category 7 round wire with circular outer sheath (diameter approximately 6-8mm), S/FTP double shielding, 24AWG oxygen-free copper structure, stable, strong tensile strength, uniform heat dissipation. It is suitable for data centers, enterprise computer rooms, comprehensive cabling, and fixed equipment connections
Category 7 flat wire flat outer sheath (thickness 1.7-2.4mm, width 7-8mm), S/FTP double shielding, 26-32AWG oxygen-free copper ultra-thin invisible, easy to hide, not easy to tangle, suitable for home decoration, office desktop, door gap/carpet wiring, temporary network construction
Supplementary: The seven types of flat wires previously analyzed for you are sub-products under this category, suitable for scenarios with limited space. Category 7 round cables are the mainstream in the market and are more suitable for professional wiring projects.
Iv. Typical Application Scenarios
The 10Gbps rate and high anti-interference feature of Category 7 network cables make them suitable for various scenarios with high requirements for network stability
Enterprise-level network
Data center: Interconnection of servers and switches, storage area network (SAN), high-density cabinet cabling.
Office environment: Open-plan office area, multimedia meeting room, video conferencing system, high-speed printer cluster, supporting simultaneous high-speed transmission of multiple devices.
High-end home network
Home theater: 4K/8K TV, projector, audio equipment, supporting lossless audio and video transmission.
Smart Home: Smart home hub, high-end surveillance cameras, wireless aps, stable connection to multiple devices.
E-sports scenarios: e-sports consoles, game routers, NAS devices, low latency ensures gaming experience.
Industrial automation
Factory workshop: PLC control systems, industrial robots, machine vision equipment, resistant to strong electromagnetic interference from frequency converters, motors, etc.
Rail transit: Platform monitoring and signal systems, adaptable to complex outdoor electromagnetic environments.
Public area
Shopping malls and hotels: Wireless AP coverage, self-service terminal equipment, high-bandwidth support for multiple users to access simultaneously.
Schools and hospitals: Laboratory equipment and medical imaging equipment, ensuring the security and stability of data transmission.
V. Key Points and Precautions for Selection
Certification standard
Products that comply with the ISO/IEC 11801 Class F standard must be selected to avoid "false Category 7" (which is actually an upgraded version of super Category 6 with a bandwidth of less than 600 MHZ).
Give priority to products that have passed the FLUKE test (such as DSX-8000) to ensure that the transmission performance meets the standards.
Shielding integrity
Check whether the shielding layers at both ends of the cable are reliably connected to the metal housing of the connector to prevent the shielding from breaking.
The connector must be a metal-shielded RJ45 head, and the thickness of the gold-plated contacts should be ≥50μm to enhance oxidation resistance and connection stability.
Mass of conductor
Give priority to choosing high-purity oxygen-free copper (≥99.95%) conductors, and avoid copper-clad aluminum or copper-clad iron materials (with high resistance, short transmission distance and easy aging).
Wire gauge selection: 24AWG is suitable for long distances (50-100 meters), 26-28AWG is suitable for short distances (≤50 meters), and 32AWG is only suitable for extremely short distances (≤5 meters).
Outer covering material
Computer room/public area: Select LSOH low smoke zero halogen material, which is fireproof, flame-retardant and free of toxic gases.
For home/office environments: Choose PVC material, which is cost-effective and durable.
Frequent bending scenarios: Choose TPE material, which has good flexibility and a long bending resistance life.
Compatibility
Category 7 network cables are downward compatible with Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat6A devices and can be seamlessly integrated with existing network infrastructure.
Note: The shielding layer of Category 7 network cables needs to be grounded; otherwise, they cannot exert their anti-interference advantages and may even affect performance.
Price range
The price of Category 7 network cables is approximately 1.5 to 2 times that of Category 6A, and the price of flat cables is slightly higher than that of round cables of the same specification.
Avoid choosing overly cheap products. Inferior Category 7 network cables may have problems such as incomplete shielding layers and poor conductor materials.