Introduction
When talking about internet speed and stable connections, ethernet cables are still a big deal. Even though Wi-Fi is popular, people who game, stream, or work from home often prefer a wired connection. Over the years, different categories of ethernet cables have been released like Cat5e, Cat6, Cat7, and now Cat8.
This leads to an important question: is Cat7 obsolete? The answer can seem tricky, but let’s break it down step by step so it’s easy to understand.
What Does Cat7 Do?
Cat7 ethernet cables were designed to be an upgrade from Cat6. They provide speeds up to 10 Gbps at distances of up to 100 meters. They also come with stronger shielding to reduce interference and higher bandwidth of up to 600 MHz.
At first glance, Cat7 looks powerful. But when you compare it with Cat6a and Cat8, Cat7 becomes a little harder to recommend. That’s why people today often wonder if Cat7 is still worth buying.
What Makes People Think Cat7 is Obsolete?
There are a few reasons many call Cat7 obsolete. First, Cat7 is not fully standardized for all networking equipment, which means some devices don’t officially support it. Second, Cat6a came out and offered the same 10 Gbps speeds over 100 meters, but at a lower cost and with better standardization. Finally, Cat8 entered the market, making Cat7 look like a “forgotten middle child.”
The Exact Answer
So, is Cat7 obsolete? Yes and no. It is not completely obsolete, but for most people, there is no reason to buy Cat7 when Cat6a and Cat8 are better supported and more practical. Cat7 still works and performs very well, but newer standards have already replaced its role in both homes and businesses.
Cat7 vs Cat6a
Cat6a cables provide the same 10 Gbps speed at up to 100 meters and are officially standardized for modern equipment. They’re often cheaper than Cat7 too. This makes Cat6a the more reliable option for most households, especially for installations where stability really matters.
Cat7 vs Cat8
Cat8 cables are designed for speeds up to 25–40 Gbps but only over short distances of about 30 meters. They’re meant for data centers and professional setups, not typical homes. Compared with Cat7, Cat8 has a clear role in high‑end work environments. Cat7 sits awkwardly in between Cat6a and Cat8, which is why some call it obsolete.
Where Cat7 Can Still Be Useful
Even if Cat7 isn’t recommended for new installations, it doesn’t mean it’s useless. If you already own Cat7 cables, they will still work and give you stable, high‑speed internet. Cat7’s strong shielding is also useful in environments with lots of electronic interference. It simply isn’t necessary for most homes where Cat6a or even Cat5e patch cable already does the job perfectly.
Why Cat5e Patch Cable Still Matters
It might surprise many, but cat5e patch cable is still widely used today. It supports gigabit internet, which is what most families have in their homes. Unless you are running advanced multi‑gigabit networks, Cat5e is enough for browsing, streaming movies, gaming, and everyday work. Many offices and homes are still wired with Cat5e patch cable, proving that newer doesn’t always mean better for average use.
Does Using Cat7 Make Your Internet Faster?
No, using Cat7 won’t speed up your internet if your plan doesn’t support it. Your internet speed depends more on what you pay your provider for. Even if you use Cat7 but your plan is only 200 Mbps, your download speed won’t magically jump to 10 Gbps. In simple terms, the cable doesn’t give you more speed than you are subscribed to.
Future Proofing and Cat7
People often buy advanced cables thinking they are future proof. Cat7 once looked like a good future proof choice, but with Cat6a and Cat8 available, it’s no longer the best path. If you want to prepare for higher speeds, Cat6a is a safe, affordable choice, and Cat8 is ideal if you need extreme performance for specific tasks. Cat7 falls in between without offering an advantage anymore.
Easy Example to Imagine
Think of ethernet cables like cars. Cat5e patch cable is like a family car, good enough for most needs like grocery runs and school trips. Cat6a is like a modern SUV—faster, stronger, and ready for longer drives. Cat7 is like an older sports car that was once exciting but now overshadowed by newer models. Cat8 is like a race car, made for special tracks, not everyday roads.
Common Misunderstandings
Myth: Cat7 doesn’t work anymore. Truth: It works fine but isn’t the best option to buy new.
Myth: Cat7 gives faster speed than Cat6a. Truth: Both handle up to 10 Gbps at the same distance.
Myth: Cat5e patch cable is outdated. Truth: It still supports gigabit and is perfect for most homes.
Final Recap Answer
To be clear, Cat7 is not completely obsolete, but it is unnecessary for most people. Cat6a does the same job with better support and lower cost, and Cat8 covers the high‑end professional side. For households, Cat5e patch cable or Cat6a is more than enough. Cat7 still works fine if you already use it, but it is not the smartest buy today.
Conclusion
Ethernet technology keeps moving forward, but not every upgrade is worth chasing. Cat7 sits in an awkward place between Cat6a and Cat8, which is why many treat it as obsolete. Still, it functions perfectly well and can provide smooth speeds.
If you’re choosing cables today, go with Cat6a for future readiness at home, or Cat8 for advanced professional setups. If you’re just running a normal household with streaming, gaming, or remote work, Cat5e patch cable is still reliable and affordable. So while Cat7 isn’t dead, it’s not the star of the show anymore.
Sources: https://spoxor.com/ethernet-cables-explained-a-comprehensive-overview/
https://www.promoteproject.com/article/198731/can-i-plug-a-cat-8-cable-into-a-cat6-jack
https://sharefolks.com/view/what-are-three-things-to-consider-when-choosing-an-ethernet-cord
