If you are confused by Cat 6 and Cat 7, usually, when you want a fast internet connection, you are not the only one. It can be challenging to select the best Ethernet cables for your home and workplace. “Cat 6 cable price in Pakistan” is the first thing people look up when purchasing an Ethernet cable, but the main issue is that the Cat 6 wire is not long enough. Think of Cat 7 cable as upgrading from an old car to a new streamlined car. This guide will provide you with a quick overview of Cat 6 and Cat 7 cables, their significance, the differences between Cat 6 and Cat 7, and all the information you require.

Understanding Cat 6 & Cat 7 Cables:

What is Cat 6 Cable?

For a stable connection, Cat 6 is usually called the “sweet spot” of networking. Cat 6, also known as Category 6, is designed for fast & reliable data transmission. It serves as a link between professional-calibre performance and residential setups. It is made up of four copper wire pairs. These twists are separated by a plastic internal divider known as a spline to avoid signal leakage when wires interfere with each other.

Cat 6 Cable Specification

• Speed: Up to 10 Gbps (gigabits per second).
• Bandwidth: It can control a frequency of 250 MHz.
• Compatibility: It works nicely with Cat5e networks, offering great improvement.
• Connector: Uses the common RJ45 plug that fits almost every router, switch, and laptop on the planet.

Where Do You Use Cat6?

• Home: Faster Wi-Fi routers, gaming consoles, smart TVs.
• Offices: Smooth video calls, large file transfers, cloud-based work.
• Data centres: A fast network for switches and servers.

Cat 6 Cable Price in Pakistan

Typical Price Range

• Short cables: Around ₨140 to ₨900. Perfect for connecting your router to a nearby PC or console.
• Medium-length cables: From ₨1,300 to ₨3,000. Perfect for dispersed device setups at home.
• Bulk rolls: ₨28,000 to more than ₨36,000. These are usually bought by offices, data centres, or anyone setting up a full network.
• Premium brands like CommScope or D-Link: higher-end options, often costing over ₨30,000 for a professional-grade roll.

Factors influencing price

• • Length
  • Shielding type
  • Material
  • Brand reputation

Installation Considerations

Installing Cat 6 wires requires proper planning, tools, and attention to distance limits to ensure reliable high-speed performance. While installing, you should avoid sharp bends in the cable and separate your cable from power lines. Your cable should be labelled to avoid troubleshooting. You must follow the wiring standards for your safety. Test each run to find the faulty cable.

Advantages of Using Cat6

Key advantages of Cat 6 cables are: 

• High-Speed Performance: It handles 10 Gbps over 55 metres.
• Increased Bandwidth: Offer frequency of 600 MHz.
• Decreased Crosstalk and Interference: The spline reduces wire interference.
• Future-Proofing: Provide a strong base for growing network demands and make it cost-effective.
• Stable and dependable: It produces a more stable and dependable connection for commercial and industrial use.
• Versatile Application: These cables are perfect for homes, businesses, industries and data centres needing fast connections.

What is Cat 7 Cable?

Cat 7 cables are high-performance cables designed for high-speed and low-interference networking. It consists of four individually shielded twisted copper pairs, enclosed within a braided shield. 

Cat 7 Cable Specification

• Speed: Up to 10 Gbps over 100 metres.
• Bandwidth: It operates at a frequency of 600 MHz.
• Compatibility: Cat 5e and Cat 6 compatibility in reverse.

Where Do You Use Cat7?

• Data centres: Handle huge traffic with minimum interference.
• Industrial setups: Factories or labs with heavy machinery and electrical noise.
• Professional offices: Businesses needing consistent high-speed connections.

Cat 7 Cable Price in Pakistan

Typical Price Range

• Short cables: Between ₨900 and ₨1,950. Great for connecting a nearby PC or gaming system to a router.
• Medium-sized cables: ₨3,600–₨4,000. Perfect for home setups where devices are spread out.
• Bulk rolls: Premium brands like Panduit can cost ₨145,600. These are usually bought by offices or data centres.
• Budget brands: Some local or generic Cat7 cables are listed at lower prices, but quality and shielding may vary.

Factors influencing price

• • Length.
  • Shielding type.
  • Material.
  • Brand reputation.

Advantages of Using Cat 7 Cable

Advantages of using these cables are:

• High-Speed Data Transfer: It supports up to 10 Gbps over 100 metres, important for loading heavy videos.
• Superior Shielding (S/FTP): Each twisted pair is shielded, reducing electromagnetic interference and ensuring signal integrity in noisy environments.
• Increased Bandwidth: It offers up to 600 MHz.
• Future-Proofing: These cables are designed for the high-bandwidth requirements of advanced technology.
• Reliability: Provide stable and consistent connections.

Differences Between Cat 6 and Cat 7 Cables:

Speed:

• Cat 6 can support speeds up to 10 Gbps, but gets “tired” after about 55 metres.
• Cat 7 can hold 10 Gbps speed for 100 metres without getting tired. Cat 7 is more reliable for large house and office systems. 

Bandwidth:

Cat 6 offers a frequency of 250 MHz. Cat 7 functions at a frequency of 600 MHz, ensuring a stable connection.

Shielding:

• Cat6 cables are available in basic shielding such as UTP (unshielded twisted pair) and STP (shielded twisted pair). 
• Every twisted pair of Cat 7 is separately shielded, making it ideal for noisy environments.

Connectors:

Cat6 uses the typical RJ45 connectors, which are widely compatible with most devices. On the other hand, Cat7 uses GG45 or TERA connectors, making the installation slightly more complex.

Conclusion:

Choosing between Cat 6 and Cat 7 is difficult. Small companies and families are best suited for Cat 6.  These cables are affordable and can handle high-speed internet without breaking. On the other hand, Cat 7 is designed for data centres, industries, and huge offices where interference is high and performance requirements are extreme. It is reliable over large distances, but these cables are more expensive than Cat 6. If you are wiring your home or a small office, use Cat 6 for the network connection. But if you are designing a networking powerhouse, Cat 7 is the best option.