Cable for Ethernet and fiber optics connection
Cable for Ethernet and fiber optics connection
what i found online isn't exactly what i expected. i wouldn't suggest changing the cables in your walls, especially since that's quite expensive. fiber companies often provide fiber directly to your room and can lay fibers throughout the building for you. fiber is generally more affordable than cat7. you probably only need about 1.5 meters of cat7. however, you'll still require a 10 Gbps network card because many isp providers with gigabit internet deliver speeds that exceed gigabit.
Currently you don't need Cat7 at all. It becomes relevant only when 40gbps is standard. Cat6a supports 10gbps over 100 meters and Cat6 can do the same at 37 meters. Investing in fiber isn't worthwhile unless you have extremely long distances, because of the extra expenses for converters and switches. All devices along the path must support 10gbps—NIC, switch, router, modem, and the home connection. Even then, you're unlikely to push beyond 400mbps unless your load is unusual. You'll need Cat6a cables, a compatible NIC, a switch with a 10gbps uplink to a router that has a 10gbps port, and a modem that meets the speed.
I really enjoy my collection of Cat 7 cables, crafted by a Chinese manufacturer. The gold finishes give them a premium look, and I notice a noticeable reduction in lag while playing Call of Duty.
The situation remains valid even if they decide to change it; opting for Cat7 makes sense because you can't always foresee future needs, and choosing something you won’t ever need to replace again is wise. It's also important to remember that short-distance connections tend to offer slightly lower latency compared to fiber, while fiber is affordable but replacing a switch and all network adapters can be costly. Having fiber inside the home isn't recommended.
Cat5E can support 10GBASE-T over short ranges even though it isn't officially approved for it. It can achieve 10G speeds at distances typically under 20 meters. I own several Cat5e 3m patch cables operating at 10G, which deliver full 10G performance when linked to an Arista 7050T.
There are alternatives like Cat7A and Cat8 available, even though they aren't formally recognized by TIA/EIA. Availability doesn’t always indicate suitability. Cat6a remains a solid choice for 10Gbps needs and offers lasting reliability.
Fiber offers a significant step up from home user convenience. It's much more challenging to implement compared to standards like Cat 5e, 6, or 7. From my own experience setting it up, you face issues such as micro-bends and polishing ends. To use fiber effectively, ensure your lighting levels are adjusted to protect your transceivers. You'll also need compatible optics, switches, and routers that can handle the technology. Consider the differences between wavelengths and single-mode versus multimode setups. It can become quite complex under pressure. I suggest sticking with Cat 6a or 7 for better reliability.