Connection speed plays a key role in determining whether a CAT5/6/7 connector is suitable for your needs.
Connection speed plays a key role in determining whether a CAT5/6/7 connector is suitable for your needs.
I've been using CAT7 S/FTP for over a year in my home. Every time I install a new cable, I question whether the connector type really matters. I chose the Draka cat7 cable because I wanted to ensure quality from the start. Although it was simple to obtain, LSA/RJ45 connectors weren’t available. Instead, I relied on CAT6a wall outlets and patch panels with CAT5e connectors. Even now, finding CAT7 products is tough, and when you do, they’re expensive. It makes me feel that the right connector isn’t crucial, and maybe a CAT7 cable with CAT5e connectors could still deliver 10Gbe speeds in theory. I’d love to try this scenario but don’t have a 10Gbe network yet—please help!
This matches exactly how I’m thinking, and that’s what I’m trying to understand. Since many costly keystones and connectors have higher ratings, is this just marketing or actually true?
The various connectors are tailored for specific wire gauges. Cat5e typically uses around 24-26 AWG, while Cat6 should use 22-24 AWG, meaning the pins need to be adjusted to completely penetrate the wire. Edit: The other connectors are intended to offer superior shielding against crosstalk.
I acquired a drum of 300m Draka UC Home CAT7 and have already used two-thirds of it. My typical distances are around 15m to 25m. The cable is very thin, making it ideal for installation through PVC pipes.
I faced the Punch issue with CAT 6a connectors before. My CAT7 cable is 26 AWG. I've never considered the size difference.
The keystone and RJ45 connectors have minimal impact on home networks. Cat6a supports roughly 95 meters with a total length of about 100 meters using patch cables at both ends. For Cat5e setups using these connectors, the distance could drop to around 95 meters, which is still more than sufficient for typical household use. In bigger structures with many connections and length constraints, using proper connectors ensures maximum signal integrity. Additionally, crosstalk becomes an issue only when numerous cables are bundled together, a scenario unlikely in a standard home environment.