Installing Cat7 Ethernet cable in a wall outlet setup
Installing Cat7 Ethernet cable in a wall outlet setup
I'm setting up Ethernet connections in your home using Cat7 cables. You're considering two separate paths: one for the TV/gaming area and another for the home office/PC. You're eyeing 50ft Cat7 cables from Monoprice at $20 each. Regarding your questions, you'll need wall outlets designed for Cat7 to ensure proper performance and avoid signal loss. Using Cat5 outlets would likely cause issues with speed and reliability. Running the cables directly through the wall into the PC/game system is acceptable, though it's generally better to terminate them at an outlet for safety and organization.
Cat7 isn't a common standard for Ethernet, so opt for Cat 6/5e for home networks unless you need 10GbE, in which case choose 6A. You can keep everything rated to the same standard if you want full compliance, but for gigabit speeds it doesn't matter much. Just note that wall outlets look nicer and perform better.
I hadn't realized Cat7 was a completely different upgrade. For future-proofing, using a 6A wire and outlet would work fine.
It was intended but never received TIA/EIA approval, leaving no established electrical standard. The next official standard will shift to Cat8 after Cat6a. Generally it works, but without this specification you may face various quality problems. Cat6a should suffice in most situations.
The wall plates feature keystones that rise up, suggesting you're attaching pre-crimped patch cables with RJ45 connectors already attached. This means using joiners rather than punchdowns for bare wires.
You're suggesting using wall plates with two female ends, connecting the RJ45 from the source and adding a small cable to the device. Thanks for clarifying.
This would be the optimal choice since you require tools for bare cables unless you intend to expand later. I located what you need on Monoprice wall plate here: https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=6727 and inserts there: https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=7303. It would also be quicker.