Network at Home
Network at Home
You're considering whether to go with Cat 6 or Cat 7 for your home network setup. Since you want it to stay relevant when you decide to sell, it's smart to choose a standard that supports future upgrades. Either option can work, but Cat 6 is widely adopted and offers good performance now, while Cat 7 provides higher bandwidth potential for longer-term use. Either way, opting for a common standard will make your system more versatile.
I'll check the price first, you're unsure about your needs, and Cat 7 offers better performance than Cat 6.
Cat 5e and Cat 6 can support 1 Gbps over 100 meters. Higher standards like Cat 6a and above should handle 10 Gbps at the same distance. Keep in mind, 10 Gbps equipment is quite pricey. You might find affordable adapters, but 10 Gbps switches tend to be more expensive. Ultimately, it depends on your needs—considering future requirements, it makes sense to stick with Cat 6.
Pricey now but excessive. Yet when you need 10gbps and the gear is affordable, the setup is ready. I recommend choosing what fits your budget. Another choice is using a conduit so you can easily install or upgrade cables later.
The typical speeds in homes are usually below 100m, making 10Gbps cat6 sufficient. It's generally not recommended to claim a specific spec is enough, but for consumers, 10Gbps between devices like a NAS and switch makes more sense than connecting directly to a TV.
Conduit provides a structured way to manage wiring, making installation clearer and more organized. It simplifies the process by offering guidance on proper placement and connections.
Running conduit directly to device boxes allows for easier cable installation later or upgrades. In some homes, simply connecting conduit to the attic using a larger BSMT cable works well—like using Cat5e for older setups. After about 20 years, fiber optic may be required. Just connect the new fiber to the existing Cat5 and bring it back to the main area. Cat5 cables tend to break, so replace them promptly. For the modem, locate it nearby and install a fresh coax cable as needed. This approach is useful for areas likely to need future upgrades, such as TV rooms, computer spaces, or data centers.
I don't believe you can easily fill a Cat 6 cable's capacity soon unless you're constantly handling large files. Installing Cat 6 would likely provide very high speeds for a long time. It'll take years before most everyday devices fully support those speeds, and Cat 6 appears to be about a quarter the price of Cat 7.