Is Cat7 backward compatible?  ( Cat7 backward compatibility )
Channel: NM Cabling Solutions
Date: 10/02/2021

Is Cat7 backward compatible?
With ever changing technology and cabling requirements many businesses are looking to future proof there cabling. However they are not always ready to go to a full on high specification system. Rather they want to be ready for when the technology requires it. Therefore a common situation is installing the main data cabling in a high grade cabling specification but maintaining a lower lesser grade of hardware and connection cabling. Thus is a higher grade of cable is installed such as Cat7 can you be confident to answer the question is Cat7 backward compatible
What is a Cat7 Cable?
A Category 7 cable is generally called a Cat7 or Cat7a cable. It was first designed to be used for the cabling communications of 10 Gigabit Ethernet. However theoretically it can support 40Gb and 100Gb at shorter distances.
A Cat 7 cable offers bandwidth up to 600MHz. Thus in simple terms is 6 times the capacity of Cat5e and 2 and a half times that of Cat6. Simply put, a Cat 7 cable is what we recommend you use when wiring your smart home.
If I install Cat7 cabling is Cat7 backward compatible?
The Cat 7 cable is compatible with the Cat 6, Cat 5, and Cat 5 cable categories. It offers 90/100m 4-connector channels using shielded cabling and is designed to transmit signals at frequencies up to 600MHz.
Situations where Cat7 is installed and used backward compatible
• Cat7 cabling is installed into the fabric of the building but Cat6a termination modules are used. This is sometimes to reduce initial cost and other times due to manufacturer limitations on a Cat7 or Cat7a connector
• A Full Cat7 structured cabling installation is undertaken including GG45 modules. However Cat6a patch leads are used. The limitation on longer runs is 10 Gigabit and therefore Cat6a patch leads are sufficient and a lot more cost effective. However the cabling is in place for future technologies
• A full cat7 cabling installation is put into a new building but the client brings over their existing hardware and patch leads and connects. This could be Cat5e, Cat6 or Cat6a. Therefore the system runs at their old speeds but is in place for the future. This isn't very common but has been the case on past projects
Conclusion - Is Cat7 backwards compatible
If you have smart home technology or are in a situation that requires a shorter links, Cat7 cables are the perfect match. Under 100 Gigabit Ethernet, cables will reach 15 meters and up to 50 meters under 40 Gigabit Ethernet.  However as previously stated this is a non ratified standard.
Due to their higher grade requirements most data centres are moving beyond Cat7 and straight to Cat8.

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