Cat3 vs Cat5 vs Cat6 vs Cat7: Which one is most suitable?

Ethernet cables play a crucial role in data communication. They provide the foundation for simple device connection, ensuring users have everything they need to transmit their voice or data traffic. An Ethernet cable can come in several styles, with options that cater to the needs of everything from consumer-level home networking to large-scale industrial networks.

CAT3, CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6 – What Are the Differences Between These Multiple Types of Network Cables? The above is a comprehensive comparison of these cables, covering dimensions, supporting rates, bandwidth, and other factors, allowing you to determine in more detail under what circumstances to choose the appropriate cable for your application.

Speed and bandwidth

It is one of the critical factors to consider when selecting network cables. The faster the data can be written back onto disk, the quicker you will see results via your query. This is because transmission speed, or how quickly I am outputting that shuffle over to other machines, is measured in Megabits or Gigabits per second (1), according to my original non-techy self. Bandwidth refers to the amount of data that a cable can carry and is typically measured in megahertz (MHz).

• CAT3 — 10 Mbps with a -16 MHz frequency bandwidth.
• CAT5: 100 Mbps at speeds and a frequency bandwidth of 100 MHz.
• CAT5e: 1000Mbps (1 Gbps) Transmission Speed, Frequency Bandwidth is 100MHz.
• CAT6: The transfer rate is 1000Mbps (1 Gbps), and the frequency band reaches 250MHz.
• CAT6a: 10Gbps (Transmission speed), 500MHz (Frequency bandwidth)
• CAT7: Transmission speed is 10Gbps and frequency bandwidth of up to 600MHz

Transmission distance

One hundred meters is good enough for any of them, so that’s no problem.

Structure and design

Most Ethernet cables are composed of copper wires arranged in twisted pairs. This arrangement minimizes crosstalk interference when signals move through the cable.

• CAT3, CAT5: Same construction as above, but without the outer shield.
• CAT5e – This category uses tighter twisted pairs and additional insulation to help significantly improve immunity to interference
• CAT6: 4-pair twisted-pair design with crossbones to reduce crosstalk.
• CAT6a is stricter in its structure and design, combining a metalized luminescent barrier to enhance interference immunity while promoting signal stability.
• The Ethernet cable shield design features four twisted pairs of copper wire, encased in a foil/drain wire PVC jacket, to enhance performance and prevent crosstalk that would otherwise occur due to electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Anti-Interference Capability

Crosstalk and electromagnetic interference (EMI) disrupt signal quality and decrease data transmission rates. A cable’s immunity to interference is due to its shielding and grounding capability.

• CAT3 and CAT5 are not required due to their simple nature and the absence of interference layers. Therefore, they have poor noise immunity, and EMI is more easily introduced.
• CAT5e: Better crosstalk (no inline pairing and improved insulation)
• CAT6: A little better, with more shielding and grounding.
• CAT6a is an additional layer of metal shielding that ensures the anti-interference capability and makes EM adaptable to more complicated signals.
• CAT7: Its suppression and insulation design provides highly anti-jamming performance, protecting the signal from outside noise and making transmission speed stability easy to maintain under many defects.

Application Scenarios

There is a particular Ethernet cable for a real-world application. Please select the relevant Ethernet cable and install it according to your actual requirements.

• 3rd Class: Low Transmission Speed and Bandwidth – Includes telephone and fax.
• CAT5, CAT5e: Applicable to general network environments in daily life at home and in the office.
• CAT6 is widely used in large enterprise data rooms, network backbones, and industrial parks where the smooth operation of data signals requires fast transmission.
• CAT6a is the channel for anti-interference and stability performance, as required in high-reliability industrial control and automation over structured cabling.
• CAT7: Adopted for forthcoming ultra-high-speed data transmission, massive ‘data centers,’ et cetera, for very high bandwidth and velocity requirement circuits.

Cost and Investment

The price of Ethernet cables is directly proportional to their specifications and characteristics, resulting in a wide range of prices between each type.

• CAT3: Generally, more affordable, mature technology means lower production costs.
• CAT5, CAT5e: More cost-effective and the go-to for most home or office networks.
• CAT6: Higher-priced, more technically developed, and better functioning in high-speed data transmission.
• CAT6a: This light-emitting design is more commonly used in a particular industry due to its relatively high price in industrial-grade applications.
• According to the latest bundling standards, its price is relatively high compared to the other cable types. Because this technology has popularized competition, with more players entering the market, CAT7 prices are expected to be lower.

Selecting the Best Ethernet Cable for You

Things To Consider While Choosing an Ethernet Cable

• Network rate: Select a cable according to your network’s speed. (True story)
• Transmission distance: Determine the required cable length, then select a cable category that meets the transmission requirements.
• Anti-interference ability: Based on the cable’s location and electromagnetic environment, select the minimum required anti-jamming capability for each protected CAN-Bus spread rope.
• Applicable scene: Fitness equipment, fitness body, health massage
• Budgeting: Select the appropriate cable type that suits your needs and budget.

Which one should you choose between CAT3, CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6, CAT6a, and the ultra-fast performance of high-grade CAT7 cables? Depending on the speed requirements needed to pass through a certain distance, interference from various neighbors transmitted in all directions can also be harmful, especially when completing the installation within a budget for your specific application. This would help you select the ideal cable for your setup!

Apple Liu

Apple Liu is Romtronic’s Marketing Manager, focusing on business growth across the Asian market. With a background in International English and eight years of sales experience in the electronic cable and harness industry, she brings both in-depth industry knowledge and a global outlook to her role.

In addition to leading market strategy, Apple also oversees content development and editorial work—crafting clear, engaging messaging that reflects Romtronic’s values and technical strengths. She is passionate about digital engineering and is committed to strengthening Romtronic’s brand presence and innovation in a competitive global landscape.