CAT6 vs CAT7: Which Ethernet Cable Wins for VoIP and Business Networks
When you're setting up a CAT6, a standardized Ethernet cable type used in most business and home networks for speeds up to 10 Gbps over short distances. Also known as Category 6, it's the baseline for reliable VoIP traffic in offices today. Many assume upgrading to CAT7, a higher-spec Ethernet cable with enhanced shielding and support for up to 100 Gbps over short runs. Also known as Category 7, it's designed for future-proofing high-bandwidth environments will fix choppy calls or slow video conferencing. But that’s not always true. For most small businesses using VoIP, CAT6 does everything you need—clear voice, stable connections, zero dropouts—without the extra cost or complexity. CAT7 adds shielding, tighter twists, and a thicker outer jacket, but unless you're running 10Gbps+ networks in a high-interference environment like a factory floor or data center, those features rarely translate to better call quality.
The real difference isn’t in speed—it’s in how each cable handles noise. CAT6 uses twisted pairs and basic shielding, which works fine if your cables aren’t running next to power lines or fluorescent lights. CAT7 adds individual shielding around each wire pair and an overall foil shield, making it better in electrically noisy spaces. But if you’re installing cables in a clean office with proper cable trays and grounded outlets, that extra shielding is overkill. What matters more for VoIP is consistent QoS settings, proper VLAN tagging, and DSCP marking—things you can do with either cable. A poorly installed CAT7 cable with bad terminations will perform worse than a well-run CAT6. And let’s not forget: most VoIP phones, switches, and routers don’t even support speeds beyond 1Gbps or 2.5Gbps. You’re not getting 100Gbps in your conference room.
Cost is another big factor. CAT7 cable costs 30-50% more than CAT6, and the connectors (GG45 or TERA) aren’t backward compatible with standard RJ45 ports. That means you might need new patch panels, switches, or even wall jacks. For most businesses, that’s not a smart investment. Stick with CAT6 for everything from desk phones to call center servers. If you’re building a new office or upgrading your network backbone, CAT6a (Category 6a) is the sweet spot—it supports 10Gbps up to 100 meters and has better interference resistance than CAT6, without the cost and compatibility headaches of CAT7. You’ll find that most of the posts here focus on real VoIP performance: how DSCP markings, VLANs, and network design matter far more than the cable category. The right configuration on CAT6 beats a poorly set up CAT7 every time.
