When discussing high-performance Ethernet cables, a key question arises about the connectors used to terminate them. So, what connectors are used with Cat7 cables? Cat7 cables are designed to use both the standard RJ45 connector and specialized, non-backward-compatible connectors like the GG45 or TERA. While the RJ45 allows for backward compatibility with most networking equipment, the specialized connectors are required to fully achieve the Cat7 standard’s higher performance and grounding integrity. This article will explore the different connector options for Cat7, their respective benefits and drawbacks, and why this distinction is crucial for network performance.
What are the Primary Connector Types Used with Cat7 Cables?
The primary connectors used with Cat7 cables are the standard 8P8C RJ45 connector and the specialized GG45 (GigaGate 45) and TERA connectors. The choice of connector depends on the desired performance and compatibility. While the RJ45 is used for backward compatibility with existing networks, the GG45 and TERA connectors are integral to meeting the Cat7 standard’s full potential.
The standard RJ45 connector is the most common and is found on nearly all networking equipment. In contrast, GG45 and TERA connectors were developed to provide a higher-frequency interface, better shielding, and improved grounding, which are essential for Cat7’s advanced capabilities. The use of RJ45 on a Cat7 cable, therefore, often limits its performance to that of a Cat6a.
Why is the RJ45 Connector Used with Cat7?
The RJ45 connector is used with Cat7 cables to provide backward compatibility with the vast majority of existing networking equipment, which is designed to accept this plug. This ensures that a Cat7 cable can be plugged into a standard router, switch, or computer. Using an RJ45 connector allows a Cat7 cable to function in a Cat6a, Cat6, or Cat5e network.
However, when a Cat7 cable is terminated with an RJ45 connector, its performance is limited. The RJ45 connector itself, with its more basic design, cannot fully support the higher frequencies (up to 600 MHz) that the Cat7 cable is capable of. The use of a standard RJ45 plug essentially bottlenecks the connection, meaning you’re unlikely to experience the full performance benefits that a true Cat7 link provides.
What are the Specialized Connectors (GG45 and TERA)?
The GG45 (GigaGate 45) and TERA connectors are specialized, non-RJ45-compatible connectors developed specifically to fully utilize the high-performance capabilities of Cat7 and Cat7a cables. They provide better signal isolation, superior grounding, and support for higher frequencies than the standard RJ45. These connectors are not backward compatible and require specialized ports.
The GG45 connector is a hybrid design that features an 8-position jack with four extra contacts at the corners. When a Cat6 cable is plugged in, it behaves like a standard RJ45. However, when a GG45-specific plug is used, it utilizes the four additional contacts to connect at higher frequencies.
The TERA connector, developed by the company Siemon, is a fully shielded, four-quadrant connector that separates the wire pairs into four isolated compartments. This design provides maximum noise immunity and performance. The TERA is not compatible with RJ45 at all, requiring a completely different infrastructure.
Why Was a New Connector Standard Developed for Cat7?
A new connector standard was developed for Cat7 because the traditional RJ45 connector was a major limiting factor in achieving the cable’s higher performance goals, specifically its ability to operate at 600 MHz and beyond with superior crosstalk performance. The RJ45 was not designed to handle these higher frequencies, as it is a less robust and less shielded interface. This limitation became a bottleneck for the advanced Cat7 cable.
The new connectors were created to provide a more secure, isolated, and grounded connection. This design prevents the signal interference (crosstalk and EMI) that the RJ45 is prone to at higher speeds. Without a specialized connector, the advanced shielding and twisted-pair design of the Cat7 cable cannot be fully utilized, and the signal degrades at the point of termination.
What are the Pros and Cons of Using RJ45 vs. GG45/TERA?
The choice between an RJ45 and a specialized GG45/TERA connector for Cat7 involves a trade-off between compatibility and performance. The RJ45 offers universal compatibility but limits the cable’s potential, whereas GG45/TERA unlocks full performance but lacks backward compatibility.
| Feature | RJ45 Connector (used with Cat7) | GG45 / TERA Connectors (used with Cat7) |
| Compatibility | Universally compatible with all Ethernet devices | Not backward compatible with RJ45 ports |
| Max Performance | Limits Cat7 speed to Cat6a levels (10 Gbps at 100m) | Enables full Cat7 performance (600 MHz, 10 Gbps at 100m) |
| Crosstalk/EMI | Susceptible to performance degradation at high frequencies | Superior noise immunity and signal integrity |
| Adoption | Widespread and ubiquitous | Very niche, limited adoption |
| Installation | Easy to terminate and widely understood | More complex, requires specialized tools and ports |
How Do Connector Choices Impact Cat7 Performance and Compatibility?
The choice of connector directly impacts a Cat7 cable’s performance and compatibility by either enabling its full specifications or limiting them. Terminating a Cat7 cable with an RJ45 connector provides compatibility with existing infrastructure but effectively makes the link perform at a Cat6a level. This is because the RJ45 is the weakest link, becoming a bottleneck for the higher-frequency signals.
Conversely, terminating a Cat7 cable with a GG45 or TERA connector allows for a complete, end-to-end Cat7 link. This ensures the cable’s superior bandwidth and shielding are fully utilized, resulting in a more reliable, high-performance connection that is less susceptible to interference. However, this also means that the entire network infrastructure, including the ports on your networking equipment, must be compatible with that specialized connector, which is a significant barrier to adoption. Therefore, for most practical applications, Cat6a terminated with an RJ45 is the more common and balanced solution.
Conclusion
Cat7 cable presents a unique connector conundrum. It is a high-performance standard that can be terminated with the ubiquitous RJ45 for compatibility, or with specialized connectors like GG45 and TERA to achieve its full potential. While the RJ45 makes Cat7 cables usable with current equipment, it also limits their performance, effectively making them function like a high-end Cat6a cable. For those seeking true Cat7 performance, a specialized connector is a necessity, though this creates a major barrier due to limited adoption. Ultimately, the connector choice highlights the fundamental trade-off between raw performance and practical, real-world compatibility in high-speed networking.
At DLAY Cable Technology Co., Ltd., we specialize in manufacturing high-quality network cabling solutions to meet all your connectivity needs. While Cat7 presents a specialized option, our extensive product line focuses on the most widely-used and effective standards, including high-performance Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a cables that are compatible with standard RJ45 connectors. Our cables are engineered for superior reliability, ease of installation, and exceptional value, providing the robust infrastructure essential for maximizing your network’s speed and ensuring a future-ready connection. Trust DLAY Cable for dependable, high-quality network cables that empower your connectivity.