When it comes to upgrading your business network infrastructure, choosing the right Ethernet cable can significantly impact your internet speed, performance, and long-term ROI. Many Cape Town businesses are now moving to cloud services, VoIP, remote work, data-heavy applications, security cameras, and smart office technologies — making reliable cabling more essential than ever.
But when comparing CAT6 vs CAT6A vs CAT7, which one is right for your business?
Let’s break down the differences in speed, shielding, performance, cost, and future readiness — with a focus on what truly matters for Ethernet & Network Cabling Installation for Cape Town businesses.
📘 Understanding the Different Ethernet Cables
❗ What is CAT6?
- Speed: Up to 1 Gbps (10 Gbps at short distances up to 55m)
- Bandwidth: 250 MHz
- Best for: Small offices, VoIP phones, POS systems, standard business networks
- Cost: Affordable and easy to install
CAT6 is ideal for small to medium-sized offices with standard internet needs, such as email, browsing, light file sharing, and cloud apps.
🚀 What is CAT6A?
- Speed: 10 Gbps (up to 100 metres)
- Bandwidth: 500 MHz
- Best for: Medium to large businesses, cloud data transfers, multiple users, video conferencing, IP cameras
- Cost: Slightly higher than CAT6, but better long-term performance
CAT6A doubles the performance of CAT6 and supports high-speed connectivity over longer distances. It’s perfect for data-reliant businesses, schools, healthcare, financial institutions, and technology companies.
⚡ What is CAT7?
- Speed: Up to 10 Gbps–40 Gbps (with compatible hardware)
- Bandwidth: 600–1000 MHz
- Best for: Data centers, large enterprise networks, future-ready smart buildings, and ultra-high security environments
- Cost: Most expensive and requires specialised connectors
CAT7 offers exceptional shielding and extremely fast speeds, but comes with higher installation costs and may require special equipment and network switches.
📊 Performance Comparison Chart
| Feature | CAT6 | CAT6A | CAT7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 1–10 Gbps | 10 Gbps | 10–40 Gbps |
| Max Distance (10 Gbps) | 55m | 100m | 100m+ |
| Bandwidth | 250 MHz | 500 MHz | 600–1000 MHz |
| Shielding | Basic | Enhanced | Fully shielded |
| Ideal Business Type | Small Offices | Growing and Medium Businesses | Enterprise/Data Center |
| Future-Proof Rating | ⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Cost Rating | 💰 | 💰💰 | 💰💰💰💰 |
🏢 Which Cable Is Best for Your Business Type in Cape Town?
| Business Type | Best Cable | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Small offices, retail, co-working | CAT6 | Affordable, simple, and sufficient for everyday use |
| Growing businesses, healthcare, finance, schools | CAT6A | Stable and fast enough for cloud use, VoIP, security cameras |
| Tech hubs, large enterprises, server environments | CAT7 | Future-proof, secure, ideal for high data demand |
| Smart buildings, data centres | CAT7 | High bandwidth and shielding for long-term performance |
🌍 Local Cabling Considerations for Cape Town Businesses
Cape Town businesses face unique technology and infrastructure challenges. When choosing your cable type, consider:
🏢 Building Type
- Waterfront and City Centre offices often have dense electromagnetic environments, making CAT6A or CAT7 preferable.
- Older buildings in Bellville, Wynberg, or Woodstock may need retrofitted trunking and structured cabling.
⚡ Electrical Interference
- Manufacturing, medical, and server environments need shielded cabling (CAT6A or CAT7) to prevent interference.
🌐 Fibre and Ethernet
Many Cape Town businesses use fibre and access points for internet connectivity, but still need Ethernet cabling internally. CAT6A is currently the most popular for hybrid fibre-Ethernet setups.
💰 Installation Costs & Long-Term Value
| Cable Type | Material Cost | Installation Cost | Long-Term ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT6 | Low | Low | Moderate |
| CAT6A | Medium | Medium | High |
| CAT7 | High | High | Very High (but only for specific needs) |
💡 Best Value for Money in 2025:
CAT6A is currently the most recommended cable for business in South Africa due to its balance of speed, cost, and future compatibility.
🛠️ Professional Recommendation
For 80% of Cape Town businesses, CAT6A is the best choice for long-term network stability, speed, and cost-efficiency.
CAT7 is a great option—but only if you’re setting up a server room, data-heavy tech office, or future-ready smart building.
💬 Frequently Asked Questions
1️⃣ Is CAT7 worth it for my office?
Only if you’re running enterprise-level systems or planning for extreme future scalability.
2️⃣ Can I mix CAT6 and CAT6A in the same building?
Yes, but it’s better to standardise on CAT6A for consistency and performance.
3️⃣ Does CAT6A support PoE (Power over Ethernet)?
Yes — it’s excellent for powering devices like cameras, WiFi routers, and VoIP phones.
4️⃣ How long does installation take?
Most offices (10–30 workstations) can be fully cabled in 1–3 days depending on complexity.
📞 Need Expert Cabling Installation in Cape Town?
Whether you’re upgrading an existing office, expanding your network, or building from the ground up — we provide:
✅ Structured ethernet cabling installation
✅ CAT6, CAT6A, and CAT7 supply and setup
✅ Office network design and optimisation
✅ Access Points Installation
✅ Fibre, WiFi, and Ethernet integration
✅ Free site assessment & quote
✅ Network and WIFI installation
📍 Serving Cape Town CBD, Century City, Bellville, Durbanville, Somerset West, and beyond.
👉 Book your free site assessment today!
Let’s build a faster, more reliable network for your business.
