Not every cable labeled as Cat 7 is actually built like a true Cat 7 Ethernet cable. In this review, we inspect a cable marketed as Cat 7, test its continuity and link speed, open it up, and look for the warning signs that separate real high-performance cabling from questionable marketing.
Cat 7 Ethernet cables are often advertised online as premium, high-speed network cables. However, many of these cables do not actually meet the expectations of true Cat 7 cabling. Some may still work fine for basic networking, but the label can be misleading if the cable uses the wrong connector, thinner wire, or questionable construction.
In this test, the cable looks impressive at first. It feels thick, heavy, and rigid. The cable jacket includes printed markings, which is usually a good sign. However, the jacket is marked as Cat 7 SFTP 26 AWG, and that immediately raises a concern.
True Cat 7 cable typically uses thicker conductors, commonly around 23 AWG. A 26 AWG cable is thinner, which is the first major red flag in this inspection.
The cable jacket says 26 AWG. While that does not automatically mean the cable is useless, it does suggest the cable does not match what many buyers expect from a true Cat 7 cable.
The biggest issue is the connector. This cable uses standard RJ45 connectors. That is a major problem if the cable is being sold as true Cat 7.
True Cat 7 cable is associated with connectors such as GG45 or similar shielded connector types. When a cable is marketed as Cat 7 but uses RJ45 connectors, it is usually not a true Cat 7 cable, even if the cable jacket says otherwise.
The cable was tested for continuity and link speed, and it passed both tests. That is important because it shows the cable can still function as an Ethernet cable. However, passing basic tests does not automatically make it a real Cat 7 cable.
| Inspection Item | Result | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Cable jacket marking | Cat 7 SFTP 26 AWG | The Cat 7 label is present, but 26 AWG is a concern. |
| Connector type | RJ45 | This is a major red flag for a true Cat 7 claim. |
| Continuity test | Passed | The cable is wired correctly. |
| Link speed test | Passed | The cable can still function for network use. |
| Internal shielding | Shielded foil twisted pair with ground wire | The internal construction looks better than expected. |
After opening the cable, the internal construction looked surprisingly good. It appeared to be shielded foil twisted pair cable, and it even included a copper ground wire. The wire twists also looked solid, with roughly two to three twists per inch.
Those are good signs. However, the cable still falls short of being a true Cat 7 cable because of the RJ45 connectors and the 26 AWG wire size.
This cable may work for basic networking, and it may even pass common Ethernet tests. However, it should not be considered a true Cat 7 cable. The RJ45 connectors are the biggest giveaway, and the 26 AWG wire adds another reason to question the Cat 7 label.
If you are shopping for Ethernet cable, do not rely only on the printed label or the product title. Look closely at the wire gauge, connector type, shielding, and overall construction. A cable can look premium and still be marketed inaccurately.
I think all of these Cat 7 cables, or fake Cat 7 cables, are made in China. This cable does feel thick and heavy, and there appears to be writing on the cable jacket, which is great news. The jacket says Cat 7 SFTP 26 AWG.
Remember, true Cat 7 cable uses 23 AWG. So this is our first red flag.
The cable feels thick and rigid, and it does not bend easily. Now, let’s take a look at the connectors.
Once again, we have bad news. This cable uses RJ45 connectors. Yung Qui chose red connectors, which are very pretty. I guess the red connectors make it an official Cat 7 cable. Well, that is complete nonsense, but let’s test it anyway.
We will do the continuity test and the link speed test.
This cable passed all of the tests. Now, let’s open the cable and see what is inside.
It does appear to be shielded foil twisted pair cable, which is very good. It even has the copper ground wire, which is very impressive. The wire twists look very good, with about two to three twists per inch. That is right on par.
However, this is not a Cat 7 cable. This is due to the use of the RJ45 connector. If this cable used the GG45 connector, it would almost pass as a Cat 7 cable.
However, this cable is 26 AWG, and it should be 23 AWG or 24 AWG at best. So this cable from Yung Qui is a fake Cat 7 cable, even with that pretty red connector.
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