Sur Play Cat 7 Cable Test: Is This Ethernet Cable Real or Fake?

This video takes a close look at a Sur Play flat Ethernet cable sold as Cat 7. Through a visual inspection, continuity test, link speed check, and cable teardown, several red flags appear that suggest this cable is not genuine Cat 7.

How to Spot a Fake Cat 7 Ethernet Cable

Not every Ethernet cable labeled as Cat 7 actually meets the expectations of a true Cat 7 cable. In this test, the cable being reviewed is a Sur Play three pack of flat Ethernet cables advertised as Cat 7. At first glance, it looks like a normal consumer-grade network cable, but the printed specifications and physical construction tell a different story.

The goal of this test is not just to see whether the cable can pass a basic continuity test. A cable can be wired correctly and still fail to meet the construction standards buyers expect when purchasing Cat 7. That is why the inspection includes the cable shape, wire gauge, shielding type, connector style, flexibility, link speed, and an internal teardown.

Red Flags Found During the Cat 7 Cable Inspection

The first warning sign is the flat cable design. Authentic Cat 7 cables are typically round, thicker, and more rigid. Flat cables may look convenient for running under rugs, along walls, or behind furniture, but the design can compress the twisted pairs inside the cable. That compression can affect performance, especially over longer distances or in environments with interference.

The next major issue is the printed wire gauge. This cable is marked as 32 AWG, which is extremely thin compared with what buyers normally expect from a genuine Cat 7 cable. Cat 7 cable is commonly associated with thicker conductors, often around 23 AWG. When a cable is unusually thin and flexible, that is a sign that it may not be built for the performance level implied by the Cat 7 label.

Why RJ45 Connectors Are a Cat 7 Warning Sign

Another issue found during the inspection is the connector type. The cable uses RJ45 plugs with Cat 7 printed on them. For most home networking setups, RJ45 is the common connector used with Cat 5e, Cat 6, and Cat 6A cables. However, genuine Cat 7 cabling is typically associated with GG45 or TERA connectors.

This does not mean an RJ45 cable cannot work in a home network. It simply means that printing Cat 7 on an RJ45 plug does not automatically make the cable a real Cat 7 cable. In this case, the connector type adds to the list of red flags already found during the visual inspection.

Testing the Cable With a NetAlly LinkRunner AT 1500

After the visual inspection, the cable is tested using a NetAlly LinkRunner AT 1500. This tester can quickly check copper cabling for continuity, pin placement, cable length, and basic faults. The Sur Play cable passes the continuity test, which means the cable is wired in a way that allows the tester to see a valid connection.

The next step is a wired link speed test. The AT 1500 can test link speed up to 1 gigabit. It can also show helpful network information such as the nearest switch, DHCP, DNS, gateway, and ping results. Passing this type of test is useful, but it does not prove that the cable is built to true Cat 7 specifications.

Opening the Cable Reveals the Real Story

The final part of the test is the teardown. Once the cable is cut open, the internal construction confirms the concern raised during the visual inspection. The cable is easy to cut, the construction does not match what would be expected from a thick, shielded Cat 7 cable, and the overall design does not support the Cat 7 claim.

At that point, the conclusion is clear: this Sur Play cable may function as a basic Ethernet cable, but it should not be considered genuine Cat 7. For users who only need a short patch cable for simple networking, it may still connect devices. However, for anyone specifically buying Cat 7 for shielding, performance, future-proofing, or high quality construction, this cable raises too many concerns.

What to Look for Before Buying Cat 7 Cable

If you are shopping for Ethernet cable, do not rely only on the category printed on the product listing or cable jacket. Many inexpensive cables use premium category labels as marketing terms, even when the construction does not match. Before buying Cat 7, look carefully at the cable shape, gauge, shielding, connector type, and seller claims.

• Avoid suspiciously thin flat cables when the product is advertised as Cat 7.
• Check the wire gauge and be cautious if it is listed as 32 AWG.
• Look for proper shielding details instead of vague marketing claims.
• Be skeptical of RJ45 plugs labeled Cat 7 without clear construction details.
• Consider Cat 6 or Cat 6A from a reputable brand for most home networks.

For many home users, Cat 6 or Cat 6A is often a better and more practical choice than questionable Cat 7 cables sold online. A properly built Cat 6 or Cat 6A cable from a trusted brand is usually more reliable than a thin, flat cable marketed as Cat 7 without the right construction.

Final Verdict

The Sur Play flat Ethernet cable tested in this video passes a basic cable test, but the physical inspection and teardown reveal several signs that it is not a genuine Cat 7 cable. The flat design, 32 AWG marking, FTP shielding claim, RJ45 connector, and easy flexibility all point to a cable that does not match what buyers should expect from true Cat 7 construction.

If you are buying Ethernet cables for a home network, gaming setup, office, camera system, or network panel, take the category rating with a grain of salt. The construction matters just as much as the label.