Ethernet Cables

When I switched from cat6 to cat7 cable I experienced significantly fewer dropouts

Your CAT 7 cable is operating like a CAT 6A with standard connectors if it is
CAT 7

In addition, the link impedance of this standard is 100 Ω. What’s more, there is no equipment that has connectors supporting the Class F (Category 7) channel and Class FA (Category 7a) channel. Category 7 and Category 7a are not recognized by the TIA/EIA.

What is Cat7? It’s effectively a dead standard and one that few should concern themselves with.

However, if you are one of the few who want or need a Cat7 Ethernet cable or three, then you need to be sure that what you’re buying is Cat7. Don’t be caught out by Cat6A masquerading as the older standard.

When I switched from cat6 to cat7 cable I experienced significantly fewer dropouts

@ kren0006

Just a guess the CAT6 cable is a UTP ( Unshielded Twisted Pair) and the CAT7 is a STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) cable. It’s the shielding that is making the differences you are hearing, imo.

Example of CAT6 UTP unshielded Ethernet cable.
https://www.belden.com/products/enterprise/copper/cable/cat-6

Example only of a CAT 7 STP shielded twisted pair Ethernet cable.
https://www.amazon.com/Cat7-Ethernet-Cable-25-Connector/dp/B00GBBSKVS/ref=pd_rhf_dp_s_all_spx_wp_0_1...

Connectors are probably CAT6 or CAT6a shielded type plugs.

.

A few CAT 8 cables are on the market now. Cables & Kits has a relatively inexpensive one and looks good quality. I am using one now, on my computer.
DH Labs makes a CAT 8 with better connectors and silver plated high purity copper wire for a little more money.

The biggest difference I have heard is with switch itself.  I changed my Cisco SG switch to a Ubiquiti smaller switch and noticed a drop in crispness, separation, and clarity.  I have come to realize this is all about clean power.  The cable carries noise into the dac/stream.  I haven’t tried Ethernet cables as much, though I imagine the better shielding and noise suppression the better the performance.