Side-by-Side Comparison
Ethernet Cables
Cat 6 vs. Cat 7A
Comparing 2 standards across 15 specifications. 15 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Cat 6
Cat 7A
Category 6 (Cat 6) is a twisted-pair Ethernet cable standard defined in ANSI/TIA-568-B.2-1. Rated up to 250 MHz, it supports 1 Gbps at 100 meters and 10 Gbps (10GBASE-T) up to 55 meters in low-crosstalk environments, featuring tighter pair twists and a central longitudinal spline separator.
Category 7a (Cat 7a, Augmented) is an ISO/IEC 11801 Class F_A standard ratified in 2010. Operating up to 1000 MHz (and tested up to 1200 MHz), it utilizes mandatory S/FTP shielding and specialized connectors (TERA/GG45/ARJ45), supporting 10 Gbps at 100 meters and broadband CATV distribution.
Specification Comparison Table
15 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Frequency Bandwidth
|
250 MHz | 1000 MHz |
|
Channel Classification
|
ISO/IEC 11801 Class E | ISO/IEC 11801 Class F_A |
|
Max Data Rate (at 100m)
|
1 Gbps | — |
|
Max Multi-Gig Rate (at 100m)
|
5 Gbps | — |
|
Max Data Rate (at 55m)
|
10 Gbps | — |
|
Max Channel Length (10 Gbps)
|
55 m | — |
|
Wire Gauge (Typical)
|
23–24 AWG | — |
|
Internal Spline Separator
|
Yes | — |
|
Standard Connector
|
8P8C (RJ45) | — |
|
Max Tested Frequency
|
— | 1200 MHz |
|
Max Data Rate (100m)
|
— | 10 Gbps |
|
Max Data Rate (50m, non-standard)
|
— | 40 Gbps |
|
Shielding Requirement
|
— | S/FTP (Braided outer shield + foil pairs) |
|
Native Connectors
|
— | TERA, GG45, ARJ45 |
|
ANSI/TIA Recognition
|
— | None (Not recognized by TIA) |