Side-by-Side Comparison
Ethernet Cables
Cat 6A vs. Cat 8.2
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Cat 6A
Cat 8.2
Category 6a (Cat 6a, Augmented) is a standardized twisted-pair cable defined in ANSI/TIA-568-C.2 and ISO/IEC 11801 Class E_A. Operating at frequencies up to 500 MHz, it is the primary standard for 10GBASE-T (10 Gbps) across the full 100-meter channel distance, featuring strict Alien Crosstalk (ANEXT) suppression.
Category 8.2 (Cat 8.2) is an ISO/IEC 11801-1 Class II cable standard operating at 2000 MHz (2 GHz). Engineered for 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T over 30-meter channels, it uses non-RJ45 connectors (TERA, ARJ45, GG45) derived from Cat 7a Class F_A hardware, offering superior internal crosstalk margins.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Frequency Bandwidth
|
500 MHz | 2000 MHz |
|
Max Bandwidth / Data Rate
|
10 Gbps | 40 Gbps |
|
Channel Classification
|
ISO/IEC 11801 Class E_A | ISO/IEC 11801-1 Class II |
|
Max Channel Length (10 Gbps)
|
100 m | — |
|
Alien Crosstalk (ANEXT) Specification
|
Mandatory | — |
|
Wire Gauge (Typical)
|
23 AWG | — |
|
Standard Connector
|
8P8C (RJ45) | — |
|
Common Shielding
|
F/UTP, U/FTP, or U/UTP with thick jacket | — |
|
Supported Physical Layers
|
— | 25GBASE-T / 40GBASE-T |
|
Max Channel Length
|
— | 30 m |
|
Permanent Link Max Length
|
— | 24 m |
|
Standard Connectors
|
— | TERA (IEC 61076-3-104), GG45 / ARJ45 (IEC 60603-7-71) |
|
Shielding Requirement
|
— | S/FTP or F/FTP (strictly shielded) |
|
RJ45 Backward Compatibility
|
— | Requires hybrid patch cords / adapters |