Side-by-Side Comparison
Ethernet Cables
Cat 5 vs. Cat 7A
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Cat 5
Cat 7A
Category 5 (Cat 5) is a legacy twisted-pair copper cable standard defined in ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-A. Rated for frequencies up to 100 MHz, it was the foundational medium for 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) over distances up to 100 meters, utilizing two of its four twisted pairs.
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
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Frequency Bandwidth
|
100 MHz | 1000 MHz |
|
Channel Classification
|
ISO/IEC 11801 Class D | ISO/IEC 11801 Class F_A |
|
Max Bandwidth / Data Rate
|
100 Mbps | — |
|
Max Channel Length
|
100 m | — |
|
Wire Pairs
|
4 pairs | — |
|
Active Pairs (100BASE-TX)
|
2 pairs | — |
|
Standard Connector
|
8P8C (RJ45) | — |
|
Typical Shielding
|
U/UTP (Unshielded) | — |
|
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) |