Side-by-Side Comparison
Ethernet Cables
Cat 6A vs. Cat 7A
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Cat 6A
Cat 7A
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 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
|
500 MHz | 1000 MHz |
|
Channel Classification
|
ISO/IEC 11801 Class E_A | ISO/IEC 11801 Class F_A |
|
Max Bandwidth / Data Rate
|
10 Gbps | — |
|
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 | — |
|
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) |