Side-by-Side Comparison
Ethernet Cables
Cat 7 vs. Cat 7A
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 10 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Cat 7
Cat 7A
Category 7 (Cat 7) is an ISO/IEC 11801 Class F cable standard ratified in 2002. Operating at frequencies up to 600 MHz, it mandates S/FTP individual pair shielding and was engineered for proprietary GG45 and TERA connectors. Cat 7 is not recognized by the American TIA/EIA standard body.
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
11 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Frequency Bandwidth
|
600 MHz | 1000 MHz |
|
Shielding Requirement
|
S/FTP (Screened/Foiled Twisted Pair) | S/FTP (Braided outer shield + foil pairs) |
|
Native Connectors
|
GG45 (IEC 60603-7-7) / TERA (IEC 61076-3-104) | TERA, GG45, ARJ45 |
|
Channel Classification
|
ISO/IEC 11801 Class F | ISO/IEC 11801 Class F_A |
|
ANSI/TIA Recognition
|
None (Not recognized by TIA) | None (Not recognized by TIA) |
|
Max Bandwidth / Data Rate
|
10 Gbps | — |
|
Max Channel Length
|
100 m | — |
|
RJ45 Native Compliance
|
No (Limits performance to Cat 6a) | — |
|
Max Tested Frequency
|
— | 1200 MHz |
|
Max Data Rate (100m)
|
— | 10 Gbps |
|
Max Data Rate (50m, non-standard)
|
— | 40 Gbps |