Side-by-Side Comparison
Ethernet Cables
Cat 7A vs. Cat 8.1
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Cat 7A
Cat 8.1
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.
Category 8.1 (Cat 8.1) is an Ethernet cabling standard defined in ANSI/TIA-568-C.2-1 (Category 8) and ISO/IEC 11801 Class I. Operating at 2000 MHz (2 GHz), it supports 25GBASE-T and 40GBASE-T data rates over a 30-meter channel using backward-compatible 8P8C (RJ45) shielded connectors.
Specification Comparison Table
14 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Frequency Bandwidth
|
1000 MHz | 2000 MHz |
|
Shielding Requirement
|
S/FTP (Braided outer shield + foil pairs) | Shielded (F/UTP, S/FTP, or F/FTP) |
|
Channel Classification
|
ISO/IEC 11801 Class F_A | ISO/IEC Class I / ANSI/TIA Category 8 |
|
Max Tested Frequency
|
1200 MHz | — |
|
Max Data Rate (100m)
|
10 Gbps | — |
|
Max Data Rate (50m, non-standard)
|
40 Gbps | — |
|
Native Connectors
|
TERA, GG45, ARJ45 | — |
|
ANSI/TIA Recognition
|
None (Not recognized by TIA) | — |
|
Max Bandwidth / Data Rate
|
— | 40 Gbps |
|
Supported Physical Layers
|
— | 25GBASE-T / 40GBASE-T |
|
Max Channel Length
|
— | 30 m |
|
Permanent Link Max Length
|
— | 24 m |
|
Standard Connector
|
— | 8P8C (RJ45 shielded) |
|
Backward Compatibility
|
— | Cat 6a, Cat 6, Cat 5e RJ45 ports |