Side-by-Side Comparison
Ethernet Cables
Cat 7A vs. Cat 8.2
Comparing 2 standards across 14 specifications. 14 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Cat 7A
Cat 8.2
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 8.2 (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
|
1000 MHz | 2000 MHz |
|
Shielding Requirement
|
S/FTP (Braided outer shield + foil pairs) | S/FTP or F/FTP (strictly shielded) |
|
Channel Classification
|
ISO/IEC 11801 Class F_A | ISO/IEC 11801-1 Class II |
|
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 Connectors
|
— | TERA (IEC 61076-3-104), GG45 / ARJ45 (IEC 60603-7-71) |
|
RJ45 Backward Compatibility
|
— | Requires hybrid patch cords / adapters |