Cat 7A
Ethernet Cables · 8 specs
Direct Answer
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.
Source: ISO/IEC 11801:2002/Amd 2:2010 Class F_A · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| Frequency Bandwidth | 1000 MHz |
| 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 |
| Channel Classification | ISO/IEC 11801 Class F_A |
| ANSI/TIA Recognition | None (Not recognized by TIA) |
Capabilities and Broadband Media Sharing
Cat 7a was designed to extend Class F performance to 1000 MHz. Its exceptional noise isolation enabled 'cable sharing', where a single 4-pair cable could simultaneously transmit high-speed data, analog voice, and high-frequency broadband cable television (CATV up to 862 MHz) across distinct isolated pairs.
While laboratory tests demonstrated 40 Gbps over 50 meters, the eventual 40GBASE-T standard (IEEE 802.3bq, 2016) did not adopt Class F_A, instead standardizing on the Category 8 specification.
Adoption Context
Like Cat 7, Cat 7a is an ISO/IEC standard not recognized by TIA. The lack of standard RJ45 interoperability for 40GBASE-T led enterprise installations to migrate directly from Cat 6a to Cat 8 or multi-mode fiber optics.