Cat 8.2
Ethernet Cables · 9 specs
Direct Answer
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.
Source: ISO/IEC 11801-1:2017 Class II / IEEE 802.3bq · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| Frequency Bandwidth | 2000 MHz |
| 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) |
| Channel Classification | ISO/IEC 11801-1 Class II |
| Shielding Requirement | S/FTP or F/FTP (strictly shielded) |
| RJ45 Backward Compatibility | Requires hybrid patch cords / adapters |
Class II Performance Margins
Cat 8.2 is defined exclusively under ISO/IEC 11801-1 (there is no direct TIA counterpart). By utilizing Class II connectors (such as Siemon TERA, Bel-Stewart ARJ45, or GG45) with quadrant isolation rather than an in-line 8-pin RJ45 interface, Cat 8.2 delivers significantly higher signal-to-noise margins (ACRF and NEXT) across the 2000 MHz spectrum.
Interoperability and Industry Adoption
Because Class II connectors cannot directly mate with standard RJ45 Ethernet ports without specialized hybrid adapter cords, Cat 8.2 adoption is limited compared to Cat 8.1. In hyperscale datacenters, direct-attach copper (DAC) cables and optical transceivers (SFP28, QSFP28) are generally preferred over Cat 8.2 for 25G and 40G interconnects.