High bandwidth is a necessity for the smooth functioning of offices. This means that some offices might have to upgrade their existing systems to suit the changing demands. Network systems are becoming common even in factory environments, and this has led to an increase in the demand for shielded Cat 6 cables – like the ones you can find at RS Components.
Shielded Cat 6 cable
Shielded Cat 6 cable, also known as STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) Cat 6 cable, is a type of Ethernet cable that is used in networking to transmit data at high speeds. It is similar to UTP Cat 6 cable in that it is made up of four twisted pairs of copper wires, but it is also surrounded by a shield made of metallic material, such as foil or braid.
The shield surrounding each pair of wires in the STP Cat 6 cable helps to protect against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), which can degrade the quality of data transmission. This makes STP Cat 6 cable a better choice for environments where EMI and RFI are more likely to occur, such as in industrial settings, hospitals, or areas with high levels of radio frequency interference.
STP Cat 6 cable is also designed to support data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps at distances of up to 100 meters, just like UTP Cat 6 cable. However, STP Cat 6 cable may be more expensive than UTP Cat 6 cable and may require additional installation steps, such as grounding and the use of special connectors.
Most new areas of installations through which the network cable runs experience Electro-Magnetic Interference EMI. Under such circumstances, Cat 6 cables with improved cable twist to handle gigabit Ethernet and reject noise may not suffice. A shielded Cat 6 cable is the best choice for network installations with high EMI.
Shielded Cat 6 cables are high-performance cables that make sure that the data within the cable is protected from EMI, leading to higher speeds and better data transmission.
Shielded Cat 6 cable has a variety of uses in networking, including:
- Protection against electromagnetic and radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI): Shielded Cat 6 cable provides better protection against EMI/RFI than unshielded UTP Cat 6 cable, making it a good choice for environments with high levels of interference, such as industrial facilities, hospitals, or areas with a lot of radio equipment.
- High-speed data transfer: Shielded Cat 6 cable is designed to support data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps, just like unshielded UTP Cat 6 cable, making it suitable for high-bandwidth applications such as streaming media, online gaming, and large file transfers.
- Reliability: Shielded Cat 6 cable is a reliable choice for network installations because it is tested to meet industry standards for performance and quality.
- Future-proofing: Shielded Cat 6 cable is designed to support emerging technologies that may require higher bandwidths and faster speeds, making it a good choice for organizations that want to future-proof their network infrastructure.
- Security: Shielded Cat 6 cable provides an additional layer of security against eavesdropping and data theft, making it a good choice for networks that require higher levels of security, such as government or financial institutions.
Unshielded Cat 6 cable
Unshielded Cat 6 cable, also known as UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) Cat 6 cable, is a type of Ethernet cable that is commonly used in local area networks (LANs) to transmit data at high speeds. It is made up of four twisted pairs of copper wires, which are not surrounded by any shielding material.
The absence of shielding in the UTP Cat 6 cable makes it more susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI) than shielded cables. However, UTP Cat 6 cable is less expensive and easier to install than shielded cables, which makes it a popular choice for many network installations.
UTP Cat 6 cable is designed to support data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps at distances of up to 100 meters, making it suitable for high-bandwidth applications such as streaming media, online gaming, and large file transfers. It is backward compatible with Cat 5 and Cat 5e cables, which means it can be used in networks that have older cabling infrastructure.
UTP Cat 6 cable is used in networking for several reasons, including:
- High-speed data transfer: UTP Cat 6 cable is designed to support data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps, making it suitable for high-bandwidth applications such as video streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers.
- Cost-effectiveness: UTP Cat 6 cable is less expensive than shielded cables, which makes it a cost-effective option for many network installations.
- Easy installation: UTP Cat 6 cable is easier to install than shielded cables because it does not require grounding or special connectors. This makes it a popular choice for home and small business networks.
- Compatibility: UTP Cat 6 cable is backward compatible with Cat 5 and Cat 5e cables, which means it can be used in networks that have older cabling infrastructure.
- Reliability: UTP Cat 6 cable is a reliable choice for network installations because it is tested to meet industry standards for performance and quality.
Shielded or Unshielded Cat 6 cables?
The demand for higher speeds and better data transmission requires a cat 6 cable. It will make sure that you can receive up to 1 Gbps Ethernet transmission. Furthermore, Cat6 is essential for 1000 Base-T style networks.
But how do you decide which type of cat 6 cables you need? Although the choice is essentially between unshielded twisted pairs (UTP) and shielded (or screened) twisted pairs (STP or SCTP), a lot depends on where you’re installing the cable.
The general rule is that you will need a shielded cable if your cable is running through an area of high electromagnetic interference or radio frequency interference (EMI/RFI). Output by power line structures, large magnets, or radio antennas is an example of this. If you are in a situation like this, you’ll need a shielded cat 6 cable.
Shielded CAT6 cable comes with an outer foil shield around each pair or all pairs. Additionally, modular jacks, outlets, and patch panels are also protected by a metal housing.
Unshielded Cat 6 UTP cable is resistant to mild types of EMI/RFI – for example the interference from proximity to fluorescent light or small motor. However, a shielded cat 6 cable is necessary where the interference is strong. It is also important that the shielding must drain, or else the EMI might build upon it and reduce the signal strength. Drainage is done at the connection site through a shielded coupler or jack connected to the ground.
A shielded cable is heavier than an unshielded cable and so you should also consider the area through which the cable will run. It can become quite heavy if you run a lot of cables in one area. While undertaking office cabling remember that heavy cables that run above a ceiling or behind a wall can cause structural damage.
Major differences between shielded and unshielded Cat 6 cables
- Shielded cable is costlier than unshielded cable.
- Shielded cable is more difficult to install as it has more weight and volume.
- Shielded cable is stiffer and hence less flexible. Unshielded cables are more flexible.
- Shielded cable has a larger diameter and so takes up more space in conduit. Unshielded cable takes lesser space and provides faster transmissions in the absence of EMI.
The choice of cable depends on the location of your office or factory, the presence of EMI, the strength of your office building, and the need for higher bandwidth.