Ethernet Cables

Shielded vs. Unshielded Ethernet Cables: Key Differences

Regarding Ethernet cables, we often hear the term ‘CAT’ associated with them. The word CAT stands for ‘Categories’ as Ethernet cables can be of different types based on their data rate, bandwidth, and shielding properties.

Now, depending on the shielding properties, there are two types of cables.

  1. One is shielded Ethernet cables, commonly known as STP, and
  2. Another is unshielded Ethernet cables, or UTP.

As STP has shielding properties associated with its name, it is a better option compared to UTP. At least, that’s what most people think. Some even say UTP is better because it’s cheaper.

But this is not the truth. You cannot compare the superiority of STP over UTP or vice versa without knowing how these two wires are different from each other. Let’s unravel the weird differences between these two.

Unshielded Twisted Pair Ethernet Cat Cables (UTP)

Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables are a specific type of networking cable composed of four insulated twisted copper wires. Manufacturers twist the four wires together using a varying twist rate.

Manufacturers follow this process when making UTP wires to minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk.

When electricity passes through a wire, it creates an electromagnetic field. This electromagnetic field can lead to crosstalk if there is a nearby wire within or outside the cable. The twisted wire technology used in UTP can cancel out the EMI easily, and it can also reduce the basic level of noise that might appear.

You can use UTP cables wherever there is minimal electromagnetic interference to get the maximum networking speed. Also, the installation process of this cable is simple, and it is lower in cost. That’s why these types of CAT cables have wide use.

Shielded Twisted Pair Ethernet Cat Cables (STP)

STP or Shielded Ethernet Cables also use the twisted pair technology, but there is an additional shielding layer used to block the external electromagnetic interference. The shielding used in this type of cable can be of different types, such as,

  • Aluminium foil,
  • Braided mesh,
  • A combination of braided mesh and foil, etc.

The shield used in these types of cables forms a barrier that prevents electromagnetic interference and the noise associated with it from affecting the data wires.

Instead, the shield catches those noises and shifts them smoothly to the ground. The entire process is possible because one or both ends of the is always properly grounded, depending on the application environment.

These types of CAT cables provide the best results when used in noisy environments where external electromagnetic frequencies can hamper the data transmission. They are capable of reducing both external and internal crosstalk.

Due to the advanced shielding, the wires are costly. The cables are widely used in environments where a high level of EMI is expected.

If you want high-speed data transmission and extreme performance, you can go with these cables. Also, these cables are better performers when heat resistance is required in several working environments because of their shielding.

Difference between Shielded and Unshielded Ethernet Cat Cables

While modern networking systems mostly rely on Unshielded and Shielded Ethernet cables, most of us don’t know how these two types of cables differ from each other.

Though the basic difference is the presence of shielding properties in these two, there are still some typical distinctions that you must know before you choose your networking cable.

1. Cost Effectiveness

When it comes to cost, UTP Cat Cables are less costly compared to STP cables. In the manufacturing of UTP cables, limited raw materials are used because it doesn’t need any additional shielding. That’s why these cables are budget-friendly.

Moreover, the production process is very simple in this case. Whereas STP cables need more raw materials because it has an additional shielding of metals and a complicated manufacturing process. As a result, the cost of production increased, and the cables became costly.

2. Protection from Electromagnetic Interference

UTP can excellently block internal electromagnetic interference because of smart twisted technology. But when it comes to facing alien or external electromagnetic interference, it cannot comply with the challenges that come. As a result, the data transmission speed suffers a lot.

On the other hand, the STP cables work like wonders in situations where there is extreme electromagnetic interference because of their shielding properties.

UTP cables are widely used where there is a limited amount of external electromagnetic interference, such as domestic areas, small businesses, and office premises etc.

But, in critical external electromagnetic interference environments like industrial areas, medical sectors, data security service areas, etc. STP could be a better choice for higher performance.

3. Flexibility

The two different types of Ethernet Cable, namely UTP and STP, have different flexibility levels. UTP wires are thinner and have more flexibility compared to STP. It can bend easily, and that’s why it’s easy to use.

On the other hand, STP wires are thick because of their additional shielding layer. It is difficult to bend, and that’s why I have flexibility issues.

4. Heat Resistance

STP cables are better performers when heat resistance is the concern. There are several environments, like critical industrial sectors, where there are chances of heat transmission.

STP can effectively resist heat to some extent without compromising its transmission speed and performance. So it is suitable for such industries. UTP cables cannot resist heat like STP cables and thus have limitations of use in such scenarios.

5. Crosstalk

During data transmission, both internal and alien crosstalk may happen. STP can effectively cut off both types of crosstalk because of its shielding technology. UTP can only give you limited resistance to internal crosstalk.

6. Durability

STP CAT cables are more durable than UTP. This is obvious because of the additional level of shield found in these wires, which makes it more durable. So, if you are looking for durable cables, STP will be the best choice.

7. Installation Process

Installers must follow a complex grounding process when setting up STP. Lack of grounding installation may lead to severe damage because it will then increase the noise and EMI, hampering the data transmission.

But UTI cables don’t need grounding and a critical installation process. You can effectively avoid the ground loop issues.

Conclusion

So, these are the main characteristics that you must know while choosing your Ethernet cable. Depending on the type of use, environments, your budget, and performance you want, you can choose the best-suited option.

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