The Internet acts as a medium to connect different resources to access data or for communication purposes. No matter the size of the company, or how long you work on the Internet.

As for the internet, the main source that is essential and plays an integral part is the ethernet cables (unshielded and shielded ethernet cable) connecting multiple devices within a building for sharing information.

This blog post will provide you with all the important knowledge and information on the importance of shielded ethernet cables and unshielded ethernet cables along with their benefits.

When is the right time to opt for the upgrading of your network infrastructure? Stay with us for more information. Let's begin…

Ethernet Cables

Network cables are the key factor in connecting different devices and play a vital role in transferring huge amounts of information within the company and globally.

The old setup is now upgraded to cloud data or data centers where a huge amount of data is stored for future use. Developing your business is now easier with the help of the Internet.

Professional business setups use expensive shielded ethernet cables to cater to huge data file sharing like education sectors, large enterprises, and industrial use.

When it comes to choosing the right cable for your network server there are several choices based on their construction, material, and designs.

Among ethernet cables, CAT network cables are the most favorable choices for building network infrastructure. These cables are defined as Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6a cables which are mostly used for connectivity and according to the network requirements.

These cables are further divided into two categories.

Shielded Ethernet Cables (STP)
Unshielded Ethernet Cables (UTP)

This terminology of network cable should be of much importance as your cable performance is based on it. Why do these cables differ from each other if a single Cat5e cable can be shielded and unshielded in its characteristics?

Shielded and Unshielded Ethernet Cables

To explain this feature of ethernet you might think of ethernet cables that would be great for your understanding and learning.

Shielded Ethernet Cables (STP)

Another expression that is used for ethernet cable is the shielded twisted pair (STP). It features individual wire pairs wrapped in foil for its maximum strength of canceling external influence.

These pairs are wrapped twice to provide double protection. For example; Cat6 pure copper Shielded ethernet cable.

The main feature that STP cables provide is to minimize or reduce the effect of electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk for the smooth and high-speed performance of the internet.

It also helps with other technical issues that may compromise the signals and integrity within the cable.

Unshielded Ethernet Cables (UTP)

It is a standard cable that is mostly used in homes and domestic setups with minimum requirements and is also known as an unshielded twisted pair cable.

The internal structure of unshielded ethernet cable is simple as individual wire pairs are simply wrapped in the protective sheath without any additional layer, hence less protection against external factors, if not used under proper guidance.

This does not mean that cable is not good for installation purposes, but it can be chosen according to the building's requirements.

The unshielded ethernet cable automatically blocks external interference due to tight twisted pairs but is not as good as shielded ethernet cables, and also these are not for complex places where bulk electric cables are pre-installed.

UTP cables are ideal for office environments featuring less traffic. It means if you are using a stationary environment to install UTP cables then it is more often that you get the right speed less distorted by EMI or RFI.

Types of Shielded Cables

The STP cables are further divided into two shield types which are mandatory to provide protection.

Braided Cables

Ethernet cables that have a mesh of woven copper wires are termed braided cables. These cables do not provide 100% shielding but are effective in providing 70% to 95% coverage based on the type of weave.

If the installation of the cable remains stationary then 70% coverage is enough. For braided cables, high-quality copper is used which has higher conductivity than mylar and aluminum foil used for shielding.

This type of shielding is less prone to any type of damage and makes it an effective shielding choice. However, it may add to the expense of the cable. The copper-shielded ethernet cables are ideal for industrial environments as they can bear the complex cabling structure and also maintain the conducting speed.

Foil Shielded Cables

It features a thin sheet of aluminum or copper which is bonded to the polyester of ethernet cable to refine cable strength. Hence, it's a tape shielding that assures 100% protection to the conductor wire.

These cables are ideal for noisy retail and busy office environments and for extremely noisy environments, multiple shielding layers cables are mostly used for installation (braided cables & foil shielded cables) both are used. The foil shielding of individual cables helps reduce crosstalk and EMI for the proper functioning of the network.

Some applications use multi-conductor cables, or some individual cables are foil-shielded, but as a whole, the structure of the cable is braided or foil-shielded.

Pros of Using STP and UTP Cables

There are some key benefits to using STP cables for your network installation which include:

EMI or crosstalk and other interference generated by heavy machinery, generators, etc
Additional insulation revamps strength to cable for long-lasting.
Easy to install
Non-corrosion in nature
Maximum signal quality

Resist weather calamities
No compromise against speed and data transfer rate.
Pros of Unshielded Cable

Cost-effective
Easy to install
EMI and crosstalk-resistant properties but not able to work in the complex cabling environment.
Flexible and easy to handle
Long-lasting in a single environment

Applications of Shielded Cables

Shielded Cables Applications

Shielded ethernet cables are much more suitable for a noisy environment, where EMI is nearly to reduce your network speed and affect your working experience. Airports and radio station environments are ideal examples.

Down below are a few more applications of this cable;

Used in security systems to avoid radio and power frequency
Recording Studios and public address systems
Balanced audio configuration
Can be used in box build applications (different components close to each other).

Unshielded Ethernet Cables Applications

Minimize EMI (not suitable for every application)
Fewer noise applications at home or office
Ethernet applications

Final Findings

Overall, the ethernet cables are generalized either by the speed requirement of the cable or server according to the bandwidth. These cables are only suitable for installation in their specific environments. The wrong selection of cables can be costly or might affect your working experience.

Shielded ethernet cables or unshielded ethernet cables are considered under your criteria or whether you are running a large enterprise or a small one. Many companies are claiming to provide quality cables but whom to believe in these tough circumstances?

For appropriate and fine quality ethernet cables visit Smartech Cables with a huge range of ethernet cables and accessories. Rest assured, the quality will not be compromised. If you find the above information much worthwhile then we appreciate your feedback so that it gives us motivation for providing such informative blogs for understanding the complexity of the networking cables.

Why and When to Opt: Shielded and Unshielded Cables