Differences Between Shielded And Unshielded Cat 6a And Other Factors

FFTP CAT6A Cable – other factors to consider

Shielded and Unshielded Cat 6a

End users can also choose a shielded or unshielded solution. Shielded CAT6A cables typically have an outer foil shield around each individual pair or all 4 copper pairs. In addition, modular jacks, receptacles, and patch panels are also protected by a metal enclosure surrounding these components. Each solution has its place and its own set of benefits.

CAT6A cables are available in a variety of configurations. Shielded and unshielded cables are commonly referred to as F/UTP (shielded) and U/UTP (unshielded) cables.

The first letter indicates the type of overall shielding, while the following letters indicate the type of shielding on each pair and balance element.

CAT6A U/UTP means the cable consists of 4 unshielded twisted pairs with no outer shield. CAT6A F/UTP means that the cable consists of 4 unshielded twisted pairs, however, it includes an outer foil shield. This is a shielded cable. There are also CAT6A S/FTP (shielded/foil twisted pair) cables, usually CAT7 cables, with four individually shielded pairs and an outer shield braid around all four pairs.

One of the newest members of the CAT6A shielded cable family is the CAT6A U/FTP cable. This cable configuration has all four pairs individually shielded instead of an external foil shield. The overall test results and performance of this cable are impressive.