The right choice of network cables is crucial, especially in the case of outdoor applications, where they are exposed to adverse weather conditions, UV radiation, moisture or even mechanical factors. Without a doubt, choosing the right cable has a huge impact on the quality of the network connection, so it is worth delving into the topic and learning the differences between the individual types of UTP and FTP cables intended for outdoor use.
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What are UTP/FTP cables?
In the field of networking technologies, Ethernet cables are an integral part of the infrastructure, affecting the efficiency and reliability of data transmission. However, there is one key aspect that deserves special attention: shielding. Ethernet cables, especially those marked as UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) and FTP (Foiled Twisted Pair), differ from each other in this aspect. Why is shielding so important?
U/UTP (formerly UTP) – Unshielded Twisted Pair: This is a standard twisted pair Ethernet cable that has no additional shielding or shielding. It consists of untwisted pairs of wires, making it susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
- UTPW cable 4x2x0.5 CAT 5E twisted pair to ground DRUM
- SecurityNET U/UTP cat. 6 outdoor cable, gelled PE, 500 m
- Computer cable ALANTEC UTP cable 4PR cat.5e OUTDOOR GEL /305m/
F/UTP (formerly FTP) – Foil Twisted Pair: This twisted pair cable contains a foil shield around all wire pairs to help protect against electromagnetic interference, but has no additional shielding mesh.
- FTPW cable 4x2x0.5 cat.5E twisted pair to ground DRUM
- SecurityNET F/UTP cat. 6 cable outdoor, gelled PE 1000m
- Computer cable ALANTEC FTP cable 4x2x24AWG OUTDOOR GEL cat.5e /305m/
U/FTP – Twisted Pair with Each Pair in an Individual Foil Shield: In this type of twisted pair, each pair of wires is wrapped in an individual foil shield, which provides some protection against electromagnetic interference.
F/FTP – FTP – Twisted Pair Cable with Each Pair of Conductors in an Individual Foil Screen Additionally in a Foil Screen: This twisted pair cable has each pair of conductors wrapped in both an individual foil screen and is additionally completely shielded by foil, which provides very effective protection against electromagnetic interference.
SF/UTP (formerly STP) – Foil and Mesh Shielded Twisted Pair: This twisted pair cable features a foil shield and mesh shield around all wire pairs to provide excellent protection against electromagnetic interference.
S/FTP (formerly SFTP) – twisted pair with each pair additionally foiled in a mesh screen: In this twisted pair, each pair of wires is wrapped in a foil screen, and the entire twisted pair is shielded with a mesh, which provides very effective protection against electromagnetic interference.
- SecurityNET S/FTP cable cat. 7 CU LSZH, 1000m
- Computer cable ALANTEC Multimedia S/FTP(SSTP) cable cat.7 4x2x23AWG 1500 MHz /500m/
- S/FTP cable cat.7A euroclass B2ca LSOH 1500 MHz (10Gb/s) 500m 25-year warranty, quality tested by INTERTEK laboratory (USA)
SF/FTP (formerly S-STP) – twisted pair with each pair additionally foiled in a foil and mesh screen: This is the most shielded twisted pair that has each pair of wires wrapped in a foil screen and is shielded by a mesh, which provides a very high level of protection against electromagnetic interference.
How to choose the right UTP/FTP cable category?
Selecting the right UTP/FTP cable category is key when designing telecommunications networks. Copper cables are divided into different categories, each with its own specific parameters and applications:
- Category 5 – local networks, covers applications using the frequency band up to 100 MHz;
- Category 6 – an extension of ISO/IEC 11801/TlA introduced in 1999, covers cabling whose bandwidth requirements are up to 250 MHz (throughput of 200 Mb/s). It provides for the implementation of Gigabit Ethernet (4x 250 MHz = 1 GHz) and ATM transmission of 622 Mb/s;
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Category 6A – introduced together with class FA by ISO/IEC 11801 2002:2. Covers the frequency band up to 500 MHz; - Category 7 – described in ISO/IEC 11801 2002:2. It is possible to implement applications using a band of up to 600 MHz. It differs from the previous classes in the use of S/FTP type cables (each pair in a screen plus a screen covering four pairs) connected with screened connectors. For this class of cabling it is possible to implement data transmission systems with speeds exceeding 1 Gb/s;
- Category 7A – introduced by ISO/IEC 11801 2002:2. Covers the frequency band up to 1000 MHz.
Choosing the right UTP/FTP cable category depends on the specific needs of a given network. The higher the category, the greater the throughput and better parameters, which is important for efficient data networks. Therefore, it is important to match the cable type to the requirements and expectations regarding the speed and reliability of data transmission.