Network cables are an essential part of your signal connectivity solution, and they play a key role in ensuring connectivity in any office setup. When choosing a network patch cord, you have several options depending on its construction and design. These cables are generally divided into two categories based on their construction – shielded and unshielded. What's the difference between these cables? Which cable is best for your application? This article provides answers to these questions and more.
Introduction to shielded and unshielded network cables
Let's understand the basic differences between these two cable types:
Shielded network cable: This network cable is also known as Shielded Twisted Pair (STP). It has individual wire pairs wrapped in foil. The pairs are wrapped again to provide double protection. Shielding helps prevent EMI and other technical issues that can compromise signal integrity.
Unshielded network cable: This network cable is often referred to as unshielded twisted pair (UTP), in which the individual pairs are simply twisted together without any additional protection. Unshielded network cables are ideal for office environments that require less traffic.
shielded network cable
Learn about the different types of shielded network cables
There are two main types of shielded network cables to choose from, they are:
Braided shielded network cable: A shielded network cable with a braided copper wire mesh is called a braided network cable. Braid does not provide 100% shielding but is more durable than foil shielded cable. Their shielding ability depends entirely on their braiding type. Depending on the type of weave, they can provide 70 to 95 percent coverage. Even 70% coverage is fine if the network cable remains stationary. Copper used for braiding is more conductive than mylar or aluminum foil used for shielding and is less prone to damage of any kind. This makes it an effective shielding option. However, this may increase the cost and space of the network cable. Copper shielded network cables are ideal for industrial environments.
Metal-Coated Mylar and Foil Shielded Cables: Foil shielded cables have a sheet of aluminum or copper that is bonded to polyester to increase cable strength. This shielding, commonly called tape shielding, ensures 100% protection of the wires. Foil shielded network cables are a common choice for busy office environments.
Multiple shielding layers can be used in extremely noisy environments. In this environment, braided and foil shielded cables are used together. , usually both types of shielding are visible. In such cables, sometimes individual pairs are shielded by foil, while the entire cable is braided or shielded by foil. A separate pair of foil shields helps avoid crosstalk that can occur between different pairs in the cable.
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What are the benefits of using shielded and unshielded network cables?
The following points will help you understand it better:
Shielded network cables: Electromagnetic interference, or EMI, is one of the most common phenomena on the factory floor. EMI is the term used to define electrical noise, usually conducted or radiated. This noise can affect not only the device or the functionality of the device, but also humans. Network cable shielding helps prevent EMI from affecting equipment and personnel. This means you will reduce crosstalk between network cables.
In addition, the additional layer of insulation also protects the network cable from environmental elements, which the network cable may not be able to withstand in an industrial environment. This means that if you're using a shielded network cable, you're less likely to be exposed to friction, debris, spills, or moisture.
Unshielded network cables: One of the main advantages of using unshielded network cables is that they do not require grounding. This helps save installation time and costs.
Understand the application of shielded network cable
Shielded network cables are ideal for use in noisy environments where the potential and risk of electromagnetic interference is high. Airports and radio stations are perfect examples of such environments. Here are some other applications for these cables:
They are used in safety systems to avoid radio frequency and power frequency interference. This helps reduce the number of false alarms that could otherwise be disruptive.
Shielded twisted pair network cables are also used in recording studios or public address systems. Twisted pair network cables help ensure a balanced audio configuration.
Shielded network cables are also used in boxed applications where different components work close to each other.
Application of unshielded network cable
Shielded network cables help minimize EMI. However, does this mean they are required for every application? No, not every application has to use them. Perhaps, you can also use unshielded network cables for less noisy applications, such as home or office LANs. These cables are inexpensive, lightweight and flexible.
