Differences Among UTP, FTP, STP, SFTP, and FFTP Ethernet Cables?

Ethernet cables are being very important these days. These are essential for establishing internet connections and connecting devices to the Local Network.

By plugging the cables into the Ethernet ports of the devices, the connection gets established. But the major question of concern is the difference between different Ethernet cables available.

However, we may experience somewhat larger amounts of EMI(electromagnetic interference) at some places. That may occur due to the cable type and environmental conditions.

Thus, companies design Ethernet cables to offer more protection against such interferences. In simple words, we call it shielding, but it gets us to even more categories – U, F, and S. Here, the word U stands for ‘unshielded,’ S denotes ‘shielded,’ while F represents ‘Foiled.’

Don’t worry; here, we’ll highlight all aspects of these cables for those not well-versed with different Ethernet cables. We’ll also explore the advantages linked with each cable type to understand its functioning. Let’s get started!

UTP Ethernet Cable

(No any shielded, used for cat5e and cat6)

UTP or Unshielded twisted pair cables are the cables having 2 to 1800 unshielded twisted pairs. These twisted pairs have an outer jacket for protection, but no metallic shield is there.

These are one of the most used and basic types of cable available. However, these cables are smaller in diameter, and there is no protection against electrical interference. Also, these cables have twists to help reduce and prevent electromagnetic interference. The performance delivered by it is up to the mark and chances of breaking are very less.

Cat5e and Cat6 are the most popular UTP cables out there. Among these two, Cat5e UTP cable replaced the ordinary coaxial cable that was somewhat unable to meet the needs of data and telecommunication networks.

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F/UTP Ethernet Cable

(Foil shielded, used for cat5e and cat6)

Foiled with an unshielded twisted pair or F/UTP comprises four unshielded twisted pairs in an overall foiled shield. Connecting the drain wire right will reduce unwanted noise in the surroundings and protect against EMI (electromagnetic interference) and RFI(radio frequency interference).

The best part is that these cables are very easy to untwist. Thus, you can use these cables efficiently.

The F/UTP cables are more suitable for Cat5e and cat6. It means that both these cables have unshielded twisted pairs. Besides, the entire cable has an outer foil shield. This outer shielding helps improve data line security.

S/UTP Ethernet Cable

(Braid shielded, the function same as foil shielded-F/UTP. Usually not use this type( because of high cost and complicated process), unless for some particular devices or customising)

Shielded with unshielded twisted pair comes up with an overall braid screen and unshielded twisted pair. Hence, people also refer to it as STP. Besides, it is a much-considered choice as compared to other shielded cables available in the market.

It is important to check out whether the cable comes up with shielding or not. Also, do check out that the cable supports higher transmission rates across longer distances. If the cable is insufficient for higher transmission rates across longer distances, it may not be the choice to consider.

Even though the S/UTP Ethernet cable is suitable for cat5e and cat6, we recommend you go for the foil shielded option (F/UTP). That’s because these cables are somewhat expensive, plus they also involve a difficult installation process.

SF/UTP Ethernet Cable

(Double shielded (braid + foil), used for cat6 and cat6a. Usually not use this type( because its function not well as the F/FTP or S/FTP), unless for some particular devices or customising)

These cables are shielded and foiled with unshielded twisted pair with an overall braid shield and foil shield available. Besides, these cables come with unshielded twisted pairs.

These are known to offer protection against EMI. Moreover, the grounding of the cable is much more efficient because of the extra braid available.

SF/UTP Ethernet cable is suitable for cat6 and cat6a. The double shielding helps reduce electrical noise that can affect the signals. Besides, it also prevents electromagnetic radiation that can affect the functioning of other devices. However, SF/UTP Ethernet cable may not be as efficient as F/FTP or S/FTP.

U/FTP Ethernet Cable

(Foil shielded , used for cat5e and cat6)

Unshielded with foiled twisted pair is a type of cable with no overall shielding. Instead, there are twisted pairs wrapped up in the full screen. It is known to offer protection from the adjacent pairs and other running cables.

The wrapping helps protect the cable from EMI and crosstalk. As a result, the performance of these cables is quite well as compared to other ones available.

The U/FTP Ethernet cables are foil shielded. Thus, they are more suitable for cat5e and cat6. Moreover, these cables are easier to untwist. As a result, it shortens the termination time to a great extent.

In these cables, all four pairs come up with a similar lay length. Thus, U/FTP cables have a low propagation delay skew.

F/FTP Ethernet Cable?

(Double shielded (Foil + foil) , used for cat6a and cat7)

Foiled with foiled twisted pairs cables are the most acknowledged networking cables available which support Ethernet Local area network. These cables have a unique design and construction according to the requirements, which also helps promote better results. Overall, foil is there along with individual foil tape and comes up with better protection and less crosstalk.

The F/FTP Ethernet cables usually have a foil shield of aluminum. Besides, they are suitable for cat6a and cat7.

S/FTP Ethernet Cable

(Double shielded (braid + foil), used for cat7 ant cat8. The function same as foil +foil shielded, but higher cost.so often use F/FTP(Foil + foil))

Shielded with foiled twisted pairs are the cables having the twisted pairs wrapped in foil tape. Besides, the manufacturer wraps these cables in a braid screen, which is sturdy yet flexible. Moreover, these are suitable for cat6a, cat7, and cat8.

You will also notice an additional foil integrated for reducing crosstalk across the cable with nearby pairs.

The S/FTP Ethernet cables are double shielded, where one is braid shielding while the other is foil shielding. However, their functionality is the same as that of F/FTP cables. But if we compare the cost, the S/FTP Ethernet cables are costlier than F/FTP cables. Thus, you can prefer using F/FTP cables in place of S/FTP cables.

SF/FTP Ethernet Cable?

(Triple shielded (braid + foil + foil) , used for cat7 and cat8. Most complicated and expensive. Use  for some particular devices or customising)

These cables are similar to F/FTP cables and other individual twisted pairs wrapped with foil tape.

What’s more, these cables can offer better protection against EMI and crosstalks. That’s because the cable has both a foil shield and a braided shield.

The SF/FTP Ethernet cables feature triple shielding. Besides, they are suitable for cat7 and cat8. However, setting up these cables is quite challenging. At the same time, they are costly, too.

Summing It Up – Which Cable Should You Choose?

UTP, FTP, and STP are common labels that we often see on Ethernet cables. After this post, even a newbie can guess that the term ‘TP’ denotes ‘twisted pairs.’

Among all these cables, UTP turns out to be the most flexible and thinnest cable. That’s because this cable doesn’t contain stiff shielding material. So, it is a much pragmatic and cheap cable option for users.

Likewise, if you want additional protection against EMI or RFI, F/UTP cables are somewhat great for use.

F/FTP cables are ideal if you want to prevent crosstalk resulting from other cables and adjacent pairs.

Lastly, an SF/FTP Ethernet cable offers better results to users who seek faster data transmission.

Final Thoughts!

There is no doubt that the right cable is essential for improving the network performance and extending the lifespan of the equipment. Before settling on a specific cable type, check out the specifications and applications. Then, get the best one because it is essential for maintaining the network architecture.

No matter what cable type you choose, make sure you check the cable specifications before buying. Each cable should pass the Fluke testing standard for better results and performance.

Selecting the FTP cable will be the best option if you need a cable with faster data transmission capabilities. Examples include cat6a, cat7, and cat8 cables. However, these cables, especially SF/FTP, can cost higher than most other types.

Likewise, you can also consider the UTP cables for general uses since they are cheap and pragmatic. For this, you can consider getting cat5e or cat6 cable.

So, place your order now to get the Ethernet cable of your choice. Be it FTP or UTP; you can find these cables in our product catalog. We are ready to dispatch your order as soon as you place the order.