Category 6 shielded network cable

I. Basic Definitions and Core Parameters
Cat6 Shielded Cable is a high-performance data transmission cable that complies with the TIA/EIA-568-B.2-1 and ISO/IEC 11801 standards. It is based on Category 6 unshielded cable (UTP) and adds a shielding layer. Designed specifically for 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet), it can support 10GBASE-T (10-Gigabit Ethernet) over short distances.
Parameter specification
Transmission frequency: 1MHz to 250MHz (twice as high as Super Category 5)
Maximum transmission rate: 10 GBPS (≤55 meters), 1Gbps (≤100 meters)
The conductor specification is usually 23AWG (approximately 0.57mm in diameter), made of high-purity oxygen-free copper
The structure consists of 4 pairs of twisted wires, a cross-shaped isolation frame, a shielding layer and an outer sheath
Anti-interference capability: Shielding efficiency ≥90dB (fully shielded structure)
Ii. Classification of Shielding Types (Key Differences)
Category 6 shielded network cables are classified into the following types based on their shielding structures, each with its own focus in different application scenarios:
Full name of type, structural features, advantages, applicable scenarios
The F/UTP aluminum foil overall shielded twisted pair cable is fully wrapped with a layer of aluminum foil shielding, which has a moderate cost and good anti-interference performance. It is suitable for general industrial environments and offices
U/FTP pair aluminum foil shielded twisted pair, each pair of twisted pair is separately aluminum foil shielded, anti-crosstalk, the best high-density cabling, data center
The SF/UTP aluminum foil + copper mesh overall shielding aluminum foil + metal woven mesh double-layer overall shielding has the strongest anti-interference ability and good durability, suitable for strong electromagnetic interference environments and outdoors
The S/FTP double-shielded twisted-pair cable, with each pair of aluminum foil and an overall copper mesh shielding, has extremely strong resistance to internal and external interference, suitable for extreme industrial environments and military facilities
Iii. Core Structure and Working Principle
Copper conductor: 4-pair twisted structure, precisely controlling the pitch to reduce crosstalk
Cross-shaped isolation skeleton: Separates the 4 pairs of twisted wires to enhance crosstalk suppression capability
Shielding layer
Aluminum foil shielding: Low cost, good effect on high-frequency interference
Copper mesh shielding: Excellent effect on low-frequency interference and high mechanical strength
Grounding wire: The shielding layer must be well grounded; otherwise, it will act as an "antenna" to amplify interference
Outer sheath: Protects the internal structure and can be made of materials such as PVC and LSZH (low smoke zero halogen)
Working principle: The shielding layer reflects or absorbs electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), forming a Faraday cage effect to protect signal integrity.
Iv. Comparison with Category 6 Unshielded Network Cables (UTP)
Category 6 shielded network cable Category 6 unshielded network cable
Extremely strong anti-interference ability (suitable for industrial/strong current environments) Average (suitable for home/ordinary office)
High transmission stability (reducing signal attenuation and packet loss) (greatly affected by environmental interference)
The installation difficulty is relatively high (requiring professional grounding and matching shielding modules) and low (plug and play)
High cost (material + installation cost) low
Poor flexibility (increasing the hardness of the shielding layer) is good
Applicable scenarios: computer rooms, factories, medical equipment, monitoring systems, home networks, offices, and schools
V. Applicable Scenarios
Industrial environment: Locations close to strong interference sources such as frequency converters, motors, and high-voltage equipment
Data center: High-density cabinets, server clusters, and high-stability transmission are required
Medical facilities: Precision medical equipment such as MRI and CT should be used to prevent signal interference from affecting diagnosis
Financial institutions: Bank and securities computer rooms, ensuring the security and reliability of data transmission
Monitoring system: Long-distance transmission of high-definition video signals to reduce picture noise
Confidential places: Government and military facilities. The shielding layer can reduce the risk of signal leakage
Vi. Precautions for Installation and Use
Grounding requirements: The shielding layer must be reliably grounded at one or both ends, with a grounding resistance of no more than 4Ω
Supporting components: Shielded crystal heads, shielded modules, and shielded patch panels must be used to form a complete shielded system
Bending radius: Not less than 8 times the diameter of the cable to prevent the shielding layer from breaking
Length limit: Gigabit transmission ≤100 meters, 10-gigabit transmission ≤55 meters
Avoid damage: Do not scratch the shielding layer when stripping the wire, and ensure good contact between the shielding layer and the shielding shell of the crystal head when pressing the wire
Stay away from strong electricity: When laid parallel to power cables, the spacing should be ≥30cm (≥5cm when crossing)
Vii. Selection Suggestions
For ordinary office environments: F/UTP single shielding is preferred to balance cost and performance
Strong interference environment: Select SF/UTP dual shielding to provide the strongest anti-interference protection
High-density cabling: Select U/FTP pair shielding to reduce crosstalk between pairs
Special places

High fire protection requirements: Choose LSZH low smoke zero halogen sheath
For outdoor use: Choose a waterproof and sun-protective case
Medical equipment: Select models with low smoke, halogen-free and high shielding performance
Category 6 shielded network cables are an ideal choice for high-reliability networks, especially in complex electromagnetic environments, ensuring the stability and security of data transmission.
Do you need me to compile a "List of Key Indicators for the Procurement and Acceptance of Category 6 Shielded Network Cables" (including conductor purity, shielding continuity, attenuation/crosstalk, length and grounding, etc.) to facilitate your quick verification?