Cat5e Cable FTP vs UTP (Comparing Cat5e FTP vs UTP)
In this video we compare Cat5e FTP vs UTP cables. UTP stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair, while FTP stands for Foiled Twisted Pair. However how do we compare them?
Cat5e FTP vs UTP
UTP cables do not have any shielding. They just have single plastic sleeve insulation around the wires. However on the other hand, FTP cables have a metal shield around all pairs together and then the outer plastic sleeve insulation.
The Cat5e FTP category gives an extra security shield. Therefore the twisted pairs of Cat5e cable wires have foil security around them. Furthermore this foil further protects the wires from EMI and crosstalk.
Cat5e cables – general outline
Cat5e cables can transmit data at the speed of 100 Mbit/s over 100 meters. In addition this allowance is usually for a 90m permanent cable link and an allowance for 5m patch leads each end
Cat5e in all formats contain four twisted pairs. Generally unlike their higher category counterparts such as Cat6, Cat7 and Cat8 they have no additional separation inside the cable between pairs
Cat5e was the first major standard for data cabling installation within a structured cabling design. In addition with its ability to handle 1 Gigabit traffic it was a suitable choice for various hardware uses. These systems included computers, telephones, CCTV, WiFi, access control and many others
However in many modern installations CAT6, Cat6a, and even Cat7 cables are being used as a substitute for CAT5e. They offer better crosstalk protection and help to work at more than 1Gbps speed. Cat6a and beyond are now the standard for new installations due to their ability to transmit 10 Gigabit at 90 / 100m. In addition Cat7 and Cat8 are common in data centre environments and in some commercial and residential data cabling installations
Features of Cat5e
• They form part of a structured cabling design
• These cables are rated for 100MHz High-Speed Data Applications
• The cable is capable of Gigabit Ethernet
• They consist of 4 pairs of coloured cores
• Category 5e wires are considered as cost-effective cables.
• The highest cable length is 90 or 100 meters.
– 90m permanent cable length plus a pair of 5m patch leads
– 100m direct hardware to hardware link
Where would standard Cat5e cables be used
For the majority of installations Cat5e cables would be specified at standard Cat5e cables. Furthermore these would be specified as in all new installation as CPR compliant cables.
CPR regulations are there to ensure the correct cables are installed with regards to fire and safety. In addition this ensures that the cables are safe in case of a fire. Furthermore this applies to all cable categories regardless if they are Cat5e, Cat6, Cat7 or Cat8. Also the same for UTP and FTP.
Where would Cat5e FTP be used
What do Shielded Cables Do?
The main advantage of shielded Cat5e and other cables is that they insulate the inner cores from electrical interference. In addition they protect from all elements of EMI or electromagnetic interference.
EMI are electrical interference’s that are naturally found in the outside world and outside your cabling installation.
These interference’s can include
• Natural EMI such as lightning, storms and natural electrical charges
• Electrical equipment interference
• Omissions from electronic equipment
o Power lines
o WIFI
o Mobile Phones
o Microwaves
• Generators
• Lighting
• Electrical installations
Shielded cables also increase the protection of noise from other data cables or even within its own cable. Crosstalk is the disruption of the signal of the cable from either the other cores inside the same cable or from other data cables in the installation. External crosstalk is known as alien crosstalk.
When should I use Shielded data cables
Following on from listing above where electrical interference is found these naturally are areas where shielded can be considered as a suitable upgrade to shielded data cabling
These are areas where electrical interference and EMI are bound to be high
These buildings or situations may include the following
• Data Centres
• Warehouses (especially industrial)
• Travel centers such as train stations and airports
• Industrial buildings where large electrical elements are found
• Distribution Centres
• Medical Buildings
The preferred cable specification will always depend on the situation and the area of installation. Furthermore it will be base don the surrounding installations and other services
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