In recent years we’ve seen an increase in demand for 28AWG CAT6A cables. As one of the pioneers of developing this product, we wanted to take some time to explain some of the differences between the CAT6A cables on the market.
What’s the difference between U/UTP and S/FTP? The letters are so similar, so someone unfamiliar with these products may miss the difference.
U/UTP – Unshielded Twisted Pair
U/UTP, sometimes also called UTP, stands for unshielded twisted pair. Inside the CAT6A UTP cable, each pair of cables is twisted and separated by a cross divider. This is the cheapest and most common type of cable implemented.
S/FTP – Shielded, Foiled Twisted Pair
S/FTP stands for shielded foiled twisted pair.
Inside the CAT6A S/FTP cable, each pair of cables is twisted and wrapped with metal foil. All cables are then collectively wrapped by a strong, yet flexible braid screen.
