What is a Shielded Cable?

When should you consider buying a shielded ethernet cable? Cables.com stocks a broad variety of cables for a variety of needs, including hundreds of different colors, configurations, and more. This includes shielded ethernet cables, which are ideal for data networks requiring an extra level of protection.

In today's connected world, Ethernet cables are the backbone of networking, enabling devices to communicate seamlessly over wired connections. While you might already be familiar with standard Ethernet cables, shielded Ethernet cables take performance and protection to the next level.

Whether you're setting up a home network or managing a large-scale IT infrastructure, understanding what shielded Ethernet cables are and when to use them can make a big difference in the reliability of your network. In this blog, we’ll explore how shielded cables work, their advantages, and when they’re the best choice for your networking needs.

What is a Shielded Ethernet Cable?

Shielded Ethernet cables, often abbreviated as STP (Shielded Twisted Pair), are specifically designed to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). Upon hearing the term "shielded cable," you likely think of some kind of physical barrier, maybe something like a tough exterior coating. These cables feature a layer of shielding—typically made from foil or braided wire—that surrounds the internal twisted pairs of wires. This additional layer helps to safeguard the data signals, ensuring consistent performance even in environments prone to electrical noise, such as industrial settings or areas with numerous electronic devices.

How Do Shielded Cables Perform?

Shielded Ethernet cables excel in environments where minimizing interference is critical for network reliability. Their enhanced design, featuring an outer shield of foil, braided wire, or a combination of both, helps them deliver superior performance compared to unshielded Ethernet cables. Here's how shielded cables stand out:

1. Reduction of Interference: Shielded cables effectively combat electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). This makes them ideal for use in settings with high electrical noise, such as industrial plants, radio towers, or areas with heavy machinery.
2. Improved Signal Integrity: By minimizing crosstalk and external interference, shielded cables maintain strong and consistent signal quality, even over longer distances. This ensures faster and more reliable data transmission, especially in high-bandwidth applications.
3. Enhanced Durability: The shielding layer not only protects against interference but also provides additional durability, safeguarding the internal wires from physical damage and environmental stressors like moisture or abrasion.
4. Optimal Performance in Dense Networks: In environments where multiple cables are bundled together, shielded cables prevent signal degradation caused by crosstalk between adjacent wires. This is particularly important in data centers or complex networking setups.

While shielded Ethernet cables provide superior performance in demanding conditions, it's essential to pair them with compatible connectors, devices, and grounding to maximize their benefits. When installed correctly, shielded cables offer a reliable solution for maintaining high network performance in challenging environments.

Shielded Network Cables at Cables.com

Shielded Cat5e Ethernet Cables

Category 5e cables are a must in environments that are noisy, or in which there are sources of EMI like high-voltage power cables in the vicinity. Today's computer networks are more complex than ever, but that doesn't mean you can't source cables that are both reliable and affordable. 

Cables.com's shielded Cat5e network patch cords come in the same variety of colors and lengths as our Cat6 and Cat6a cables, with the option of purchasing custom cables besides. These snagless cables can operate at speeds up to 350Mhz - fast enough for gigabit applications. We never use CCA wire, only 100% bare copper wire, and our cables terminate in 50 micron gold-plated RJ45 plugs.

Shielded Cat6 Ethernet Cables

Cables.com's shielded Category 6 network patch cables have a 100% foil shield that will protect the copper strands inside the jacket. We've gone to great lengths to ensure that each cable is properly grounded, and that the shields are sufficiently secured by the drain wire. These cables come with snagless boots at either end, which are intended to protect the connectors as well. Our Cat6 shielded ethernet cords have been designed and manufactured with quality and longevity in mind. 

Shielded Outdoor Burial Cables

If you're running your ethernet cable outdoors due to space constraints, it's important that you consider buying shielded outdoor cable due to the added exposure to EMI. Our 23 AWG Shielded Cat6A Outdoor Ethernet Cables are rated for direct burial. They're waterproof and UV resistant, and they're built with rugged, durable high-quality PVC jackets that are resistant to wear and tear from pests and burrowing creatures. 

Buy Shielded Cables at Cables.com

When you're buying from Cables.com, we want you to know that you're purchasing the best cables available for your job, at the most competitive prices. You'll always have the option of building a Custom Cable for your cables need, as well as purchasing in multi packs or in bulk. All of our cables are proudly manufactures here in the US at our New York warehouses, and we can guarantee you're getting the highest quality cables for the lowest prices in the market. 

Not sure exactly what kind of cable you need? Remember to check out our Quick Patch Finder for Network Cables and Power Cords! If you have any questions or need further assistance with your custom cable setup, you can always contact us online or by phone at 800-372-3725 Toll-Free.

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