Should You Buy Shielded Ethernet Cables?

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.

What is a Shielded Ethernet Cable?

What's the difference between shielded and unshielded ethernet cables, and when should you consider investing in a shielded ethernet connection? When you're purchasing cables for your home or office data network, you're no doubt looking to set up a reliable connection that is strong and clear. This is where shielded cables come into play. Upon hearing the term "shielded cable," you likely think of some kind of physical barrier, maybe something like a tough exterior coating. Though some of the ethernet cords on Cables.com are made to handle being run outdoors, in this case a shielded ethernet cable refers to the protection being afforded to your data. Shielded ethernet cables allow for an additional layer of protection between your network connection and outdoor interference in the form of "crosstalk" or "noise" commonly referred to as EMI (or electromagnetic interference) that can occur when multiple cables are run alongside each other. The "shielding" of a cable is typically made of braided wire mesh, or a foil such as mylar, wrapped individually around each twisted pair of wires, or it may wrap once around the whole group of four twisted pairs in the ethernet cable.

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. They operate at the same speed as our unshielded cables, which is 550Mhz.

If you're running your ethernet cable outdoors for whatever reason, 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 manufactured 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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