What Is the Impact of Shielded and Unshielded Ethernet Cables on the Networks?

 If you're replacing Ethernet cables in your network, you'll need to decide whether you need shielded or unshielded wires. This might be a critical decision for the success of your project and the installation's lifespan.

Shielded Ethernet cables provide additional static and EMI protection. Hence, they enhance the performance of the network. They're ideal for networks with sensitive applications that require greater security and stability. Unshielded wires are usually sufficient for most consumer applications like home users and small commercial network users.

Differences between Shielded and Unshielded cables: -

If you're installing network cables nowadays, you should undoubtedly prefer the Cat6 Plenum cable on the Cat5 cable due to their advanced features. However, they are available in shielded and unshielded versions. Now the question arises, how would you select between these two versions for your network? What distinguishes these two types of cables?

In simple words for your understanding, shielded Ethernet cables contain an added protection layer in the form of metal foil, aluminum braid, or in some cases both of them are present. This additional protection helps to avoid undesired electrical discharges that may damage devices if they ran down the line.

Whereas, unshielded Ethernet cables miss these extra layers of protection. Still, they do well in most cases and are preferred by many users for their networks. Only in some specific cases where interference factors are very high then users opt for shielded versions.

Electromagnetic waves are all around us, and they can interrupt or interfere with data transport via an Ethernet cable. Shielded wires give an alternative channel for this power. This takes the form of a dedicated Electrostatic Discharge drain line and extra grounding in the case of shielded wires. The price difference is another issue while buying these cables. Shielded cables are more expensive compared to unshielded cables.

Similarities between Shielded and unshielded cables: -

Now, we will discuss some of the similarities found in these versions of Ethernet cables. One of the main similarities between shielded and unshielded cables is they use some type of connector that is RJ45. Furthermore, there are many other things as well that are described below.    

•        Both cables feature eight conductor wires twisted together making 4 pairs, however in shielded versions, these pairs are protected with extra metal shielding.

•        Both cables are used for the same reason to transmit data across the networks.

·         Both shielded and unshielded cables will have splines or plastic support structures in them to keep them organized and protected.

·         Both cables can be managed with the same tools.

Which Cable should you select? Shielded VS Unshielded: -

If you're attempting to figure out which sort of cable is appropriate for your network, you'll need to analyze its functioning properly. You need to analyze where the cables are going and what they're connected to. This will allow you to understand your network needs properly. Finally, shielded Cat6 Plenum Pure Copper cables provide greater protection and dependability to the networks in comparison to unshielded cables.

Still, it highly depends on the network location where you are installing these cables. If the location is free of interference factors or is present in very low intensity, then unshielded versions also perform well in your networks. Therefore, you do not need to invest extra in installing shined versions of Ethernet cables at such locations.