The Difference between U/UTP and S/FTP in CAT6A Cables

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.

Advantages of S/FTP over U/UTP

Why does this matter? What’s the advantage of having each pair of cables individually wrapped with foil and then collectively wrapped, instead of just using a cross divider? Here’s a few advantages:

Less Interference – S/FTP provides greater protection to twisted pair, resulting in reduced crosstalk, EMI and electrical interference.
More Flexible – Without a cross divider, the cable diameter can be much smaller in the CAT6A U/FTP cables. Thinner cables are more flexible and easier to route. Thinner cables also allow for better airflow which could help save energy. The cables are flexible and light, which is why our brand of cables is called “FlexLite“.
Easier to Route – Without a cross divider, the termination of CAT6A S/FTP cables is much more flexible, easier to route, and making installation simpler.
Better Performance – When installed correctly, the S/FTP cables provides superior crosstalk and EMI performance. Crosstalk is when the signal in one twisted pair interferes with the signal in another twisted pair.

Other Features of Pactech’s FlexLite™ CAT6A S/FTP Cables

It’s not only the U/FTP part of the cable that makes our FlexLite™ CAT6A cables impressive. Here are a few other features which our customers appreciate about these cables:

High-speed applications up to 10 Gbps
40% tighter in cable bend radius for flexible cabling routing in tight space for improving airflow
65% smaller in bundle size for rack installation (OD 4.8mm)
Environmentally friendly with Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) jacket material, RoHs, UL, cUL
In-house designed clear tab snagless molded RJ45 connectors for snug
Two standard colors available – Blue and Shrek Green
Custom colors, options, and lengths available upon request