A Detailed Guide To Cat6 Shielded And Unshielded Cables

By Author: Jennifer Truong
Total Articles: 125
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In networking, the type of cables chosen can dramatically affect your connection speeds, reliability and overall system performance. The Cat6 cable is among the most commonly used types of wire used in Ethernet networking. 
There are two main types of Cat 6: Cat 6 unshielded and Cat 6 shielded. Differentiating between these two types of cables is part of building network infrastructure from the ground up (home office, small business or enterprise). 
What Are Cat6 Cables?
Category 6 or Cat6, refers to the Ethernet family and is designed to carry data at a rate of up to 10 Gbps (gigabits per second) data rate. They are commonly used in high-speed networking and can support frequencies as high as 250 MHz. 
Now this makes them especially ideal for gaming, streaming and transfer of large files and smart device data, and so they are popular in business and home environments. Cat6 cables include 4 sets of twisted pairs of copper wires used to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk. 
Cat6 Unshielded Cables  
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... Cat6 unshielded cables are usually called Cat6 UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair), which are the most popular type of Cat6 cables and are used in most of the common networking environments. These cables have no extra layer of shielding around the data signals inside, just as the name suggests. 
If we look at a pair of wires, then instead of parallel lines close enough to form interference, they are twisted in a manner to assist crosstalk as much as possible. That said, Cat6 unshielded also has its drawbacks. For example, unshielded cables may suffer from decreased performance in areas with a greater risk of electromagnetic interference—that is, adjacent to large machinery or in tightly packed data centres. Without protection, it can lead to data loss and slow down connection speed in these situations.
Cat6 Shielded Cables
Cat6 shielded cables or the Cat6 STP (shielded twisted pair) cables have an extra layer of the shield around every twisted pair or all four pairs of wires. This shielding helps to shield different types of interference like electromagnetic interference, also known as electromagnetic compatibility(EMC) and radio frequency interference (RFI). 
By shielding, the quality of the cable is enhanced, hence offering better mobility of the data that is transferred through the cable. 
Some of the disadvantages that are associated with Cat6 shielded cables include the following: i) The cables are expensive and 
ii) They are not as flexible as those of the other categories we’ve highlighted in this article. The signals get strong shielding, which makes these cables bigger and less flexible, thus making their installation complicated. 
iii) They are also usually more costly than their respective unshielded models because more material is incorporated into their construction. However, in situations where interfaces are an issue, the advantages are normally greater than the added cost.
Cat6 Unshielded and Shielded Cables: Which is Better to Use?
If you are still conflicted about which kind of cable you should choose, you can contact us at SF Cables; our advice mainly depends on the signal environment of your networks.
Cost: 
If budget is a primary concern and you are setting up a network in an area with minimal interference, Cat6 unshielded cables may be the better option. These cables offer excellent performance for everyday networking needs without the added cost of shielding.
Environment: 
If your network will be set up in an environment with a high potential for interference—such as near heavy machinery, power lines, or numerous other electronic devices—Cat6 shielded cables are a more suitable choice. The extra protection will ensure that the cables maintain their performance and reliability.
Installation and Flexibility:
If ease of installation is a key consideration, Cat6 unshielded cables tend to be more flexible and easier to manage, especially in tight spaces or areas with limited room for manoeuvring. On the other hand, Cat6 shielded cables may require more careful handling and may not be as adaptable in all installation scenarios.
Performance Needs: 
For networks that demand the highest performance, such as data centres or enterprise-level applications, Cat6 shielded cables can provide more consistent speeds and data integrity. However, for typical home or small business networks, Cat6 unshielded cables are often more than sufficient.
Conclusion
Both shielded Cat6 and regular Cat6 cables are ideal for high-speed Ethernet networking with transmission rates of up to 10 Gbps. Cat6 unshielded cables as a cost-effective cable solution for scenarios that have low levels of interference. 
On the other hand, Cat6 shielded cables are designed for use where there are interference issues and are recommended for protecting data transfer. If you are in search of an affordable solution, here you can indeed consult us at SF Cables, as our services give you a wide array of options for prices with a warranty. 
Finally, it’s about choosing between Cat6 unshielded and Cat6 shielded cables based on the required network conditions. Thinking through your budget, the internal environment where the cable will be used and the needed performance implies a choice of the most suitable cable, which will provide efficient networking solutions.

Jennifer Truong is the owner of SF Cable, a California based online retailer of all kind of cables, wires, cords, and other related accessories for computers and other consumer electronics. SF Cable is well known in the market for providing high-quality products at low prices by sourcing them directly from manufacturers. Jennifer has extensive experience in the cable industry and has been instrumental in the growth of SF Cable and in establishing it as one of the leading providers of cables online.