Ethernet cables are the backbone and future of Local Area Networks (LAN). This amazing invention is enabling businesses and homes to access faster and more secure internet, utilize valuable applications such as PoE, and the list goes on.
However, when it comes to buying new networking cables, people get perplexed by the many options available. The problem is in the wide variety of cables and their specifications. There are a number of cable categories, and within categories, there are shielded copper cables, unshielded copper cables, unshielded CCA, shielded CCA, solid, stranded, etc.
So in this article, we recommend getting the shielded copper cables for business use. And here are five reasons why?
What are shielded copper cables?
The term shielded copper cables comes from “shielding” and “bare copper”, which means that the cable conductors are made out of bare copper and have a dedicated sheath that works as a shield against electromagnetic interference and external noise. Put it simply, these cables perform better than any other.
Also called, Shielded Twisted Pair (Cables) are known by the acronym STP.
STP cables are available in all categories of ethernet cables. For example, if you are buying Cat6 plenum cables, get Cat6 shielded plenum cables to make sure that they last longer and perform more smoothly.
1. Better Resistance against EMI
The foremost benefit of having shielded copper cables in your network is the quality of signal transmission. These cables are literally designed to minimize electromagnetic interference and other resistances - which they do very efficiently.
The difference in signal quality is significant which makes getting these cables totally worth it. For instance, on an unshielded cable, your devices are more likely to read the interference from the cables in the surrounding. But with shielded cables, it is reduced to almost zero.
This is especially true when you have a business network. Because large commercial networks have a larger number of cables and accessories which increases the amount of EMI in and around the network.
2. Enhanced Performance
The reduction in EMI and interferences translates into better performance of the cable. It will be noticed not just in the form of better signal quality but it will also be apparent in better performance and seamless connectivity.
The STP cables are specifically designed to keep various interferences at bay and to ensure the smooth transmission of signals.
3. Long Lasting
Copper is a corrosion-resistant metal with desirable features like ductility and malleability. Additionally, it also has superior heat and electrical conductivity which make it ideal for use in extreme environmental conditions such as warm and humid spaces.
It is pertinent to mention that installing these cables is far easier than their CCA counterparts. Because of their ductility, you can twist and turn them into any shape of your desire. This is particularly helpful in tricky indoor runs.
4. Cost-effective
While it may cost more to buy STP cables as compared to UTP cables, they are more cost-effective in the long run. The cables will save you maintenance costs, and replacement costs, and their extraordinary performance means that you can be more productive and make the most out of your network infrastructure.
Additionally, they will last longer which translates into value.
5. Applications
Although cables other than shielded copper also support major ethernet applications, the STP cables are more suited for high-performance applications. For instance, CCA cables are not ideal for power over ethernet applications but these cables are perfectly capable of supporting PoE, PoE+/++ applications.
Additionally, copper cables are more efficient at transmitting data which makes them ideal for video streaming and online gaming as well. For example, 10-gigabit ethernet over STP cables is significantly better than over CCA cables.
Best Shielded Bare Copper Cables
Following are the best shielded bare copper cables you can get.
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- STP Cat5e Bare Copper Cable (100 Mbps Data Transfer Rate and 350 MHz Bandwidth)
- STP Cat6 Bare Copper Cable (1 Gbps Data Transfer Rate and 550 MHz Bandwidth)
- STP Cat6a Bare Copper Cable (10 Gbps Data Transfer Rate and 750 MHz Bandwidth)
The above-listed cables cover a wide range of ethernet networking needs from small domestic networks to corporate commercial networks.
