Introduction to twisted pair network cables

1, Different types of twisted pair ethernet cables

A variety of different cables are available for Ethernet and other telecommunications and networking applications.

These network cables also called LAN cables that are described by their different categories, e.g. 

CAT 5e cables, CAT 6 cables, CAT 6a cables, CAT 7 cables, Cat 8 cables, etc, which are often recognized by the TIA, 

and they are summarised below:

2, Common industry nomenclature for cable construction types

U – unshielded / F – foil shielding / S – screened shielding (outer layer only) / TP – twisted pair

U/UTP

Unshielded Twisted Pair

Unshielded/Unshielded Twisted Pair – a completely unshielded cable, which is still often used for the lower cable categories Cat.5 and Cat.6 

This means that they are usually sufficient for the transmission methods of networks up to Gigabit Ethernet, even if they are not optimal. 

However, in some cases it may be better to use unshielded cables.

Firstly, if there are large voltage potential differences between the end points of the reference potential and the network devices used are 

themselves connected to earth or ground potential via the PE contact of the power supply cable, a second earth connection and an earth 

loop is created. It generates low-frequency compensation currents via the cable shield, which considerably impair the signal quality. 

Second, some AV or USB extender systems that use Cat.X cables are more dependent on good crosstalk than good shielding and therefore 

work better with unshielded cables.

F/UTP

Foiled Unshielded Twisted Pair

A F/UTP cable is made up of a U/UTP cable core wrapped in a foil screen made of mostly aluminum laminated plastic foil. For a long

time this shielding the type was the most frequently used and is more than enough for Cat.5 and Cat.6 cable categories and for 

transmission standards up to Gigabit Ethernet, while significantly optimizing the signal quality compared to U/UTP cables.

S/FTP

Screened Foiled Twisted Pair

This shielding type with braided shielding around the cable core and foil shielding around the individual wire pairs is sometimes 

referred to as PiMF cable (Pair in Metal Foil). It represents the strongest shielding and must be used for some cable categories

(Cat.7, Cat.7A, and Cat.8.2). The wire mesh of the overall shield should have a coverage of more than 30% in order to achieve 

enough shielding against the typically low-frequency (and long-wave) interference.

Below are the online links to our related products for your convenience.

Ethernet cables: https://www.zion-communication.com/network-cable-products-catalog.html

CAT 8 cables: https://www.zion-communication.com/NO-7112436-S-FTP-CAT8-LSZH-pd41696334.html

CAT 7 cables: https://www.zion-communication.com/CAT7-CAT7A.html

CAT 6a cables: https://www.zion-communication.com/CAT6A-Ethernet-network-cable.html

CAT 6 cables: https://www.zion-communication.com/CAT6-Ethernet-cable.html

CAT 5e cables: https://www.zion-communication.com/CAT5e-Ethernet-cable.html

3, Producing Reference Standards of twisted pair cables

UL444/UL1581/UL1666/IEC60332-1/IEC60332-3-24/EN50399

4, Network cable production flow chart

Conductor Drawing  → Insulation → Twisting → Cable Twisting → Jacket Line

5,Test Standards

ISO/IEC11801, ANSI/TIA-568-C.2

6,Main Testing equipment

1） Fluke: DSX2-8000,DSX2-5000,DTX-1800 

Link LINKED testing: This is to place the complete integrated cabling system into the testing equipment for testing, in which the complete integrated cabling system actually means link. 

Channel CHANEL testing: A single integrated cabling product is placed into the testing equipment for testing. Most of the channels involved are related to the testing of cables, 

which means testing the performance indicators such as throughput, attenuation, signal-to-noise ratio, crosstalk, etc. for the cable monomer. 

The testing of links has more practical significance than the testing of channels

2） Network Analyzers

Can directly and accurately test 100M, 305M and other different lengths, test requirements  higher than FLUKE test.

7, Packing

1) Common inner packaging

2) Common outer packaging

8, Main manufacturers and brands

ZION COMMUNICATION/HELLOSIGNAL

● Zion Communication is one of the top manufacturers and exporters of twisted pair networking cable

● Extensive experience in manufacturing for export and problem-solving of twisted pair networking cable

● Zion Communication focuses on customer needs: provide competitive signal & Low voltage power transmission products and services, continue to create maximum value for customers!

● Zion Communication has advanced production equipment and excellent engineers and skilled workers to guarantee the best twisted pair networking cable to our customers.

● Zion communication’s management and international sales teams are committed to our customers' utmost satisfaction.

● UL/ETL/CPR/CE/DELTA/RoHS/REACH/ISO9001/ANATEL/SABS

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