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Author: Michael Publish Time: 11-07-2025 Origin: Site
An STP cable refers to a Shielded Twisted Pair cable, which is a specific kind of network cable that has additional shielding which acts as a safeguard for signal integrity. It combines the interference-free features of traditional STP cables with the benefits of superior Signal-to-Noise Ratio. However, unlike the unshielded UTP cables, STP cables do have foil or braid metal layer around the twisted pairs or the whole cable to block any interference and noise.
These cables feature in industrial Ethernet, data centers, and other compelling applications where network quality and rate of signal derivation are a vital factor.
The main purpose of shielding of the STP is to confine and contain EMI/RFI that can influence the data signals transmitted over the copper pairs. Shielding can be applied in multiple ways, depending on cable category and environment
STP cables are classified in such a way that shielding is applied to cable as well as to the individual pairs. The naming format is:
Shielding Type | Structure | Description | EMI Protection |
U/UTP | No shield | Basic unshielded twisted pair | ★☆☆☆☆ |
F/UTP | Foil around entire cable | Basic shielding, reduces external EMI | ★★☆☆☆ |
U/FTP | Foil around each pair | Reduces internal crosstalk | ★★★☆☆ |
S/UTP | Braided shield around cable | Mechanical strength, moderate shielding | ★★☆☆☆ |
SF/UTP | Foil + braid around cable | Strong external EMI protection | ★★★☆☆ |
F/FTP | Foil around cable and each pair | Balanced EMI + crosstalk protection | ★★★★☆ |
S/FTP | Braid + foil around each pair | Excellent all-around shielding | ★★★★★ |
SF/FTP | Foil + braid around cable + foil per pair | Maximum protection | ★★★★★ |
Tip: Ensure that the connector and the appropriately selected ground are matched to the capacitor's design so that optimalens performance can be achieved.
Feature | STP Cable | UTP Cable |
Shielding | Yes – foil/braid | No shielding |
EMI/RFI Resistance | High | Low to moderate |
Crosstalk Isolation | Better | Standard |
Installation Complexity | Requires grounding | Easier installation |
Cable Thickness | Thicker | Thinner |
Cost | Higher | More budget-friendly |
Use Case | Industrial / EMI-heavy environments | Residential / general office |
✅ Advantages
High Level of Exclusion of EMI: It is the best choice in situations with motors, elevators, or power cables or where the known sources of EMI are present.
Common Mode Neck In: Removing high-frequency signals distortion and providing better performance.
Dependable High Speed Transmission: An advanced Cat6a, Cat7, and Cat8 made it for these cables.
Highly Needed at Industrial or Data Center Usage: This factor is of utmost essence to avoid practical failures by interference.
⚠️ Disadvantages
More Expensive: Extra materials and shielding raises the price.
Less Flexible: More thicker; necessitates the use of shielded RJ45 connectors.
Grounding Required: Needs to be properly grounded otherwise there exists the risk of dangerous ground loops or reverse EMI.
Category | Max Speed | Bandwidth | Shielding Type | Typical Use |
Cat5e STP | 1 Gbps | 100 MHz | F/UTP or U/FTP | Office networks |
Cat6 STP | 1–10 Gbps | 250 MHz | F/UTP or S/UTP | Business LANs |
Cat6a STP | 10 Gbps | 500 MHz | S/FTP or F/FTP | Data centers |
Cat7 STP | 10 Gbps | 600 MHz | S/FTP only | Backbone links |
Cat8 STP | 25–40 Gbps | 2000 MHz | SF/FTP | Short-range high-speed servers |
STP cables are associated with electrical noise, mission-critical projects, or high-speed network environments:
Industrial Ethernet installations
Hospitals and medical equipment
Airports and control systems
Data centers and server farms
Rail and transport systems
Broadcasting stations
Industrial Internet of Things factory automation (IIoT)
It is advisable to make a continuous shielding RJ45 connection using shielded RJ45 connectors.
Look for the proper grounding also at the other sides too - as the shield is useless otherwise.
Too many bends can wear foil or braid out, therefore avoid them.
Make sure to separate it from power cords, no matter how much shielding you use.
These shielding-capable connectors should be testing using CAT test (cable testers).
Q1: Is UTP or STP cable mandatory for the home wi-fi connection?
A: Under usual conditions, UTP is generally good enough except in place of generating EMI (e.g., generator or elevator near).
Q2: Do I have to worry about STP and UTP cables not to mix them together?
A: Specifically yes, nevertheless, earthing mismatch and EMI are a risk if not handled appropriately.
Q3: Secure an STP cable?
A: The grounding is typically through connecting the shielded connectors and wall jack which are connected to the ground at the other end.
Cat6a S/FTP Patch Cord – 10Gbps Shielded Ethernet Cable
Cat7 S/FTP LAN Cable – 600MHz Shielded Cable for High-Speed Applications
Cat8 SF/FTP Patch Cable – 40Gbps for Data Centers
F/UTP Cat6 Cable for outdoor use - UV & impregnated rubber wetsuit cover.
Jacket materials PVC, LSZH, and PE are readily available. Both OEM and ODM services are on offer here.
Zion Communication Ethernet cabling solutions Kuwait-based trusted manufacturer has been since 1998. We primarily concentrate on high-performance STP and UTP cables, handmade patch cords, and OEM services. STP (shielded twisted pair) of our wires conform to the ISO/IEC, TIA/EIA, RoHS, and CE standards of the global markets.
Only an hour's trip from Hangzhou to East China directly.
Maximum speed of production and shipping time for customers from the entire world.
✉️ Contact Us
Looking for a quote or assistance in selecting the ideal STP cable? Contact our technical sales department to find out how we can help you.
michael@zion-communication.com
+86 13757188184
