U-Ftp Vs F-Utp Lan Cables
U-Ftp Vs F-Utp Lan Cables
U-Ftp Vs F-Utp Lan Cables
May 2017
Preface
Shielded cabling systems are strongly recommended for category 6 (Class E)
and category 6A (Class EA) installations, but the user still has to choose
between two optional shielding options: F/UTP or U/FTP.
This presentations shows the inherent benefits of U/FTP cables of F/UTP
cables.
The comparison is done for cables containing only a single drain wire.
Cables with an overall copper braid (in various constructions) providing
better grounding are available in both configurations, namely SF/UTP and
S/FTP, but they do not affect the comparison as they improve the coupling
attenuation and transfer impedance of both constructions equally.
U/FTP vs F/UTP
F/UTP Cable
U/FTP Cable
Our tests show that the individual foil shield in U/FTP cables maintains the
shape and form of the twisted pair, so the distance between each wire and
the ground (= the foil shield) is virtually constant thus minimizing the effect of
installation.
F/UTP cables are much more vulnerable to installation abuse as the position
of the pairs inside the cable may be changed, affecting the proximity of the
pairs and their position relative to the overall foil shield, thus changing the
transmission properties of the pairs.
The above, combined with the low margins available in the cable before
installation may cause frequent Link and Channel failures.
Foamed (cellular) vs solid insulation
Lower dielectric constant => Higher velocity of propagation (Vp)
Most F/UTP cables are made with solid (or mostly solid) insulation. This is
needed in order to avoid deformation of the insulation during the short-lay
twinning process.
AT&T U/FTP cables are insulated with foamed (cellular) material.
Cellular Solid
U/FTP F/UTP
Foamed insulation:
Lower dielectric constant => Higher velocity of propagation (Vp)
Lower dielectric losses => lower attenuation