STP vs UTP Bulk Cat6 Plenum Cables: Which Ones to Buy?

Which twisted pair ethernet cable to choose? Whether to choose the UTP bulk Cat6 plenum cables or their STP counterparts. STP or shielded twisted pair cables are the ones that come with an extra layer of protection against EMI. Whereas the UTP or unshielded twisted pair cables lack this extra sheath of protection. The protection is integrated just beneath the cable jacket which fends off the incoming interference from other cables. It also contains outgoing interference from its own conductors. 

Now, which one would you buy? To reiterate, is the Cat6 plenum cable 1000ft with shielding or without it? Note that the STP cables are more expensive and rather tricky to install whereas the UTP ones are relatively cheap and can be run effortlessly. 

If you are unsure which one to get, keep reading. In this blog, we answer the question: is it better to buy shielded bulk cat6 cables or unshielded ones? Be sure to stick to the end.

Difference between STP and UTP Bulk Cat6 Plenum Cables

To understand the difference between STP and UTP 1000ft Cat6 plenum, it's important to first understand what plenum-rated cables are. Plenum-rated cables are designed to be installed in plenum spaces, which are the spaces above suspended ceilings or below-raised floors in buildings. 

These spaces are used for air circulation, heating, and cooling. And as a result, the cables installed in these spaces must meet certain safety standards to prevent the spread of fire and toxic fumes.

STP or Shielded Twisted Pair cables are designed with an additional layer of shielding that provides extra protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI). 

This additional shielding is made up of a layer of conductive material that surrounds the individual twisted pairs of wires. This conductive material is typically made of metal, such as copper or aluminum, and provides a barrier between the twisted pairs and external interference sources.

UTP or Unshielded Twisted Pair cables, on the other hand, do not have this additional layer of shielding. Instead, they rely on the twists in the pairs of wires to cancel out EMI. While this design works well for most applications, it can be susceptible to interference in areas with high levels of EMI.

How to Choose?

When deciding which type of Cat6 plenum 1000ft to buy, there are several factors to consider. Considering these factors is important because it is the only way to ensure buying the right cable for your network.

Budget

One of the most important factors is budget. STP 1000ft Cat6 plenum cables are generally more expensive than UTP cables due to the extra layer of shielding. If cost is a major concern, UTP cables may be the better choice.

However, it is pertinent to mention that the additional cost of this cable results in better performance in the long run. The cable shielding protects the Cat 6 cables from all sorts of adversaries, including weather and similar harsh environmental conditions. 

Interference

Another factor to consider is interference. If you are running your cables in an area with a lot of other cables or electronic equipment, STP cables may be the better choice. 

This is because the extra layer of shielding provides additional protection against EMI. This can help prevent signal degradation and ensure that your network runs smoothly.

Moreover, in server rooms and data centers, these cables are almost mandatory to use. Because in such environments, the degree of interference is very high. And these cables are best equipped to fend the EMI off.

Additionally, if you are running your cables along high-voltage lines, be sure to use these cables. On a side note, avoid running these cables along with power lines as much as possible. 

Installation

Installation is also an important factor to consider. STP cables can be more difficult to install than UTP 1000ft Cat6 Plenum due to the extra layer of shielding.

They require specialized tools and techniques to ensure that the shielding is properly installed and grounded.

If you are not experienced with installing cables, UTP Cat6 Plenum Cable 1000ft may be the better choice.

Distance

It's also important to consider the distance that you need to cover. Both STP and UTP bulk Cat6 plenum cables are designed to support gigabit speeds over distances of up to 100 meters. 

However, if you need to cover longer distances, you may need to use a fiber optic cable instead.

Cable Durability

Finally, you should consider the reliability and durability of the cable. Make sure that the cables you choose are made from high-quality materials and are tested to meet industry standards. 

This will help ensure that your network runs smoothly and that your cables last for years to come.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, when choosing between STP and UTP Cat6 Plenum Cable 1000ft, there are several factors to consider, including a budget, interference, installation, distance, and reliability. By taking these factors into account, you can make an informed decision about which type of bulk ethernet cable is right for your specific needs.