Network Cable Parameter Explanation
Shielding Type:
UTP - Unshielded twisted-pair, referring to the cable that has no shield protection. It has the smallest cable diameter which enables it to be used in low-noise controlled environments such as inside a metal cabinet or a conduit, where it is protected from ambient EMI (Electro-Magnetic Interference).
FTP - For foil twisted-pair, each twisted pair of the cable is wrapped in a shielding of foil to protect the cable from EMI and crosswalk.
SFTP - Shield foil twisted pair is a combination of both STP and FTP shielding. The wires inside the cable are twisted and shielded with foil wrapping, and then the foiled wires are shielded by a wrapping of either foil or a braided screening, providing the highest protection level against EMI and crosswalk.
Boot Type:
Snagless - Snagless refers to an extra part of the boot that covers the end of the locking tab. It has a strain-relief capability or protection for the locking tab on the connector.
Non-booted - The non-booted type has no strain relief capabilities or protection for the locking tab on the connector. It is easier for plugging or unplugging.
Jacket Material:
PVC CM - CM refers to "Communications Multipurpose". Cables with PVC CM jacket are the most commonly used commercial-grade communication cables. Their applications are primarily in-room patch cords, for instance, from a wall plate to a computer. In the interior of any residential application, these cables can be used almost anywhere.
PVC CMX - CMX is a residential-grade cable. CMX rated cables are suitable for residential or other small applications where the number of communication cables used is very little.
Gauge (AWG):
AWG stands for American Wire Gauge. It is a standardized system for describing the diameter of the individual conductors (wires) that make up a copper network cable. The smaller the gauge, the larger the diameter of the wire; the larger the diameter of a wire, the less electrical resistance there is for the signals it carries.