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Choosing the Right CAT6 Patch Lead
When setting up a reliable network, selecting the appropriate patch leads is crucial. At Blake UK, we offer a variety of CAT6 patch leads tailored to different networking needs. Two popular options are the Slimline CAT6 Patch Lead U/UTP and the Shielded CAT6 Patch Lead S/FTP. Understanding their differences - including their internal cable construction will help you make an informed decision for your specific application.
Slimline CAT6 Patch Leads (U/UTP)
Our Slimline CAT6 Patch Leads are built using U/UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cable construction. This means there is no shielding around the pairs or the cable as a whole, making it suitable for standard office and home environments with low electromagnetic interference (EMI). These leads are excellent for patch panel use, maintaining a tidy appearance without impacting performance
Key Features:
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U/UTP Construction: No shielding; relies on twisted pair design to reduce crosstalk.
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Space-Saving Design: The slim profile reduces cable clutter and allows for better airflow in high-density environments.
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High Performance: Supports Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps).
Available Options:
Shielded CAT6 Patch Leads (S/FTP)
Our Shielded CAT6 Patch Leads use S/FTP (Shielded Foiled Twisted Pair) cable construction. This means each twisted pair is individually wrapped in foil, and there’s an overall braided shield around the full cable. This significantly reduces EMI and crosstalk, making it ideal for more demanding installations.
Key Features:
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S/FTP Construction: Shielding on each pair and a braided outer shield for excellent noise protection.
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Reliable in Harsh Environments: Perfect for areas with high electrical interference such as industrial sites or server rooms.
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Durable Build: Robust construction for long-term use in critical infrastructure.
Available Options:
Key Differences: Slimline vs Shielded
|
Feature |
Slimline CAT6 (U/UTP) |
Shielded CAT6 (S/FTP) |
|
Shielding |
None – unshielded twisted pairs (U/UTP) |
Individual foil shielding and overall braid (S/FTP) |
|
Best Use |
Offices, home networks, patch panels |
Data centres, industrial environments, areas with high EMI |
|
Flexibility |
Very flexible and slim, ideal for dense cabling setups |
Slightly thicker and less flexible due to shielding |
|
Interference Protection |
Low – relies on twisted pair construction |
High – excellent protection from EMI and signal degradation |
Which Cable Should You Choose?
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Choose Slimline CAT6 (U/UTP) if you’re installing in a low-interference environment and need easy cable management in tight spaces (e.g., in patch panels or office racks).
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Choose Shielded CAT6 (S/FTP) if you’re running cables near power lines or other sources of interference, or need enhanced data integrity in demanding environments.