10 Gigabit Ethernet Cables

Comparative studies show that 10 Gigabit UTP cables have outer diameters larger than those of current Cat. 6 or are oval in shape. Cabling techniques to reduce AXTLK between 10 Gigabit UTP cables consist of moving the pairs further apart, strengthening the outer sheaths, and placing an insulator or separator between the pairs. The outer diameter of 10 Gigabit UTP cables is thus increased.

An option is to use a SFTP or FFTP cable that effectively removes the requirements for separation by the protection of each cable, or even each pair from AXTLK.

UTP

3M™ Volition™ Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables are available in three types of sheath; PVC, Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSOH), and PE for external cabling.

F/UTP

The new 10 Gigabit cable construction can include an inner foil screen for each pair without an outer cable shield to lower the mutual coupling of interference signals between each of the four pairs within the cable. This cable type is termed F/UTP and the 3M Volition Cat. 6a cables are of this construction.

FTP

For additional protection against electrical interference from sources external to the cable, a foil screen is often used. This cable construction comprises a drain wire to offer ground continuity and a conductive aluminium foil providing a 360 degree outer EMI shield. 3M Volition Cabling provides both PVC and LSOH sheath construction for FTP cables.

SFTP

The highest level of EMI and adjacent pair cross-talk protection is provided by using a foil screened (per pair) and conductive braid outer cable shield. This cable type will provide 20 dB of further protection against external EMI and adjacent cable interference compared with a F/UTP cable. It provides a low resistance outer cable shield, with foil inner pair screen with a single drain wire. The 3M Volition 10GT cable is of this construction and is designed to meet all draft 10 Gigabit Ethernet standards.