Which is the best Buy: Shielded and Unshielded Ethernet Cables?

[Antonio Crocombe]

Which factors should you consider before buying shielded or unshielded Ethernet cable?

 

[Jerry_]

Factor: transmission speedrates

On a more general aspect I would always go for shielded (that will always ensure that you have the best transmission rate - some shorter cables or slower connections might not need it, but then again you don't know what else you are going to use the cable for the next day)

 

[metllicamilitia]

Which factors should you consider before buying shielded or unshielded Ethernet cable?

There are only two factors really. How long of a cable you need, and what other equipment or wires are near it. If there are any other wires or equipment nearby get a shielded cable. I’m always going to say to get a shielded anyway because it adds extra protection all around. It won’t be as bad using only data, but other cables and equipment can distort or interrupt the signal in the cable if it’s not shielded. The longer the cable is run, especially around other cables or equipment the greater the need for a shielded cable.