CommScope Category 5e F/UTP Shielded Cable

Reliable Shielded Networking Solution for Cost-Conscious Deployments

The CommScope CS24CM WHT C5E 4/24 F/UTP RIB 305M provides a robust Category 5e shielded cable solution that balances performance with economic efficiency. This F/UTP cable delivers enhanced EMI protection through its foil shielding while maintaining the cost advantages of Category 5e technology. The white PVC jacket and comprehensive fire safety certifications make this network cable an ideal choice for commercial installations requiring reliable connectivity in electrically noisy environments.

• Enhanced EMI Protection: Foil shielding provides superior protection against electromagnetic interference
• Cost-Effective Performance: Delivers Category 5e performance at competitive pricing
• Comprehensive Compliance: Meets ANSI/TIA-568.2-D and ISO/IEC 11801 Class D standards
• PoE Ready: Supports IEEE 802.3bt (Type 4) for Power over Ethernet applications
• European Certification: EN 50575 compliant with Eca fire performance classification

Product Characteristics

• Category 5e F/UTP shielded cable with foil overall shield
• 24 AWG solid bare copper conductors for reliable signal transmission
• White PVC jacket material for easy identification
• 4-pair shielded twisted pair construction
• 305-meter reel-in-box packaging
• CM fire rating with UL 1685 and UL 444 certifications

Technology & Standards Compliance

This Category 5e F/UTP cable meets established transmission standards including ANSI/TIA-568.2-D, ISO/IEC 11801 Class D, and CENELEC EN 50288-3-1. The network cable features aluminum/polyester foil shielding that provides effective protection against electromagnetic interference in commercial environments. European compliance includes EN 50575 with Eca fire performance classification, while global environmental standards encompass RoHS, China-RoHS, UK-RoHS, and REACH-SVHC requirements.

Working Principle

The Category 5e F/UTP cable operates using a combination of twisted pair technology and overall foil shielding. The four twisted pairs within the network cable maintain precise twist ratios to minimize internal crosstalk, while the aluminum/polyester foil shield creates a barrier against external electromagnetic interference. This shielded cable design ensures that electrical noise is effectively diverted from the signal-carrying conductors, maintaining data integrity in environments with significant electrical interference. The F/UTP construction provides the benefits of shielding without the complexity and cost of individual pair shielding.

Application Scenarios

This shielded cable is specifically designed for commercial environments where electromagnetic interference may impact network performance, including office buildings, retail spaces, light industrial settings, and educational facilities. The Category 5e F/UTP cable is ideal for installations running near electrical equipment, fluorescent lighting, or power lines where unshielded cables might experience performance degradation. The network cable supports Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, VoIP systems, and surveillance applications while providing enhanced reliability in electrically challenging environments.

Technical Specifications

Competitive Advantages

The CS24CM Category 5e F/UTP cable offers distinct advantages through its combination of foil shielding, cost-effectiveness, and comprehensive certifications. Compared to unshielded Category 5e cables, this network cable provides significantly better protection against electromagnetic interference at a minimal cost premium. The shielded cable design ensures reliable performance in electrically noisy environments where standard UTP cables might experience data errors. The F/UTP construction maintains compatibility with standard termination practices while delivering enhanced performance characteristics for demanding installations.

Service & Support

CommScope provides comprehensive technical support for all networking products, including this Category 5e F/UTP cable. The network cable is manufactured under stringent quality control standards and complies with international environmental regulations. The European Declaration of Performance (DoP) for EN 50575 compliance ensures transparency and confidence for installations requiring European fire safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary advantage of F/UTP over UTP for Category 5e?

F/UTP shielding provides enhanced protection against electromagnetic interference, making this network cable ideal for environments with electrical noise from machinery, lighting, or power systems where standard UTP cables might experience performance issues.

What applications are suitable for Category 5e performance?

This shielded cable supports Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps), Gigabit Ethernet (1000 Mbps), VoIP systems, video surveillance, and various data networking applications where 100 MHz bandwidth is sufficient for current requirements.

Does this cable require special installation practices?

Yes, the F/UTP construction requires proper grounding of the foil shield to achieve optimal EMI protection. Installers should ensure continuity of the shield through appropriate connectors and grounding practices.

What does the Eca fire performance classification mean?

The Eca classification indicates that this network cable meets basic European fire performance requirements for construction products, making it suitable for general purpose installations in European markets.

Installation & Usage Notes

When installing this Category 5e F/UTP cable, ensure proper grounding of the foil shield to maintain effective EMI protection. The shielded cable requires compatible shielded connectors and proper termination techniques to achieve optimal performance. The CM fire rating makes this network cable suitable for general purpose commercial installations, but it should not be used in plenum spaces without appropriate ratings. For PoE applications, follow installation guidelines per ISO/IEC 14763-2, CENELEC EN 50174 series, or TIA TSB-184-A to ensure safe power delivery.