U/FTP (Unscreened Foiled Twisted Pair)

What is U/FTP?

U/FTP (Unscreened Foiled Twisted Pair) is a type of Ethernet cable that contains:

• No overall cable screen (U).
• Individual foil screens (FTP) surrounding each twisted pair.

Unlike F/UTP and SF/UTP, U/FTP does not use a single shield around the entire cable. Instead, each pair is individually screened, providing excellent protection against pair-to-pair interference and improved high-frequency performance.

U/FTP is commonly used in high-speed enterprise networks, data centres, industrial installations, and Cat6A applications where controlling crosstalk is a primary concern.

U/FTP Construction

Individually Foiled Pairs

• Each twisted pair is enclosed within its own foil screen.
• Provides excellent isolation between pairs.
• Significantly reduces internal crosstalk.

No Overall Screen

• No foil or braid surrounding all four pairs.
• Results in a smaller diameter and more flexible cable than some alternative shielded designs.

Drain Wires

• May include individual drain wires associated with pair shielding.
• Used to maintain continuity of the pair screens during termination.

Why Use U/FTP?

Excellent Pair Isolation

• Individual foil screens prevent interference between pairs.
• Particularly beneficial for high-speed Ethernet applications.

Reduced Alien Crosstalk

• Helps minimise interference from adjacent cables.
• Commonly used for Cat6A installations supporting 10 Gigabit Ethernet.

Improved Signal Integrity

• Individual pair shielding improves transmission performance.
• Beneficial in high-density cable installations.

Smaller Than Fully Screened Alternatives

• Typically smaller and more flexible than S/FTP or SF/UTP.
• Easier to route through containment systems.

U/FTP vs Other Cable Types

Advantages of U/FTP

Excellent Crosstalk Control

• Individual pair shielding significantly reduces pair-to-pair interference.
• Supports demanding Ethernet applications.

High Performance

• Frequently used for Cat6A and above.
• Suitable for 10 Gigabit Ethernet networks.

Smaller Diameter

• Generally more flexible than S/FTP and SF/UTP.
• Easier to install in congested containment systems.

Reduced Screen Grounding Complexity

• No overall cable screen to terminate.
• Simplifies some installation scenarios.

Limitations of U/FTP

Less Protection Against External EMI

• No overall screen surrounding the cable.
• Less effective than F/UTP, SF/UTP, or S/FTP against strong external interference sources.

More Complex Than U/UTP

• Individual foil screens require careful termination.
• Increased installation time compared to unscreened cable.

Higher Cost

• More expensive than U/UTP and often F/UTP alternatives.

Screen Termination Requirements

Pair Screen Continuity

To achieve the intended performance:

• Individual foil screens should be maintained during termination.
• Screened keystones and patch panels should be used where specified.
• Manufacturer termination guidance should be followed carefully.

Grounding Considerations

The individual pair screens are typically connected through the structured cabling system to an appropriate Functional Earth (FE).

Proper bonding helps maximise EMC performance and minimise unwanted noise.

Common Applications

Enterprise Networks

• Cat6A structured cabling systems.
• High-density office installations.
• Network distribution cabinets.

Data Centres

• High-speed switch connections.
• Server connectivity.
• High-bandwidth applications.

Security Systems

• IP CCTV infrastructure.
• Access control networks.
• Video management systems.

Industrial Ethernet

• Moderate-EMI industrial environments.
• Control systems requiring improved signal integrity.

Relevant Standards

ISO/IEC 11801

Defines U/FTP cable construction and performance requirements.

BS EN 50173

European structured cabling standard.

BS EN 50310

Grounding and bonding requirements for ICT installations.

BS EN 50174

Installation practices for information technology cabling systems.

BS 6701:2016+A1:2017

Requirements for telecommunications cabling installations within buildings.

Installation Best Practices

1. Maintain Pair Shield Integrity

• Avoid damaging or excessively removing pair foils.
• Follow manufacturer stripping requirements.

2. Use Appropriate Termination Hardware

• Use connectors and modules designed for U/FTP cable.
• Maintain shield continuity where required.

3. Avoid Excessive Cable Deformation

• Do not crush, kink, or excessively bend the cable.

4. Follow Segregation Requirements

• Maintain separation from power circuits in accordance with BS EN 50174 and BS 6701.

5. Certify the Installation

• Verify:

  • Wire map
  • Length
  • NEXT
  • Return loss
  • Alien crosstalk
  • Category compliance

U/FTP vs F/UTP

U/FTP focuses on protecting each individual pair, whereas F/UTP focuses on protecting the cable as a whole from external interference.

When Should U/FTP Be Used?

U/FTP provides an effective balance between high-performance data transmission, excellent crosstalk suppression, and manageable installation complexity. By individually screening each twisted pair, it offers superior pair isolation and is widely used in Cat6A, enterprise, security, and data centre networking applications where signal integrity is critical.