Ethernet Cable Applications Here's a quick guide on common construction methods and materials used in Ethernet cable applications.
Print and post this Ethernet Cable Applications table by downloading a pdf here.
| Ethernet Cable Construction | Ethernet Cable Material |
| UTP | PVC |
 |  |
Used in controlled environments with very little to no
EMI/RFI. Used in home, small office and Enterprise
business networks. | Very common jacket and over mold compound used in
basic small office/home office (SOHO), small to medium
business (SMB) and Enterprise network applications. PVC burns rapidly and releases hazardous gases when burned. Applications consist of general open space connectivity (not used in walls or ceilings). |
| | |
| Shielded | LSZH |
 |  |
For environments where EMI/RFI is present, such as
near motors, generators and other “noise” generating
machines. | Low Smoke Zero Halogen cables produce very little smoke when burned and release no halogen compounds including Fluorine, Chlorine, and Bromine. This type of cabling is typically used in confined spaces where human lives and expensive communications equipment reside. LSZH is used on ships, submarines, aircraft, terrestrial vehicles etc. |
| | |
| Double Shielded | Plenum |
 |  |
Used in extremely high EMI/RFI environments such as
factories and processing plants where “noise” generating
equipment including generators, power transmission
lines, and electric motors are present. | Plenum cabling is used in buildings in the plenum air space usually above ceiling tiles or in the plenum airspace under the flooring in a server room or data closet. Plenum cables will self extinguish and not re-ignite. |
| | |
| High Flex | PUR |
 |  |
Used in continuous motion applications such as a robot
arm control cable in a manufacturing environment. | PUR or Polyurethane cabling is typically used in harsh
or Industrial Ethernet networking applications where the
presence of petroleum based contaminates, UV rays, and physical impacts occur. Applications include oil refineries, factory floor, manufacturing, processing industries (food and chemical) etc. |
