Why choose S/FTP patch cables

Why S/FTP patch cables are the smart choice in AV-over-IP networks

Posted on 23 September 2025

In professional AV-over-IP networks, reliability isn’t a luxury—it’s a requirement. Whether you’re transporting uncompressed video, synchronizing audio via Dante or AES67, or managing multicast traffic with IGMP, the quality of your cabling is crucial.

That’s why more and more AV professionals are choosing S/FTP patch cables—like the PROCAB CSD575 slimline networking cable—to ensure stable performance in demanding environments.

What makes S/FTP different?

S/FTP stands for Shielded Foiled Twisted Pair. In practice, this means:

Every twisted pair inside the cable is individually shielded with foil.
The entire bundle is wrapped with an additional braided shield.

This dual shielding provides excellent protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk—ideal for environments filled with electronic equipment or when running longer cable trajectories.

When is S/FTP the better choice?

Compared to standard FTP cables, S/FTP cables like the CSD575 are the smarter option when:

Handling multicast-heavy AV-over-IP traffic
Protocols like Dante, AES67, AVB, IPMX, or SDVoE rely on stable, low-jitter transmission. S/FTP helps maintain signal clarity, even at higher frequencies.
Working in EMI-sensitive spaces
Studios, conference rooms, theaters, and classrooms often house lots of electronic gear. S/FTP provides a strong safeguard against interference.
Installing in warm environments or long runs
Signal loss increases with heat and distance. The CSD575 ensures stable performance in warm patch cabinets or plenum spaces.
Using PoE (Power over Ethernet)
PoE generates heat inside the cable. Thanks to its shielding and construction, S/FTP dissipates heat more effectively, extending the lifespan of your installation.

Why choose PROCAB’s CSD575?

The CSD575 slimline S/FTP CAT7 patch cable combines the shielding performance you need with the flexibility and size-saving design PROCAB is known for: