Are Snagless Ethernet Cables Better Than Bootless Ones?

The difference between snagless and bootless Ethernet cables lies in the style of the RJ-45 terminations rather than the cable technology itself, as both types offer the same performance. The choice between snagless and bootless Ethernet cables depends on the specific scenarios in which they will be used. This article will explain what snagless and bootless Ethernet cables are and how to choose the suitable patch cable based on your needs.

What Are Snagless Ethernet Cables?

Snagless Ethernet cables are a type of Ethernet cable with a protective plastic covering known as a "snagless boot." The two most common snagless boots you will encounter are "Bubble" and "Ferrari," designed to prevent the cables from getting snagged and damaged. Snagless Ethernet cables are ideal for environments where cables need to be frequently plugged and unplugged.

The Purpose of Using Snagless Ethernet Cables

Snagless Ethernet cables provide several conveniences and reduce unnecessary troubles due to the inconspicuous cable boot. The benefits of using snagless Ethernet cables are as follows:

• To Protect Against Cable Damage: The snagless Ethernet cable boot offers strain relief, preventing excessive tension, pulling, or bending of cables, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the wires or insulation. It helps to maintain the structural integrity of cables and prevents signal interference or electrical shorts that can result from wire breakage.

• Make Cable Installations Easier: The snagless boot can protect the fragile locking clip of the RJ45 connector from getting caught or broken when pulling Ethernet cable through narrow and crowded spaces. Besides, it makes the cable less likely to loosen after being plugged into the device. Thus, snagless cables are ideal for complex wiring setups.

• To Protect Your Nails: The boot is a barrier, preventing the clip from jamming under your nails during connection or disconnection. If you find the boot cumbersome, some can be gently slid down the cable for easier handling.

What Are Bootless Ethernet Cables?

As the name suggests, bootless Ethernet cables are cables without boots. Every Ethernet patch cable starts its life as a non-booted cable. Bootless means the RJ45 connector is terminated directly onto the cable without additional covering. Because there is no protective boot, we do not recommend frequently unplugging and re-plugging these cables, as it may affect their longevity. The main advantage of bootless cables is their compact design, which saves valuable space, making them ideal for high-density wiring situations.

Snagless Ethernet Cable and Bootless Cable: Which to Choose

Regarding snagless Ethernet cables and bootless Ethernet cables, there is no difference in specifications or performance levels between the two. The choice between them depends on how your data network is set up: whether the cables must be frequently unplugged and the number of wires connected to your device, like a switch or a patch panel.

FS offers both snagless Ethernet cables and bootless Ethernet cables. We provide a variety of Ethernet cables with snagless boots. For instance, our Cat6 28AWG slim Ethernet cable features a smaller cable outer diameter, which can save more cabinet space. As for bootless Ethernet cables, we have options available in both Cat5e and Cat6 categories.

Conclusion

In summary, neither snagless nor bootless Ethernet cables are universally better than the other. Their differences lie in the design of the RJ-45 terminations, and both types offer the same performance. Your choice should be based on the specific requirements of your environment and the tasks at hand.