What a CAT6 SFTP snake cable is
A snake cable is a run that is unrolled for a show and rolled back up afterwards, often many times a week. The CAT6 SFTP snake cable is a shielded copper Ethernet cable built for that use: flexible, easy to coil, and protected by a rubber outer jacket. The shielding reduces interference from power cables, lighting dimmers and radio equipment around a stage.
It carries network traffic for audio-over-IP systems, stage lighting control and general event networking. Two versions are offered: a standard CAT6 SFTP snake and a tactical grade cable for harsher conditions.
Connectors and construction
- Locking connectors that do not pull out under load.
- Booted RJ45, tactical locking Ethernet, or convertible-shell connectors where the shell can be changed.
- Copper conductors with a flexible rubber outer jacket.
- Lengths of 20 m, 30 m, 50 m and 100 m, or longer to order.
Length and Ethernet limits
Ethernet over twisted pair has a general channel limit of 100 m for Gigabit Ethernet. 10GBASE-T over Category 6 cable is limited to shorter runs, typically 55 m. For runs past these limits, plan a switch part-way or a fibre link. The single-mode vs multimode guide helps if you move the long legs to fibre.
Shielded cable works best when the shield is bonded correctly at the equipment. Check how your switches and stage boxes ground their RJ45 shells.
What to specify in your quote
- Length of each cable and how many you need.
- Connector type at each end: booted RJ45, tactical locking, or convertible shell.
- Standard or tactical grade construction.
- Whether you need a reel or drum, and any colour or labelling for channel identification.
- The network speed you plan to run.
Send your list through the request a quote form. See also broadcast and live production.
Questions buyers ask
Why use a shielded CAT6 snake for audio work?
The SFTP shielding reduces interference from power cables, dimmers and radio equipment found around stages and broadcast setups, which keeps network audio and control data clean.
Is the cable flexible enough for stage use?
Yes. It has a flexible rubber jacket and coils neatly, so it can be laid out and packed away quickly.
Which connectors are available?
Booted RJ45, tactical locking Ethernet, and convertible-shell connectors. Choose the one that matches your stage boxes and switches.
Can I order custom lengths?
Yes. Standard lengths are 20 m, 30 m, 50 m and 100 m, and other lengths and specifications are made to order.