 What is Armored Cat5e cable? Armored cables are standard data cables that have an extra layer of protection against outside damage. This could be crushing, an impact or being cut such as during digging. Armored cable is generally called Steel-Steel-Wired Armored, SWA and is constructed of strands of steel wire surrounding the inner cable. Thus it is these steel wires that offer the additional protection. The performance of the internal Cat5e cable remains the same as standard cables. What is an external Cat5 cable? External Cat5 cable is a cable with a polyethylene, PE, sheath. This is standard in black. By comparison internal cables are either PVC, LSOH or Yuroclass sheathings. The PE sheath provides protection from external environmental elements such as temperature and moisture. However, it doesn't offer additional structural protection, only the same as internal cables. Thus for additional protection an armored cable can be used. These however are more expensive and bulkier in size.