UNSHIELDED TWISTED PAIR CABLE

UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)

UTP, or Unshielded Twisted Pair, is a type of cable used in telecommunications and computer networks. It consists of different numbers of copper wire that have been twisted into matching pair. It differs from screened and shielded twisted pair, in that the individual pair are not protected with additional protection from interference. Each copper wire is insulated, and the groups of twisted pair have a sheathing holding them together, but no additional insulation is provided. UTP comes in many different types and sizes, and is primarily used as node cabling, meaning it runs from a backbone unit to the individual components on the network.

Types


UTP comes in different types called Categories, often abbreviated as "Cat". The most common are Cat 3, Cat 5e, and Cat 6. The higher the category number, the more twists per foot in the pair, and the better protection from interference. Cat 3 is usually used for home telephone systems. Cat 5e is the industry standard for computer networks and large telephone systems. Cat 6 is an improvement on Cat 5e and is starting to become the favorite for new installs due to its increased speed and protection from interference