UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)

UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) is a regular copper wire that joins many home and many business computers to the telephone company. UTP is the most common form of twisted pair wiring, because it is less expensive and easier to work with than STP (Shielded Twisted Pair). It is used in Ethernet 10Base-T and 100Base-T networks as well as in home and office telephone wiring.

Two insulated copper wires are twisted around each other to decrease crosstalk or electromagnetic induction between pairs of wires. The twist in UTP helps to reduce crosstalk interference between wire pairs. Every signal on a twisted pair involves both the wires. Twisted pair is often installed in two or more pairs, all within a single cable, to offer multiple connections to computers. A twisted pair enclosed in a shield, which operates as a ground, is known as shielded twisted pair (STP).

Twisted pair is frequently linked with home usage. Whereas, an advanced grade of twisted pair is many a times used for horizontal wiring in LAN networks since it is less expensive than coaxial cable.

UTP Cable Standards

The following are a few UTP Cable standards used in the market:

Cat 3 UTP

Category 3 UTP is rated to carry data up to 10Mbit/s.

Cat 3 UTP was the standard cable used with Ethernet 10Base-T.

Cat 5 UTP

Category 5 UTP is rated to carry Ethernet up to 100Mbit/s and ATM up to 155Mbit/s.

Cat 5 UTP was the standard cable used with Ethernet 100Base-TX.

Cat 5e UTP

Category 5e UTP is an enhanced version of Cat 5 UTP.

Cat 5e UTP is rated to carry data up to 1000Mbit/s.

Cat 5e UTP is the standard cable used with Ethernet 1000Base-T.

Cat 5e can also be used to extend the distance of 100Base-TX cable runs up to 350 meters.

Cat 6 UTP

Category 6 UTP is very similar to Cat 5 UTP, except that it is designed and manufactured to even stricter standards.

UTP Termination

Two-pair (four-wire) UTP used for telephone use is normally terminated in an RJ-11 connector.

Four-pair (eight-wire) UTP used for data use is normally terminated in an RJ-45 connector.