Unshielded twisted pair consists of pairs of insulated copper wires twisted together to cancel out electromagnetic interference. It lacks the metallic foil or braided shielding found in STP cables, making it thinner, cheaper, and more flexible. Network engineers rely on UTP for local area networks, typically terminating it with RJ-45 connectors for Cat 5e or Cat 6 runs up to 100 meters.
We need to pull three new UTP drops to the conference room before they close up the ceiling.
UTP is highly susceptible to interference if run parallel to fluorescent lights or heavy power lines. Always cross power lines at a 90-degree angle.
Also heard as
- unshielded twisted pair
Related terms
Cat 5
Category 5 cable, a standard twisted-pair copper cable used for computer networks.
Shielded twisted pair
A copper network cable featuring a conductive foil or braided mesh around its internal wires to block electromagnetic interference.
RJ
A standardized physical network interface for connecting telecommunications equipment.