STP vs UTP Cables Comparison

Twisted pair cables are broadly used in convey information, especially across distances. The twist in the wire cancels out any magnetic interference that may develop in the wiring.
The
common types of Solid Pure Copper
Cables are STP and UTP. The S stands for Shielded, the U stands for
Unshielded and the TP stands for twisted pair for both. STP has additional
shielding material that is used to cancel any external nosiness that may be
faced at any point in the path of the cable.
UTP
cables have no protection against such nosiness and its performance is often
corrupted in its presence. Using STP cables ensures you to get the maximum
bandwidth from your cabling even if the external condition is less than ideal.
The biggest
disadvantage to using STP cables is the higher cost. The shielding is an
additional material that goes into every meter of the cable in that way raising
its total cost. The shielding also makes the cable heavier and a bit more
difficult to bend or maneuver in any way.
This is
not a big issue but something that users should know when choosing between STP
and UTP.
In
terms of usage UTP is the more common and popular cabling that is used in most
homes, offices, and even in large scale businesses due to its lower cost. STP
is commonly used by large scale companies in high end applications that require
the maximum bandwidth.
STP
cables are also used in outdoor setting where the cables are uncovered to the
elements and synthetic structures and apparatus that may introduce additional
interference. Good examples of this would be the telephone, internet cables
that run from your home to the junction box.
Most
common uses it does not really matter whether you use Cat6A Plenum Cable or UTP
as both would probably perform well. UTP is the more logical choice as it is
cheaper and much easier to find in the majority of computer equipment
retailers.
Summary:
1. STP
cables are shielded while UTP cables are unshielded
2. STP
cables are more immune to interference and noise than UTP cables
3. STP
cables are better at maximizing bandwidth compared to UTP cables
4. STP
cables cost more per meter compared to UTP cables
5. STP
cables are heavier per meter compared to UTP cables
6. UTP
cables are more prevalent in SOHO networks while STP is used in more high-end
applications
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