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Tech Differences

Know the Technical Differences

Difference Between UTP and STP Cables

difference between UTP and STP cablesUTP (Unshielded twisted pair) and STP (Shielded twisted pair) are the types of twisted pair cables which act as a transmission medium and imparts reliable connectivity of electronic equipment. Although the design and manufacture are different but both serve the same purpose.

The basic difference between UTP and STP is UTP (Unshielded twisted pair) is a cable with wires that are twisted together to reduce noise and crosstalk. On the contrary, STP (Shielded twisted pair) is a twisted pair cable confined in foil or mesh shield that guards the cable against electromagnetic interference.

Content: UTP Cable Vs STP Cable

  1. Comparison Chart
  2. Definition
  3. Key Differences
  4. Conclusion

Comparison Chart

Basis for comparisonUTP STP
BasicUTP (Unshielded twisted pair) is a cable with wires that are twisted together.STP (Shielded twisted pair) is a twisted pair cable enclosed in foil or mesh shield.
Noise and crosstalk generationHigh comparatively.Less susceptible to noise and crosstalk.
Grounding cableNot required Necessarily required
Ease of handlingEasily installed as cables are smaller, lighter, and flexible.Installation of cables is difficult comparatively.
Cost
Cheaper and does not require much maintenance.Moderately expensive.
Data RatesSlow comparatively.Provides high data rates

Definition of UTP Cable

Unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable is the most prevalent type of telecommunication medium in use today. Its frequency range is suitable for transmitting both data and voice. Therefore, these are most commonly used in telephone systems.

A twisted pair consists of two insulated conductors (usually copper) in a twisted configuration. Color bands are used in plastic insulation for identification. In addition, colors also identify the specific conductors in a cable and to indicate which wires belong in pairs and how they relate to other pairs in a larger bundle.
UTP cableThe two wires are twisted in the twisted pair cable which significantly reduces the noise generated by the external source. The noise here we are talking about is generated when two wires are parallel which causes an increase in voltage level in the wire closest to the source and also uneven load and damaged signal.

Definition of STP Cable

Shielded twisted-pair (STP) cable has an additional braided mesh coating or metal foil that wraps each set of insulated conductors. The metal casing intercepts the penetration of electromagnetic noise. It also can eradicate a phenomenon called crosstalk, which is the unwanted effect of one circuit (or channel) on another circuit (or channel).
STP cableIt occurs when one line (acting as a kind of receiving antenna) picks up some of the signals travelling down another line (acting as a kind of sending antenna). This effect can be experienced during telephone conversations when one can hear other conversations in the background. Shielding each pair of a twisted-pair cable can eliminate most crosstalk.

STP has the similar quality factor and uses the same connectors as UTP, but the shield must be connected to the ground.

Key Differences Between UTP and STP Cables

  1. UTP and STP are the types of twisted pair cable where UTP is the unshielded type whereas STP is shielded, for doing so metal foil or braided mesh is used.
  2. UTP reduces the crosstalk and noise as compared to the parallel arrangement of the wires but not at great extent. On the contrary, STP decreases the crosstalk, noise, and electromagnetic interference significantly.
  3. UTP cables are easily installed while installation of STP cables is difficult are the cables are bigger, heavier and stiffer.
  4. Grounding is not required in UTP cables. As against, STP cables requires grounding.
  5. UTP cables are inexpensive whereas STP cables are costly comparatively due to additional material and manufacturing.
  6. STP cables incorporate a conducting shield built of metallic foil enclosing the twisted wire pairs, which obstructs out electromagnetic interference, permitting it to carry data at an enhanced rate of speed. In contrast, UTP provides less speed of data transfer.

Conclusion

UTP and STP cables differ in the design and structure where STP cable has an additional metal foil wrapped in insulated conductors.

However, both STP and UTP cables have their respective merits and demerits, when it comes to proper installation and maintenance in a suitable situation for their use, both work finely.

Related Differences:

  1. Difference Between Optical Fibre and Coaxial Cable
  2. Difference Between Guided and Unguided Media
  3. Difference Between Star and Mesh Topology
  4. Difference Between RJ45 and RJ11
  5. Difference Between Stack and Queue

Comments

  1. Shubham Goyal says

    January 15, 2019 at 9:36 pm

    A very Informative Blog, I was in dilemma between the two products as they sound much of similar to me but now i am very much clear between their differences. Thanks for sharing the article.

    Reply
  2. pritam iklodiya says

    February 13, 2019 at 10:56 am

    Clear interpretation

    Reply
  3. Joel says

    February 18, 2019 at 7:12 am

    Thanks for the blog, It gives me a clear understanding of the difference between UTP and STP.

    Very helpful

    Reply
  4. hitesh says

    July 8, 2019 at 8:48 am

    Really Nice one

    Reply
  5. hitesh says

    July 17, 2019 at 5:31 am

    Really Helpful

    Reply
  6. R Eswar sai says

    October 9, 2019 at 1:27 am

    Really awesome..

    Reply
  7. G.Nagarajan says

    November 14, 2019 at 10:01 am

    My doubts are cleared

    Reply
  8. Jagathesan.K says

    November 28, 2019 at 6:09 am

    Thanks for the information. It was Really helpful.

    Reply
  9. Martha says

    November 11, 2020 at 1:59 pm

    Thanks,this helps a lot.How can I subscribe to this website?

    Reply
  10. Saber kamal says

    April 6, 2021 at 6:40 am

    Thank you for ur information
    It’s helpful

    Reply

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