What are UTP / FTP / STP CAT5 cables?
UTP – Unshielded Twisted Pair. These are unshielded twisted pairs in an unscreened sheath and are the most widespread cables throughout the world as well as the cheapest. Being unshielded gives it a higher degree of flexibility. Due to its low cost, UTP cabling is used extensively for local-area networks (LANs) and telephone connections. UTP cabling does not offer as high bandwidth or as good protection from interference as coaxial or fiber optic cables, but it is less expensive and easier to work with. FTP – Foiled Twisted Pair. These are twisted pairs in a screened sheath. It is a thin, flexible cable which costs less per foot than any other type of LAN cable. S/FTP or S-STP – Screened Shielded Twisted Pair. A shielded twisted pair of cables in a screened sheath. Both cables are individually shielded and there is also an outer metal shielding covering the entire group of shielded copper pairs. This type of cabling offers the best protection from interference from external sources. Th
