What is the difference between the various types of cable – UTP, Patch, Stranded, Solid?
UTP stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair. It is a type of cable that contains insulated copper wires twisted together in pairs. Groups of these pair, usually four pairs, are then placed in a single sheath. UTP cables are the most common type of cabling used in data networks. Stranded cable is made up of several small copper wires in each insulation sleeve, and as a result is more flexible than solid cable. Solid cable uses only one large copper wire in each insulation sleeve. Solid cable has better electrical characteristics than stranded, thus it is usually used for longer runs of cable like through ceilings or inside walls. Patch cables are made from stranded UTP cable and are typically used for very short runs, like from a wall outlet to a computer.
