UTP Cables

UTP Cables - Completely Without Shielding

UTP cables consist of a sheath and an inner twisted pair of conductors. Without shielding, transmitted data is more susceptible to interference and degradation of quality. Therefore, unshielded twisted pair cables are most often used in conditions where there are no sources of potential interference (fluorescent lamps, frequency converters).

Why is UTP Cable Referred To As Twisted Pair?

A UTP (Unscreened Twisted Pair) cable has regularly twisted pairs of conductors in its core. Twisting improves the cable's electrical properties and prevents the emission of potentially harmful electromagnetic waves.

UTP Cables for Data - Which Category Should You Choose?

The UTP data cable has evolved significantly since its first version. UTP data cables differ according to the bandwidth supported and transmission speeds, which are also influenced by the length of the cable itself.

• CAT5 UTP cables support 100 MHz bandwidth. The speed limit for CAT5 UTP cables is 1Gbit/s.
• CAT5e cables bring full Gigabit Ethernet support and are reasonably sufficient for most homes.
• CAT6 or CAT6a UTP cables are thicker and contain a middle insulator. These UTP cables are suitable for 10Gbit/ and demanding structures.
• CAT7 and newer data cables are no longer available in unshielded (UTP) versions.

All categories have both UTP cables without connectors and UTP Ethernet Patch Cables.

UTP Cables - Wiring

UTP cables use RJ45 connectors to connect to routers, modems or computers. It is essential to connect the coloured wires that UTP and any other Ethernet cable have in the correct order for a flawless connection.

Direct Connection of UTP Cables

Direct connection connects end nodes (PCs, laptops, printers) with network elements (switches, routers). The colour order of the wiring is the same on both sides of the cable.

Crossed Wiring of UTP Cables

Crossed wiring has differently wired ends. One side corresponds to the colour diagram of the direct wiring. The other one has some wires swapped. Crossover UTP cable is used to connect computers.