What is UTP?
UTP is Unshielded Twisted Pair.
UTP is the most common form of twisted pair wiring, because it is less expensive and easier to work with than STP (Shielded Twisted Pair).
UTP is used in Ethernet 10Base-T and 100Base-T networks, as well as in home and office telephone wiring.
The twist in UTP helps to reduce crosstalk interference between wire pairs.
UTP Cable Standards
Cat 3 UTP
Category 3 UTP is rated to carry data up to 10Mbit/s.
Cat 3 UTP was the standard cable for use with Ethernet 10Base-T.
Cat 5 UTP
Category 5 UTP is rated to carry Ethernet up to 100Mbit/s and ATM up to 155Mbit/s.
Cat 5 UTP was the standard cable for use with Ethernet 100Base-TX.
Cat 5e UTP
Category 5e UTP is an enhanced version of Cat 5 UTP.
Cat 5e UTP is rated to carry data up to 1000Mbit/s.
Cat 5e UTP is the standard cable for use with Ethernet 1000Base-T.
Cat 5e can also be used to extend the distance of 100Base-TX cable runs up to 350 meters.
Cat 6 UTP
Category 6 UTP is very similar to Cat 5 UTP, except that it is designed and manufactured to even stricter standards.
UTP Termination
Two-pair (four-wire) UTP used for telephone use is normally terminated in an RJ-11 connector.
Four-pair (eight-wire) UTP used for data use is normally terminated in an RJ-45 connector.
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