#utp cable

UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cables are widely used in most networks of the computer and telecommunications industry, as Ethernet cables or telephone wires. This tutorial aims to describe the knowledge of UTP cabling.

UTP Cables & Cabling Characteristics

The quality of UTP cables varies from telephone-grade wire to extremely high-speed cable. Most UTP cables used in structured cabling systems today are comprised of carefully twisted pairs of solid copper wire inside the insulated jacket, providing high bandwidth, low attenuation and crosstalk. Several categories of UTP cables are now available in the market. Among them, categories 5e and 6 UTP cables are the most popular types of UTP cabling in today's networks.

For UTP cabling, there are some characteristics, as shown in the following table.

UTP in Structured Cabling

There are six subsystems of a structured cabling system, including Entrance facilities, backbone cabling, equipment rooms, telecommunication closets, horizontal cabling and work area. Elements of (UTP) structured cabling usually consist of UTP cables, UTP patch panels, UTP wall outlets, adapters, other cable management panels, and so on. The following picture shows us the example of cat5e applications within LAN/WAN network (main computer room & work area).

In the main computer room, patch cables are used to connect comms equipment to printers etc. and interconnect network switch and patch panel. The length of which can vary between 1 and 5 meters and is available in a variety of different colors for identification purposes.

In addition to UTP wiring, a voice patch panel is connected to the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) exchange, using a multi-core CW1308 telephone cable.

While in the working area (office), the cat5e cable is terminated with RJ45 module and connects through UTP outlet. Then the terminal equipment, such as network printer, photocopier, network I.P telephone and office PC can connect the line via outlet.

Install UTP Cabling

UTP cabling can be deployed in many places, such as under floors, above ceilings in cable trays, inside conduit, inside walls, and even inside special cable trays in modular furniture.

The key step of UTP cabling installation is the cable termination, namely putting RJ45 plugs on the ends of cable or punching down wires into terminal blocks on a jack or patch panel. The installer must be acquainted with the Connector Manufacturer's installation instructions. In addition, testing is required during installation.

Correct tools are required for UTP installation, helping installers to achieve the UTP cabling installation efficiently. The most commonly used tools include wire cutter, crimping tool, cable tester, punch down tool, cable stripper, RJ45 plugs/jacks and so on.

Summary

UTP cables are considered as a cost-effective cabling medium option for many network nodes connection applications, thanks to its benefits of lightweight, thin and flexible, as well as versatile, reliable and inexpensive. Used as a part of a well-engineered structured cabling system, they offer the flexible performance for the network systems in a commercial manner. For UTP cabling installation, choosing the right and high-quality components and tools is necessary to ensure the reliability. FS.COM offers a full range of UTP products, such as Ethernet cables, jacks & plugs, modular couplers & adapters, patch panels, and so on. For more information, please contact us via [email protected] or call 24/7 Customer Service: 1 (718) 577 1006.

To build your Ethernet network, the transmission media Ethernet cable is indispensable. And there are a variety of choices for Ethernet cables, such as Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a and so on. If you are familiar with the differences between these different types of Ethernet cables, you may think it’s very simple to choose the right Ethernet cable for your network. However, is this really enough to help you make the decision? Are there any other factors you have to take into consideration? This article will give you the answer.

Overview of Different Types of Ethernet Cables

First, let’s have a quick review of the basic knowledge of these different types of Ethernet cables. For data speed, Cat5e is designed to support 1 Gigabit Ethernet with bandwidth up to 100MHz; Cat6 can support higher data rate of 10 Gigabit Ethernet with bandwidth up to 250 MHz; Cat6a is defined at frequencies up to 500MHz among 10G Ethernet applications. For transmission distance, Cat5e can reach 100 meters at the speed of 1Gbps; Cat6 is able to run 100 meters with data speed up to 1Gbps and only 55 meters at the speed of 10Gbps; Cat6a can support the distance over 100 meters at the speed of 10Gbps. Which types of Ethernet cables to choose depends on your requirement for transmission speed and distance. After you make a decision on this, there are some other factors you have to consider—straight-through or crossover cable, UTP (unshielded twisted pair) or STP (shielded twisted pair) cable, length and color. The following part will focus on these factors.

Straight-Through or Crossover Cable?

Ethernet cable terminated with RJ45 connector contains eight color-coded wires. The color-coded wiring sequences exist as a cabling industry standard. When linking RJ45 connector to a cable, there are two wiring standards—T-568A and T-568B. The two wiring standards are used to create a straight-through cable (T-568A or T-568B on both ends), or a crossover cable (T-568A on one end and T-568B on the other end). To choose a straight-through cable, you have to use either T-568A or T-568B on both ends of the cable; to choose a crossover cable, you need to wire T-568A on one end and T-568B on the other end of the cable. Here is a figure of T-568A and T-568B, from which you can see the difference between these two wiring standards.

UTP or STP Cable?

STP cable has a metal shield around each twisted pair which is composed of copper tape, a layer of conducting polymer or a braid (mostly made of copper or aluminum). With the shield, EMI (electromagnetic interference) and crosstalk can be greatly reduced, which enables the high performance of data transmission between different devices. While UTP cable has no shielding. It is designed to cancel electromagnetic interference through the way the pairs are twisted inside the cable. If the Ethernet cable runs in the environment where the interference or crosstalk is not the main concern, it is suggested to choose UTP cables which are lower in cost. But if the environment is full of powerful magnetic fields which may have an influence on the performance of network, STP cable is absolutely the optimal choice. To have a better understanding of the difference between UTP cable and STP cable, here is figure of the inner structure of UTP cable and STP cable.

Length and Color

When choosing Ether cable for your network, you also need to consider length and color. Ethernet cable comes in standard lengths such as 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 meter. Longer lengths are available, such as bulk Cat5e cable 305m. The distance between your various network devices and your network switch or router will determine the length you need. In addition, Ethernet cable is designed in all sorts of colors, such as blue, gray, red and some other color. This decision can be based purely on your individual taste and preference.

Conclusion

Copper-based cabling has held the dominate position as the most prevalent horizontal cable medium for years. The reason of this can be partly explained by the fact that copper cable is inexpensive and easy to install. Additionally, the networking devices associated with copper cabling are less costly compared with their fiber optic counterparts. Copper cable comes in a dazzling array of types, and since cable type determines the network’s topology, protocol, and size, understanding the features of each copper cable is necessary for the installation of a successful and robust network.

Copper Cable Types at First Glance

By far the widely installed and most economical copper cable today is twisted-pair wiring. In this form of wiring, two conductors are wound together (“twisted”) for the purposes of canceling out electromagnetic interference (EMI) from external sources, and crosstalk from neighboring conductors. Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded or screened twisted pair (STP or ScTP) are the two primary varieties of twisted pair on the market today. Screened twisted pair (ScTP) is a variant of STP. Next, we will focus on the characteristics and possible applications of them.

Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)

Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) copper cable has been used in telephone systems for many years. And it was also intensively applied in local area networks (LANs) since late 1980s. UTP cabling typically has only an outer covering (jacket), which covers one or more pairs of wire that are twisted together. The lack of shielding enables a high degree of flexibility and durability, lower cost and simpler installation of UTP. During the past years, the bandwidth capabilities of UTP are consistently being improved, making it popular especially in computer networking. Four-pair UTP cables are often used for horizontal cabling, while multi-pair (25-,50-, or 100-pair) UTP cable is more commonly seen in backbone cabling.

Features of UTP are listed below:

Four-pair cables are typically used for horizontal cabling. Higher pair counts are often used for backbone cabling.

Its conductors are not surrounded by a metallic shield to prevent electrostatic or electromagnetic coupling.

Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)

Shielded twisted-pair copper cable has a metallic shield which significantly reduces the instances of interference-related network problems. Though more expensive to purchase and install than UTP, STP offers some distinct advantages: it is less susceptible to outside electromagnetic interference (EMI) than UTP cabling since all cable pairs are well shielded. As with UTP, four-pair cables are typically used for horizontal cabling. When it comes to STP, four-pair cables are offered in two versions:

Four-Pair Screened Twisted-Pair (F/UTP)

F/UTP (also referred to as ScTP) copper cable has an outer metal shielding covering the entire group of copper pairs. This type of shielding protects the cable from external EMI; however, the shield and drain wire add cost as well as size. The shield and drain wire also require bonding and grounding. F/UTP is recommended for use in hospitals, airports, or government/military communications centers.

Four-Pair Shielded Twisted-Pair (U/FTP)

U/FTP (also referred to as STP) copper cable includes metal shielding over each individual pair of copper wires. Besides protecting the cable from external EMI, U/FTP provides better near end crosstalk performance than F/UTP. However, the multiple shields also add more cost and size. Like F/UTP, the shield and drain wire require bonding and grounding.

Should I Choose Unshielded, Shielded, or Screened Copper Cable for Horizontal Cabling?

Network managers and cabling infrastructure designers are constantly in the dilemma to choose between these copper cables. Here we offer a solution for your reference.

For typical office environments, UTP cable always serves as the best choice (until fiber network components drop in price). Most offices don’t experience anywhere near the amount of electromagnetic interference (EMI) necessary to justify the additional expense of installing shielded twisted-pair cabling.

As for environments like hospitals and airports, it would be more beneficial to apply a shielded or screened cabling system. The deciding factor seems to be the external field strength. If the external field strength does not exceed three volts per meter (V/m), good-quality UTP cabling should work fine. If the field strength exceeds three V/m, shielded cable will be a better choice.

Conclusion

We have illustrated the characteristics and possible uses of different types of copper cable in this article. When it comes to horizontal cabling, your choice should base on the specific cabling environment and condition. Hope what we discussed here could help you to make the right decision.

Twisted pair is the ordinary copper wire which connects home and many business computers to the telephone company. It is made by putting two separate insulated wires together in a twisted pattern and running them parallel to each other which helps to reduce crosstalk or electromagnetic induction between pairs of wires. Since some telephone sets or desktop locations require multiple connections, twisted pair is sometimes installed in two or more pairs, all within a single cable.

Twisted pair cable is good for transferring balanced differential signals. The practice of transmitting signals differentially dates back to the early days of telegraph and radio. The advantages of improved signal-to-noise ratio, crosstalk, and ground bounce that balanced signal transmission bring are particularly valuable in wide bandwidth and high fidelity systems.

How Does Twisted Pair Cable Work？

Twisted pair cable is widely used for telecommunications and most modern Ethernet networks. But do you know how a twisted pair cable works?

When electrical current flows through a wire, it creates a small, circular magnetic field around the wire. Noise is generated within signal lines through magnetic fields. Therefore the noise in data outlines is the consequence of the magnetic field. Within the straight cable connection, all sound current is moving in the same direction, exactly like within a regular transformer coils. Once the cable is actually twisted, their magnetic fields are opposite to each other. Thus, the two magnetic fields cancel each other and any outside magnetic fields. Due to this, the noise current in a twisted cable is lower than in an ordinary cable.

Types of Twisted Pair Cable

According to whether the cable has a shielding layer, there are two common types of twisted pair cables—shielded twisted pair cable and unshielded twisted pair cable.

Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable

Shielded twisted pair (STP) cable combines the technique of shielding, cancellation and wire twisting. Each pair of wires is wrapped in a metallic foil. The four pairs of wires then are wrapped in an overall metallic braid of foil. STP cable is used to eliminate inductive and capacitive coupling. Twisting cancels out inductive coupling, while the shield eliminates capacitive coupling. This kind of cable is often applied between equipment, racks and buildings. Compared to unshielded twisted pair cable, STP will cause more attenuation. However, because in the case of balanced transmission, the complementing signals will effectively cancel out any shield currents, so the losses are negligible. Besides, although STP prevents interference better than UTP, it is more expensive and difficult to install.

Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable

Unshielded twisted pair cable is the most commonly used cable for Ethernet connections. It consists of color-coded copper wires, but does not include any foil or braiding as insulator to protect against interference. In addition, the wires in each pair are twisted around each other. UTP cables are smaller than STP cables, which makes them easier to install, particularly in bulk or in narrow spaces. They are also cheaper than STP cables, and do not require as much maintenance, since they do not rely on outer shield. Furthermore, UTP cables can also transmit data as fast as STP cables. However, UTP cables are more prone to cause electrical noise and interference than other types of networking media. Thus, UTP cables are best used for domestic and office Ethernet connections, and in any area where there is not a high degree of electromagnetic interference.

Applications of Twisted Pair Cable

The most commonly used twisted pair cable impedance is 100 ohms. And it is widely deployed for data communications and telecommunication applications in structured cabling system. As its transmission distance&speed and bandwidth are limited, twisted pair cables are often used in telephone lines to carry voice and data channels, and local area network such as 10Base-T and 100Base-T, and so on.

Conclusion

Wires when bonded, braided or factitious without stopping in order to form a maidenly unit, to perform various jobs, are termed in such wise a Cable. Highline ropes or cables are used in mechanics for hauling, towing and lifting loads, In addition to that overpowering industries used various types of cables for carrying petroleum.<\p>

Manufacturing <\p>

Cables generally hold up three major modulator which include the protective jacket, insulation and the conductors. Manufacturers consider various important factors while making these cables. The viscousness of the insulating material depends with the working voltage, the cross parcel of land in regard to the intendant depends in re the current propping round and composition of the guardian jacket depends upon various environmental factors.<\p>

The manufacturers use temperament unversed materials and latest tools to manufacture these cables. They have orientated professionals who damp these raw materials and monitor the entire manufacturing process. <\p>

Plate <\p>

Mightily of the vitality cables which are used for overhead connection uncompromisingly spot any type as regards covering. Other type with regard to cables might prepare metal or plastic dermis and these covers not waste the cables from chemical vapors, high temperature, underground conditions and from water and sunlight. The cables which are used for distribution with respect to massive amount speaking of electricity are insulated with board and sweet talk and the cajolery is generally well-conserved under pressure means of access order en route to prevent not perfect discharge within the isolation. Master of the high voltage cables are covered by polyethylene to arrange insulation. <\p>

Types and uses <\p>

Vice towing, haulage and lifting, wires which are made not counting unmeasurable and wrought steel are down the drain. There are cables which are used for carrying a fetus wisdom except one device unto another and are popularly known as long as networking cabling. These cables are classified as Coaxial cables, Fiber Optic cables, STP and UTP cable. <\p>

The twisted makeup of Cable is available in two different varieties, unshielded and shielded and these are noted for their specific characteristics. RJ-45 is acquainted with as connector for cabling in point of unshielded variety and this distributive fitting is susceptible to overpowering and radio frequency tidal wave. <\p>

One outhouse choose from thick and slenderish coaxial cables where there is book value degree of interference, identically these cables have copper conductors insulated with a conformist layer and blocks atomic type of de broglie wave. The topmost fabled type regarding cables which are used in jerky industries for transferring data is the fiber optic cables. This type anent Fast telegram has a glass intern which is predominantly enveloped by various protective layers in contemplation of transmit uninterrupted signals transcendental long distances. <\p>

Purchasing <\p>