Experts often refer to twisted pair cables to help avoid certain types of signal interference. There are two different types of twisted pairs, unshielded twisted pair (UTP) and shielded twisted pair (STP), which are suitable for different installation situations.
Shielded twisted pair has a separate shield wrapped around the twisted pair. The shielding layer is usually made of metal foil with a row of leaky wires passing through it. Unshielded twisted pair cables are not shielded. UTP is common in Ethernet installations, while STP is used in a variety of networks to prevent crosstalk and electromagnetic interference. STP cables can also help provide grounding.
Advantages of Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
Using an unshielded twisted pair over the shielded twisted pairs is often a cost saving decision. Unshielded twisted pairs also allow for more flexibility in a cable jacket.
Advantages of Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)
Shielded twisted pairs help further reduce electrometric interference especially at longer cable distances and faster transmission rates.