UTP vs STP vs SFTP: Difference and Application

Generally, in terms of different bandwidth, network cables can be divided into Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6 and other common types. Based on the function of shielding, network cables can also be grouped into UTP, STP, SFTP. And this post will shed light on some detailed information about UTP, STP, SFTP and help you to have a deep understanding about them.

UTP
UTP is also called unshielded twisted pair, and unshielded means no additional shielding like meshes or aluminum foil. It is a ubiquitous type of copper cabling used in telephone wiring and local area networks (LANs). UTP cables use eight wires grouped in four pairs, each composed of a solid-colored wire and a stripped wire. The maximum length of a single segment of UTP cable should not exceed 295 feet to avoid data loss. And UTP is the thinnest and most flexible Ethernet cable on the market, which is easy to work with and install.

STP

STP is also known as shielded twisted pair. It incorporates a conducting shield built of metallic foil enclosing the twisted wire pairs, which obstructs out electromagnetic interference, permitting it to carry data at an enhanced rate of speed. Although STP has the similar quality factor and uses the same connectors as UTP, but the shield of STP must be connected to the ground. STP cables are an idea option for industrial settings with high amounts of electromagnetic interference, such as a factory with large electronic equipment, where they can be properly installed and maintained.

SFTP

SFTP stands for screened fully shielded twisted pair. This SFTP cable uses multiple versions of metal shielding and a tinned copper woven mesh, so the external magnetic field and signal interference can be greatly reduced, and the attenuation of the internal signal can be reduced, and the pulling force of the cable also can be increased.

UTP vs STP vs SFTP: What’s the Difference?

Although UTP, STP and SFTP all belong to the network cable, but they also differ in noise and crosstalk generation, grounding cable, installation, price and transmission rate. The following part will provide you more detailed information about their differences.

·Noise and crosstalk generation: The noise and crosstalk of UTP cables are comparatively higher than STP and SFTP cables because STP and SFTP cables are less susceptible to noise and crosstalk because of their shielded structure.

·Grounding cable: UTP cables don’t need to be connected to the ground, while STP and SFTP cables must be connected to the ground.

·Installation: UTP cables can be installed easily because their smaller, lighter and flexible shapes. While STP and SFTP cables are difficult to be installed due to their complicated components.

·Price: UTP cables have the lowest price than STP and SFTP cables, but UTP cables don’t need much maintenance.

Conclusion

From what has mentioned above, you may likely to have a general understanding of UTP, STP, SFTP. FS provides UTP, STP, SFTP cables at competitive prices. If you still have any questions about these cables, feel free to contact us at sales@fs.com.