UTP Cable: What it is, types and uses in Communication Networks

El UTP cable It is a widely used resource within the world of telecommunications. It is a variety of twisted pair cable (hence its name: UTP, acronym in English for Unshielded Twisted Pair) present in many types of installations.

This specific type of cable stands out for the large amount of information that can be transmittedas well as by speed and precision with which this transfer is executed.

To fully understand the importance of this type of cable, it is necessary that we go back a little in history. We are going to the beginnings of the telephone, when the installation of long outdoor wiring lines became necessary. On the telephone poles, they were installed bars in which the transmission cable coincided with the electrical power cable. This structure can still be seen in our fields and cities.

The problem with this configuration is that the electricity caused interference in the telephone signal. To solve this, the so-called transposition cable, of which the UTP cable is an evolved variant. This braiding is what contributes to reducing electromagnetic interference, which translates into higher signal quality.

Twisted pair cables were first used in United States telephone systems in the late 19th century. They currently cover a distance of billions of kilometers around the world. Most data Internet connections use these cables.

What is UTP Cable like?

The key to the usefulness of UTP cables for the uses for which they are intended lies in their configuration or composition. It should be noted that, with the exception of the PVC cover that is used to cover them, they do not have any type of special protection. Inside, we do not find any separation element between the cables.

As the name suggests, it is about pairs of cables that intersect in the form of a spiral loop, as if it were a braid. Each individual conductor wire is made of copper or aluminum and comes covered with an individual plastic insulator.

Its basic structure is the following:

• twisted pairs: Four pairs of copper wires twisted together.
• Insulating: which covers each copper wire, something essential to avoid short circuits.
• protective cover- The outer PVC layer that protects the stranded cables while providing flexibility to the cable.

Depending on what their purpose will be, these cables They can hold up to 100 pairs or even more.. Especially those that were used to cover long distances between countries or continents, before the emergence of fiber optics in the world of telecommunications.

Because of these characteristics (simplicity, accessibility...), the use of UTP cable has a more affordable cost than most other options, which is why It is one of the most widespread alternatives when creating efficient and secure connection systems.

UTP cable types

There are different types of UTP cables depending on the quality and transmission capacity they offer. The quality ranges from the single pair of voice cables, used in basic telephone transmission, to the level 5 cable that achieves transfer rates of up to 100 MBits/s. This is the classification:

• Category 1: Voice (Telephone Cord).
• Category 2: Data at 4 Mbps (LocalTalk).
• Category 3: Data at 10 Mbps (Ethernet).
• Category 4: Data at 20 Mbps/16 Mbps Token Ring.
• Category 5: Data at 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet).

These cables serve a type of connectors called RJ (Registered Jack). Within this category of connectors there are, in turn, different capacities available.

Uses of UTP cables

 

There are a wide range of applications for UTP cables in computer networks. These are some of the most notable:

• Connection between computers and network devices: It is the most commonly used cable to connect computers, printers, routers and other network devices.
• Automation: Allows the connection of all types of home automation devices such as smart thermostats.
• Local networks (LAN): UTP cable is present in most local networks, whether at home or in the office.
• Security systems: surveillance cameras, alarms, etc.
• Telephony: It is mainly used for landline telephone connections and VoIP.

UTP: Advantages and disadvantages

Although it has been a great solution for more than a century, UTP cable has both positive and negative aspects. It is advisable to know them to assess what they really offer us in the field of telecommunications facilities today.

We can summarize your and advantages at the following points:

• Low cost. It is a cheaper option when compared, for example, to fiber optics.
• Easy installation and handling. Even for inexperienced hands.
• Wide availability and versatility. It can be purchased at any store and is suitable for numerous types of installations.

As for the disadvantages, which also has them, the following are worth mentioning:

• Susceptibility to electromagnetic interference, which deteriorates the signal quality.
• Limited scope. The maximum length of the cable, if you want to have good signal quality, is about 100 meters.
• Limited bandwidth, much lower than that of fiber optics. This makes it unsuitable for applications requiring high transmission speeds.