Twisted pair cable is a thin wire commonly used for network and telephone wiring. Alexander Graham Bell was granted a patent for this technology in 1881. Its wires are twisted to reduce interference from other pairs in the cable. Twisted pair cable comes in shielded (STP) and unshielded (UTP) varieties, with UTP being more popular. In noisy settings, shielded twisted pair (STP) offers protection from electromagnetic interference. Stranded and solid wire variants are available, with stranded being the most typical and flexible, while solid wire spans greater lengths and exhibits less attenuation. However, twisted pair cables support less bandwidth than coaxial cables or optical fibre.
FAQ: What is twisted pair cable?
Twisted pair cable is a type of cable that consists of two twisted wires. It is commonly used in network and telephone wiring for reducing interference from other twisted pairs. It was invented by Alexander Graham Bell and patented in 1881.
Types of Twisted Pair Cable
There are two types of twisted pair cable: shielded (STP) and unshielded (UTP). UTP is more popular due to its cost-effectiveness and easy installation. In noisy environments, STP provides protection against electromagnetic interference.
Solid and Stranded Twisted Pair Cable
Both UTP and STP can come in either solid or stranded wire variants. The most common type is stranded wire, which is flexible and can easily bend around corners. Solid wire, on the other hand, can span longer distances without exhibiting attenuation.
Benefits of Twisted Pair Cable
There are several benefits of using twisted pair cable:
1. Reduced Interference: The twisted design of the wires reduces electromagnetic interference from other twisted pairs in the cable.
2. Cost-Effective: UTP is one of the most cost-effective types of cable available and is widely used in LANs.
3. Easy Installation: The flexibility of stranded wire makes it easy to install, especially in tight spaces.
4. Widely Available: Twisted pair cable is widely available and can be found in most hardware stores.
Limitations of Twisted Pair Cable
While twisted pair cable offers many benefits, there are also limitations to its use:
1. Limited Bandwidth: Twisted pair cable has less bandwidth than coaxial cable or optical fiber.
2. Distance Limitations: Solid wire has a distance limitation due to attenuation, which can limit its use in longer cable runs.
In At last
Twisted pair cable is a popular and cost-effective cable option for network and telephone wiring. It comes in shielded and unshielded varieties, as well as stranded and solid wire variants. While it has limitations in terms of bandwidth and distance, it is widely available and offers reduced interference in noisy environments.
