Twisted Pair Cable: Diagram, Types, Examples, Application, & Uses

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What is Twisted Pair Cable?

Definition : Twisted pair cable is special type cabling that is using in telephone communication and Ethernet network. This cable constructs with two separate insulated copper wires, which are twisted together with each other as well as run in parallel form. The copper wires get persisting with 1mm in diameter. One of them wires helps to transmit data and another get using in ground reference.

This twisted pair offers protection from crosstalk, signal interference, and noise. When electrical current is getting to flow via wire, then it arises a small, circular magnetic field rounding the wire.

Twisted Pair Cable Tutorial Headlines:

  1. What is Twisted Pair Cable?
  2. Brief History of Twisted Pair Cable
  3. Twisted Pair Cable in Computer Network
  1. Types of Twisted-Pair Cables with Examples
  1. Differences between STP and UTP Cables
  2. Application & Uses of Twisted Pair Cable
  3. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Let’s Get Started!!

Brief History of Twisted Pair Cable

Here is a brief history of twisted pair cable, including:

Early Use (19th Century)

Telephone System Adoption (Late 19th Century – Early 20th Century)

Development of Category Systems (1980s – 1990s)

Category 5 (Cat5) and Enhanced Performance (1990s)

Higher Data Rates (2000s – 2010s)

Introduction of Shielded and Unshielded Variants

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Integration (2000s)

Advancements in Data Center Cabling (2010s)

Continued Relevance in Broad Applications (Present)

Twisted Pair Cable in Computer Network, Why to Use?

When wires are getting to twisted, then few parts of noise signals is in the direction of data signals but other parts are flowing in the against direction. Due to different twists, it gets to cancel external waves. The receiver is capable to manipulate the difference in the voltages of two wires for getting to fetch data. So, it gets better immunity opposite obtained noise.

For making connection in between two computer system for getting to connect this cable, we have to need some connectors on the both edges of the cable. Mostly, RJ45 connector is using for making computer communication. RJ is full form is “Registered Jack“, and it is a male-female type keyed connector.

Categories of Twisted–Pair Cables:

Twisted pair cables are classified by EIA into seven categories −

Types of Twisted-Pair Cables

There are two examples of twisted pair cable; such as –

Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)

Shielded twisted pair introduced by IBM and it is used firstly in IBM organization only. This cable consist a metal foil otherwise braided mesh undercover that mainly encase every pair of insulated conductors. So, metal casing helps to improve the quality of wire by securing the penetration of noise otherwise crosstalk. It has higher price as well as bulkier.

It is also called the metal shield that normally link to ground so as to decrease the interference of noise. STP allows to both transmissions analog and digital. STP’s bandwidth is supportable for cable that depends on thickness of wire and its distance.

Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)

UTP cable has four pair of color coded copper wires together, and they get cover with flexible plastic sheath. Due to twist of copper wire, it gets cancel electromagnetic interference from the external sources.

Unshielded twisted pair cable does not contain any other extra shielding such as meshes or aluminum foil that allows to append in bulk. UTP cables do not implement any shielding to counter EMI and RFI effects.

UTP cables are mostly using in the computer network as well as in the telecommunication sector as telephone wires and Ethernet cables. It is small size, so easy to installation.

Differences between STP and UTP Cables

Here are five key differences between Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) and Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cables:

Aspect

Unshielded Twisted Pair

Shielded Twisted Pair

Construction

Consists of twisted pairs of copper wires without shielding

Cost

Installation

Easy to install and terminate

More complex installation due to the additional shielding

Vulnerability to interference

Vulnerable to interference from nearby sources of electromagnetic radiation, such as power lines and electrical equipment

Maintenance

Requires less maintenance

Applications of Twisted Pair Cable

Twisted Pair Cables are mostly utilising into several domains due to their cost-effectiveness, reliability, and flexibility. Here are some common applications of twisted pair cables, including:

Use Cases of Twisted Pair Cable Are:

Telecommunications

Telephone Lines: Twisted pair cables are traditionally cables that were using for telephone lines. They are suitable for carrying voice signals over short to medium distances.

Data Transmission: Twisted pair cables, especially in the form of Category 5e (Cat5e) or Category 6 (Cat6) cables, are commonly using for data transmission in computer networks. They support applications like Ethernet, which is widely implementing for local area networks (LANs).

Computer Networks

Ethernet Networks: Twisted pair cables are the primary medium for Ethernet networks. They are also going to use for making connection with computers, routers, switches, and other networking devices in your home and business areas.

Internet Connectivity: Many broadband internet connections use twisted pair cables to connect the modem to the service provider’s network.

Audio and Video Transmission

Audio Cables: Twisted pair cables are also using for transmitting analog and digital audio signals. They are commonly available in audio systems like as speakers, headphones , and microphones.

Video Cables: Some twisted pair cables are designing for video transmission. Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables, for example, transmitting video signals in CCTV systems.

Security Systems

CCTV Installations: Twisted pair cables, often in the form of UTP, are using for connecting security cameras to recording devices in closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems.

Industrial Applications

Control Systems: Twisted pair cables are also using in industrial settings for connecting sensors, actuators, and other control devices to programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and other control systems.

Smart Building Infrastructure

Building Automation: Twisted pair cables play a crucial role in building automation systems, connecting devices such as thermostats, lighting controls, and security systems.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) Applications

Twisted pair cables can carry both data and electrical power in Power over Ethernet applications. This is most helpful for devices, including IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points.

Telephone Systems

Twisted pair cables are still widely implementing in modern telephone systems for making connection along with handsets, intercoms, and other communication devices.

Residential Wiring

Twisted pair cables are also commonly using in residential settings for various applications, including telephone lines, internet connections , and home automation systems.

Medical Equipment

Some medical devices use twisted pair cables for data transmission and control purposes.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What are different types of twisted pair cable?

Twisted pair cable has two different variants like as shielded twisted pair (STP) and unshielded twisted pair (UTP), and they contain each pair of wire along with an aluminium foil shield for furthermost isolation.

What are the popular types of twisted-pair cable available?

Today, twisted pair cable is getting more popularity like as CAT-5e 100 MHz unshielded twisted pair cabling, CAT-6 250 MHz UTP cable, CAT-6a 500 MHz UTP, CAT-7 600MHz shielded pair cabling, so no.

What is the difference between two types of twisted pair cables?

Main difference in between is that STP (Shielded twisted pair) is an twisted pair cable that confined in foil or mesh shield that protect the cable against electromagnetic interference. On contrary UTP (Unshielded twisted pair) is a cable along with wire that are getting to twist each other to decrease the noise and crosstalk.

What are the examples of twisted-pair cable?

There are many examples whereas twisted pair cable is used for example: Digital Subscriber Line, telephone lines, local area networks, and more.

What is the application of twisted pair cable?

There are many application areas whereas it is used like as Ethernet network, Security camera system, DSL lines and more.

Where is twisted pair cable used?

Mostly, twisted pair cable is used in different areas like as Ethernet network, telephone lines, DSL lines, Security camera system, LANs, and more.

Summing Up

Through this article, we have been discussed detail information about what is twisted pair cable with its diagram, types, examples, application, Uses and more. If this post is useful for you, then please share it along with your friends, family members or relatives over social media platforms like as Facebook, Instagram, Linked In, Twitter, and more.

Read More – Advantages and Disadvantages of Twisted Pair Cable

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