The UTP cable is one of the most common solutions in network installations and the communications industry, as it enables the transmission of data and information in a precise, reliable, fast and secure way. allows data and information to be transmitted accurately, reliably, quickly and securely.. Therefore, it is one of the main elements in local and LAN networks.
From GTLAN, as manufacturers of this type of technological solutions, we tell you exactly what it is, what it is used for, the different types and all the characteristics of the UTP cabling..
What is UTP cable and what is it used for?
If we explain in detail what UTP cable isUnshielded Twisted Pair, or technically known as twisted pair cable without shielding or external shielding, it is a conductive element made up of twisted pairs of wires twisted together that makes it possible to transmit data and files at high speed and without interruptions between different devices.
It is one of the most widely used options in today’s telecommunication systems, since it allows a wide range of devices to be connected and is compatible with most of the equipment in the market. it allows a wide range of devices to be connected and is compatible with the majority of equipment.. For example, it is used in voice systems, Ethernet networks, in security systems, local area networks (LAN), network devices…
Main characteristics of UTP cable
The UTP cables cables have characteristics that make them one of the most widely used technical solutions in different types of IT installations and network environments. reliable. They enable accurate, fast, efficient and secure transmission of data, voice and video.
- Unshielded twisted pair cables. It has four pairs of copper conductors twisted together and no shielding or shielding. This reduces internal electromagnetic interference, but not external electromagnetic interference.
- Insulation. Each of the copper wires that make up the cable is insulated for safety and efficiency. At the same time, the entire cable itself is coated with an outer layer of PVC for added protection.
- Impedance. It has a total AC resistance of about 100 ohms, so it is compatible with most equipment.
- Compatibility. They are used together with rj45 connectors, so they are compatible with most network devices for data, voice and video transmission.
- High performance. The materials from which they are manufactured are of high quality and are designed to offer low attenuation and crosstalk rates, which means low signal loss, low peer-to-peer interference and high transmission speed.
- Recommended distance. They provide a quality transmission signal up to 100 meters horizontally, although this may vary depending on the category of the cabling.
Advantages of UTP cable vs. others
As we have already mentioned, it is one of the most widely used options in network systems and technological infrastructures due to the security and reliability it offers. For this reason, choosing a UTP network cable offers advantages such as:
- Easy to install. It is a flexible cable, so it is easy to handle and install.
- High compatibility. It is compatible with the vast majority of network devices and equipment.
- Economic savings. It is a more economical solution than other network cabling options.
- High speed. It allows files and data to be transmitted quickly, securely, efficiently and with reduced latency.
- Durability. They are made of resistant materials and therefore offer a long service life.
Types of UTP cable according to their category
Since there are different types of telecommunication installations and environments, there are also different types of UTP cables according to their category. types of UTP cable according to their category. Therefore, depending on the category, it is designed for one application or another, offering different transmission capacity and operability.
- Cat5e. It supports a maximum transmission speed of up to 1000 Mbps, a bandwidth of 100 MHz and is mostly used in home or small office networks, although it is no longer widely used and is often found in older installations.
- Cat6. It can reach up to 1000 Mbps transmission speed, offers 250 MHz of bandwidth and is used in IP video surveillance systems, high-speed networks, etcetera.
- Cat6A. It reaches up to 10,000 Mbps with a bandwidth of 500 MHz, making it one of the most widely used options in high-performance environments such as data centers or in professional streaming systems.
- Cat7. It supports up to 10,000 Mbps maximum speed, with a bandwidth of 600 MHz and is used in critical networks requiring high speed and long distance.
- Cat8. Its maximum speed can reach up to 40,000 Mbps with a bandwidth of 2000 MHz and is used in very demanding environments.
How to choose the right UTP cable for your network
Choose the UTP cables is essential to ensure the optimal operation of a network system and all its devices. And the choice depends on factors such as the specific technical requirements of the IT environment, budget, scalability possibilities, and so on.
Therefore, when buying them, it is important to take them into account:
- Speed and bandwidth
Depending on the capacity and speed required in the installation, as well as the accuracy and number of connected equipment, one type or another should be chosen.
- Use and application
The type of devices to be connected also has a direct influence on the choice, since they have different needs and require more or less capacity.
- Shielding and shielding
UTP cabling does not contain general shielding, so in environments where there is noise or high-capacity devices such as motors or power lines, it is important to offer a solution that does include shielding.
In short, it is a solution that is commonplace today and makes efficient and secure connectivity possible. That is why, a wide range of options and capabilities are available to suit different IT environmentsboth the high performance and domestic ones. In GTLAN we are manufacturers of this type of UTP cablecable, so we can we can advise you in choosing the most appropriate for your installation or give you more or give you more technical details about any of them.
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