How do UTP and STP cabling differ?
Choose an answer
Tap an option to check your answer.
Correct answer: STP cables are shielded and protect against electromagnetic interference and UTP lacks the same protection against electromagnetic interference..
Why this is the answer
The correct answer highlights the primary difference between STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) and UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) cabling. STP cables incorporate a metallic shield around the twisted pairs, which provides significant protection against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). UTP cables, lacking this shield, are more susceptible to these types of interference. Incorrect options: UTP and STP cables can both support similar data transfer rates depending on their category (e.g., Cat5e, Cat6). Reliability differences are primarily due to interference, not inherent speed. STP cables are generally more expensive to procure and more difficult to install due to their shielding and grounding requirements compared to UTP. UTP cables are more prone to crosstalk and interference than STP cables precisely because they lack the shielding that STP provides.
Pass your exam — without the endless answer hunt
Get every verified question and explanation for this exam in one place, and save hours of prep. 1,000+ certifications · 20+ languages · free to start.
Pass your exam faster → No card needed