Figure 8-3 Shielded Twisted-Pair Cable

　

Although STP prevents interference better than UTP, it is more expensive and difficult to install. In addition, the metallic shielding must be grounded at both ends. If it is improperly grounded, the shield acts like an antenna and picks up unwanted signals. Because of its cost and difficulty with termination, STP is rarely used in Ethernet networks. STP is primarily used in Europe.

The following summarizes the features of STP cable:

Speed and throughput—10 to 100 Mbps

Average cost per node—Moderately expensive

Media and connector size—Medium to large

Maximum cable length—100 m (short)

When comparing UTP and STP, keep the following points in mind:

The speed of both types of cable is usually satisfactory for local-area distances.

These are the least-expensive media for data communication. UTP is less expensive than STP.

Because most buildings are already wired with UTP, many transmission standards are adapted to use it, to avoid costly rewiring with an alternative cable type.

G:\How_to_pick_the_right_Network_Cables_for_your_Home_Network.mp4