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Networking Fundamentals · Foundational

Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)

Twisted-pair cable with foil or braided shielding around pairs or the whole cable to reduce EMI and crosstalk.

Definition

Designations such as F/UTP (overall foil), U/FTP (foil per pair) and S/FTP (braid overall plus foil per pair) describe the shielding. Shielding must be bonded to ground at the panel to be effective, and shielded connectors are required.

Example

S/FTP cable is installed near heavy machinery in a manufacturing plant.

Exam tip

STP must be grounded; an ungrounded shield can act as an antenna and make noise worse.

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