What Are Four Types of Cables? UTP, Shielded Twisted Pair, Coax and Fiber Explained
Ask ten technicians to name the types of network cable and you may hear three answers, four, or a dozen. So what are four types of cables most commonly recognized in networking? They are unshielded twisted pair (UTP), shielded twisted pair (STP), coaxial, and fiber optic cable.
The four-type list splits twisted pair into two groups because shielding changes how a cable is installed, grounded, and used. This guide explains each of the four types, when shielded cable is worth it, and how to choose the right mix for a commercial building. Businesses looking for reliable network cabling services in Carson, CA can get professional guidance on choosing the right cable type for their network infrastructure.
Table of contents
- The short answer
- Why some lists say three and others say four
- Type 1: Unshielded twisted pair (UTP)
- Type 2: Shielded twisted pair (STP)
- Type 3: Coaxial cable
- Type 4: Fiber optic cable
- Side-by-side comparison
- UTP vs. shielded: how to decide
- Grounding and bonding: the hidden requirement
- How to choose the right cable
- Common mistakes and misconceptions
- Future trends
- Key takeaways
- FAQ
The Short Answer: Four Types of Cables
Here are the four types of network cables and what each does best:
- Unshielded twisted pair (UTP): The standard Ethernet cable for desks, phones, access points, and cameras.
- Shielded twisted pair (STP): Twisted pair with foil or braid shielding for high-interference environments.
- Coaxial cable: A single-conductor shielded cable for TV, broadband service, and some video systems.
- Fiber optic cable: Glass strands that carry light for backbones and long, high-speed links.
Industry sources commonly describe it the same way. One technology publication explains that the 4 main types of network cables are coaxial, shielded twisted pair (STP), unshielded twisted pair (UTP), and fibre optic cables, each with distinct features and uses.
Why Some Lists Say Three and Others Say Four
If you have read our guide to [the three main types of cabling](INTERNAL LINK), you might wonder where the fourth type comes from. The difference is mostly how the list is grouped. Understanding what 3-core cables are used for can help readers distinguish their applications from other cable types used in networking and electrical installations.
- Three-type lists treat twisted pair as one family, then add coax and fiber.
- Four-type network lists split twisted pair into unshielded and shielded, because the two are specified, terminated, and grounded differently.
- Four-type security industry lists use a different split. Security Sales & Integration notes that there are only four standard cable types. They are individual conductor, twisted-pair, coaxial and fiber-optic cables. In that view, the fourth type is multi-conductor wire used for locks, sensors, and control circuits.
Both four-type lists are valid. This article follows the network version, and covers multi-conductor cable briefly at the end of the comparison section.
Type 1: Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)
What it is
UTP contains four twisted pairs of copper wire inside a plastic jacket, with no metal shield. It depends on the twists and on balanced signaling to cancel interference. As one manufacturer explains, UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) has no metallic shielding and relies entirely on precisely balanced twisted-pair geometry and the differential signaling used by Ethernet PHYs to reject common-mode noise.
Why it’s the default
UTP is the easiest cable to install and terminate, and it is the most common data cable in use. U/UTP — commonly referred to simply as UTP — is the most widely installed data cable in the world. It is thinner, lighter, more flexible, and easier to terminate than any shielded variant. It requires no grounding at the connector or patch panel. Once the appropriate cable has been selected, understanding how to wire a network cable can help explain the proper steps for creating reliable network connections.
Where it’s used
- Workstations, VoIP phones, and printers
- Wi-Fi access points and IP cameras
- Point-of-sale terminals and access control readers
- Most horizontal cabling in offices and retail spaces
UTP comes in categories such as Cat5e, Cat6, and Cat6A. For a full breakdown of those categories, see our guide to [the most common type of network cable](INTERNAL LINK).
Type 2: Shielded Twisted Pair (STP)
What it is
Shielded twisted pair adds a metal layer, foil, braid, or both, to block electromagnetic interference. The shield can wrap all four pairs, each individual pair, or both.
“STP” is a loose term
This is where many projects go wrong. “STP” gets used for almost any shielded cable, but there are several very different constructions. On a product label or specification sheet, STP could refer to F/UTP, U/FTP, S/FTP, or something else entirely.
The international standard ISO/IEC 11801 solves this with a two-part code. The standard uses the form x/xTP, where the first x indicates the shielding for the overall cable and the second x indicates the shielding for individual pairs or quads. The letters are U for unshielded, S for braided shielding, and F for foil shielding.
| Designation | Overall shield | Pair shield | Common use |
|---|---|---|---|
| U/UTP | None | None | Standard offices and retail |
| F/UTP | Foil | None | Commercial buildings with moderate EMI |
| U/FTP | None | Foil on each pair | Dense bundles, better pair isolation |
| S/FTP | Braid | Foil on each pair | Industrial sites, heavy EMI, data centers |
One manufacturer summarizes the most common commercial version this way: F/UTP = overall foil shield, pairs unshielded (common in commercial buildings).
Where shielded cable makes sense
Shielded cable earns its extra cost where electrical noise is a real problem. Common examples include:
- Manufacturing floors near motors and variable-frequency drives
- Mechanical and electrical rooms
- Runs that share pathways with power cabling
- Hospitals and labs with sensitive equipment
- Some high-power PoE installations
Many installers specify shielded cable in high-EMI zones (plant rooms, cable rooms adjacent to electrical infrastructure) and UTP in clean office areas, with separate patch panels for each zone.
The trade-offs
Shielded cable costs more, is stiffer, and takes longer to terminate. It also has a larger bend radius. One cable manufacturer notes that the maximum bend allowed (bend radius) is 4X the OD of the cable jacket for U/UTP cable and 8X the OD of the cable jacket for F/UTP or SF/UTP shielded cable. Most importantly, it only works if it is grounded correctly, which we cover below.
Type 3: Coaxial Cable
What it is
Coaxial cable has a single center conductor, an insulating layer, a metal shield, and an outer jacket, all sharing the same center axis. The shield protects the signal, making coax well suited to high-frequency transmission.
Where it’s used today
Coax is no longer used for internal business data networks, but it still has important roles:
- Carrier broadband service entering a building
- Cable TV and lobby or break room video systems
- Legacy analog security cameras
- Antenna and RF connections
The two types you will see most often in commercial buildings are RG-6 and RG-59, both 75-ohm cables. Coax still appears in modern security cable catalogs. For example, one manufacturer offers RG59 serial digital rated coax (20 AWG, O/A foil with 95% tinned copper braid) for analog HD/SDI cameras, encoder links, and short‑to‑medium video runs.
Type 4: Fiber Optic Cable
What it is
Fiber optic cable carries data as light through thin strands of glass or plastic. Because it does not carry electrical signals, it is immune to electromagnetic interference and can run much farther than copper.
Single-mode and multimode
Fiber comes in two families. Single-mode fiber uses a very small core and reaches many kilometers, making it the choice for campus and long-distance links. Multimode fiber uses a larger core, costs less to light up, and works well for links inside a building.
Where it’s used
- Backbones between telecom rooms and floors
- Links between buildings on a campus or business park
- Data centers and server rooms
- Long warehouse runs that exceed copper distance limits
- Carrier service entrances
Fiber is the most demanding of the four types to install. It requires careful handling, strict connector cleanliness, and specialized testing equipment. Our article on [whether network cabling is hard](INTERNAL LINK) covers why fiber work is usually left to professionals.
The Four Types of Cables Side by Side
| Feature | UTP | Shielded twisted pair | Coaxial | Fiber optic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signal type | Electrical | Electrical | Electrical | Light |
| Interference protection | Twists only | Twists plus foil and/or braid | Metal shield | Immune to EMI |
| Carries PoE | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Grounding needed | No shield to ground | Yes, end to end | Yes, per system design | No (metallic parts still bonded) |
| Ease of installation | Easiest | Moderate | Moderate | Hardest |
| Relative cost | Lowest | Higher | Moderate | Highest per link |
| Typical role | Device connections | Device connections in noisy areas | TV, broadband, legacy video | Backbone and long links |
A note on multi-conductor cable
In security and building systems, a fourth category often replaces the UTP/STP split: multi-conductor or “individual conductor” cable. Security Sales & Integration notes these cables typically come bundled and are still the mainstay for DC- and AC-powered control systems. They power door locks and connect sensors, request-to-exit devices, and alarm zones. For more on three-conductor versions and their uses, see our article on [what 3 core cables are used for](INTERNAL LINK).
UTP vs. Shielded: How to Decide
For most business owners, the real decision is not between all four types. It is whether the twisted pair in the walls should be shielded or unshielded.
Choose UTP when:
- The space is a typical office, retail store, or classroom.
- Cable routes can be kept away from motors, transformers, and heavy electrical equipment.
- You want the simplest installation and lowest cost.
For the vast majority of commercial office installations — where cable routes are away from significant EMI sources and the environment is reasonably controlled — UTP is the correct and most practical specification.
Choose shielded twisted pair when:
- Cables must run near high-voltage power, motors, or VFDs.
- The site is industrial, medical, or otherwise electrically noisy.
- A design, owner standard, or equipment manufacturer requires it.
- You can commit to fully shielded components and proper bonding.
Key point: Shielded cable is not automatically “better.” In a clean office, a well-installed UTP system performs just as well at lower cost. In a noisy plant, properly grounded shielded cable can prevent errors UTP cannot.
Grounding and Bonding: The Hidden Requirement
Shielded cable only protects the signal when the shield is connected to ground through every part of the channel. If any piece is missing, the shield can make things worse. One manufacturer explains that an ungrounded shield acts as an unintended antenna, picking up interference and passing it into the pairs. As a result, partial shielding — shielded cable terminated with unshielded connectors, or a shielded jack in a plastic patch panel — is worse than no shielding.
That means shielded and unshielded components cannot be mixed within one link. You can run both in the same building, but you cannot mix them within the same channel.
The TIA-607 standard
Telecom grounding and bonding in U.S. commercial buildings follows the ANSI/TIA-607 series. Its purpose goes beyond shielded cable. Grounding and bonding not only save lives by preventing electrical hazards, they also maintain a network’s overall performance by ensuring that electromagnetic “noise” doesn’t interfere with data transmission.
The standard applies to UTP systems too. Whether the telecommunications system is based on Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) or Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable, TIA-607-B requires that each and every metallic component making contact with a telecom cabling infrastructure be bonded. Racks, cable trays, patch panels, and enclosures are all part of that bonding system.
The current edition updated some familiar terms. ANSI/TIA-607-D was published in July 2019, and it renamed key components, such as the PBB Primary Bonding Busbar (previously: Telecommunications Main Grounding Busbar [TMGB]).
A CommScope white paper makes the same point about shielded systems, stating that proper grounding and bonding is a sizeable job whether it is UTP or STP, and there is virtually no difference in the requirements between the two.
How to Choose the Right Cable for Your Building
Most commercial buildings use at least three of the four types. Use these steps to match each one to the right job:
- Map every device and connection. List workstations, phones, access points, cameras, door hardware, displays, and TV or carrier connections.
- Assign twisted pair to device connections. Start with UTP for standard areas.
- Flag noisy zones. Identify mechanical rooms, production floors, and routes near power equipment. Consider shielded twisted pair there.
- Use fiber for distance and backbone. Connect telecom rooms, floors, and buildings with fiber, especially for runs beyond copper limits.
- Keep coax only where required. Use it for carrier service, TV distribution, or existing analog cameras until they are upgraded.
- Plan grounding and bonding. Bond racks, trays, and panels per TIA-607, and fully bond any shielded channels.
- Match fire ratings to spaces. Use plenum, riser, or general-purpose jackets according to where each cable runs.
- Certify and document. Test every link and keep records of cable types, labels, and results.
If you are planning a project in Carson or the greater Los Angeles area, see our [Network Cabling Company Carson CA](INTERNAL LINK) and [Commercial Network Cabling Company in Carson, CA](INTERNAL LINK) pages.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Ordering “STP” without a specification. Always use the ISO/IEC 11801 code, such as F/UTP or S/FTP. When ordering cable, always specify the ISO code (e.g., U/FTP Cat6A) rather than relying on common names to avoid receiving the wrong product.
Mixing shielded cable with unshielded jacks or panels. The shield stops working, and performance can drop below what UTP would deliver.
Assuming shielded is always better. In clean environments, UTP costs less and performs just as well.
Skipping bonding in UTP systems. Racks, trays, and panels still need to be bonded, even with no shielded cable.
Using coax for new data networks. Coax is best left to TV, broadband entry, and legacy video. New data runs belong on twisted pair or fiber.
Treating fiber as a desk-level cable. Fiber is ideal for backbones, but most devices still connect over twisted pair and need PoE.
Ignoring bend radius on shielded cable. Shielded cable needs a wider bend than UTP. Tight bends can damage the shield and the pairs.
Future Trends
- More shielded cable in high-power PoE designs. As cameras, access points, and lighting draw more power, some designers are specifying shielded Cat6A for its heat and noise performance.
- Fiber moving closer to the edge. Faster uplinks and larger buildings are pushing fiber into more horizontal and zone cabling designs.
- Coax continuing to shrink. IP cameras and streaming video are replacing many coax-based systems.
- Converged cabling. More building systems, from door locks to HVAC sensors, are moving onto twisted pair Ethernet, reducing the need for separate multi-conductor runs.
Key Takeaways
- The four types of network cables are UTP, shielded twisted pair, coaxial, and fiber optic.
- Some security industry lists use individual conductor, twisted pair, coax, and fiber instead.
- UTP is the default for device connections in most offices and stores.
- Shielded twisted pair helps in noisy environments but must be fully shielded and bonded end to end.
- Use ISO/IEC 11801 codes like F/UTP and S/FTP instead of the vague term “STP.”
- Coax remains useful for TV, broadband entry, and legacy video.
- Fiber handles backbones, long runs, and links between buildings.
- Every telecom system, shielded or not, needs bonding per ANSI/TIA-607.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four types of network cables?
The four types of network cables are unshielded twisted pair (UTP), shielded twisted pair (STP), coaxial cable, and fiber optic cable. Each has different strengths for speed, distance, interference, and cost.
What is the difference between UTP and STP?
UTP has no metal shielding and relies on twisted pairs to cancel interference. STP adds foil or braided shielding for extra protection, but it must be grounded correctly through every component to work.
When should I use shielded Ethernet cable?
Use shielded cable in electrically noisy areas, such as manufacturing floors, mechanical rooms, and routes near power equipment. Standard offices and retail spaces usually perform well with UTP.
What does F/UTP mean?
F/UTP is an ISO/IEC 11801 designation for a cable with an overall foil shield around all four pairs and no individual pair shields. It is a common shielded choice in commercial buildings.
Is coaxial cable still used?
Yes. Coax is still used for cable TV, carrier broadband service, antennas, and some security camera systems, but it is rarely used for new internal data networks.
Which of the four cable types is fastest?
Fiber optic cable supports the highest speeds over the longest distances. Twisted pair supports up to 10 Gbps at 100 meters with Cat6A, which is enough for most device connections.
Does unshielded cable need grounding?
UTP cable itself has no shield to ground, but the telecom infrastructure around it, including racks, trays, and patch panels, still needs to be bonded according to ANSI/TIA-607.