unshielded twisted-pair cable

Abbreviated UTP. Cable that contains two or more pairs of twisted copper wires.

The greater the number of twists, the lower the crosstalk. UTP is offered in both voice grade and data grade. The advantages of UTP include ease of installation and low cost of materials. Its drawbacks are limited signaling speeds and shorter maximum cable-segment lengths.

See also crosstalk; shielded twisted-pair cable.