STP Continued
The advantage of STP over UTP is:
- Greater protection from interference and crosstalk due to shielding.
The disadvantages to STP include the following:
- Cost: STP has a higher cost per foot.
- Grounding: The STP Shield must be grounded at both ends; if grounded improperly, it can cause serious interference.
- Difficulty in installation: Heavier and less flexible, STP is more difficult to install.
- Thickness: Because of its thickness, STP may not fit down narrow cable ducts.
- No segment length advantage: Despite the heavier and thicker cable, there is no increased segment length.