When is UTP cable preferred over STP?

Choosing unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable over shielded twisted pair (STP) is preferred in situations where there is little electrical interference present in the environment. UTP cabling is designed to reduce crosstalk and electromagnetic interference through its twisted pair construction. In scenarios with minimal interference, UTP can perform reliably while being generally more cost-effective and easier to install than STP, which is designed for environments that are prone to higher levels of electromagnetic interference.

In low-interference settings, the advantages of STP's shielding do not outweigh its increased cost and bulk. UTP is sufficient for most typical networking applications in such environments, making it a popular choice for standard installations.