shielded twisted pair (STP)

Transmission media used often where the cable must pass near sources of electromagnetic interference (noise), such as high-voltage power lines, motors, television, transformers, x-ray machines. It consists of several pairs of unshielded twisted wire enclosed in an outer shield of metal or metal-braid. This shield conducts ambient noise safely to the ground, and thus provides high quality signal transmission. See also coaxial cable.