TPE (cable system)

TPE (cable system) refers to Twisted Pair Ethernet. This is a common physical layer implementation for Ethernet networks, employing twisted pair cables to transmit data. The "twisted pair" design involves pairs of wires twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and crosstalk, which can degrade signal quality. Different categories of TPE cables exist (e.g., Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a), each supporting different data transmission speeds and frequencies. The category of cable used directly impacts the maximum bandwidth achievable on the network. TPE is widely used in Local Area Networks (LANs) due to its cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and widespread availability of supporting hardware. TPE cables typically use RJ45 connectors to interface with network devices such as computers, switches, and routers. The maximum length of a TPE cable segment is usually limited to 100 meters (328 feet) to maintain signal integrity. Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) and Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) are two main types of TPE, with STP offering greater protection against EMI.