What does UTP, FTP, STP or SFTP mean?

UTP stands for Unshielded Twisted Pair, STP for Shielded Twisted Pair, FTP for Foiled Twisted Pair and SFTP stands for Shielded and Foiled Twisted Pair. Shielding can be made from a metallic or polyester foil, or metallic braid, either around individual conductor pairs, all 4 pairs, or both.

Cat5e, Cat6 and Cat6a are available in unshielded and shielded formats, Cat7 is only available as a shielded cable.