multipair cable

communications

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

Multipair cable is a type of wire transmission used in telecommunications. It consists of numerous twisted-pair circuits bundled together within a protective sheath. Each twisted pair contains two insulated conductors twisted around each other to minimize electromagnetic interference, known as crosstalk.12

Developed in the late 19th century, the twisted pair design helps equalize induced currents, reducing crosstalk between circuits. For high-speed applications like computer networking, these pairs are often sheathed in metallic foil, creating a shielded pair that further reduces radiation losses and enhances immunity to interference. Copper wire is commonly used due to its low resistance, high tensile strength, and corrosion resistance.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

telecommunications media
Multipair cable
In multipair cable anywhere from a half-dozen to several thousand twisted-pair circuits are bundled into a common sheath. The twisted pair was developed in the late 19th century in order to reduce cross talk in multipair cables. In a process similar to that…
Read More
In multipair cable anywhere from a half-dozen to several thousand twisted-pair circuits are bundled into a common sheath. The twisted pair was developed in the late 19th century in order to reduce cross talk in multipair cables. In a process similar to that…
Read More