[Computer Cable 101]
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Category 5 Cable
(UTP) (Unshielded Twisted Pair) A multipair (usually 4 pair) high performance
cable that consists of twisted pair conductors, used mainly for data
transmission. Note: The twisting of the pairs gives the cable a certain amount
of immunity from the infiltration of unwanted interference. category-5 UTP
cabling systems are by far, the most common (compared to SCTP) in the United
States. Basic cat 5 cable was designed for characteristics of up to 100 MHz.
Category 5 cable is typically used for Ethernet networks running at 10 or 100
Mbps.
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Category 5 E Cable (enhanced)
Same as Category 5, except that it is made to somewhat more stringent standards
(see comparison chart below). The Category 5 E standard is now officially part
of the 568A standard. Category 5 E is recommended for all new installations,
and was designed for transmission speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gigabit
Ethernet).
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Category 6 Cable
Same as Category 5 E, except that it is made to a higher standard (see
comparison chart below). The Category 6 standard is now officially part of the
568A standard.
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Category 7 Same as Category 6, except that it is made to a higher standard (see
comparison chart below). The Category 7 standard is still in the works (as of
this writing) and is not yet part of the 568A standard. One major difference
with category 7's construction (as compared with category 5, 5 E, and 6) is
that all 4 pairs are individually shielded, and an overall shield enwraps all
four pairs. Category 7 will use an entirely new connector (other than the
familiar RJ-45).
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Category 5 Cable (SCTP) (Screened Twisted Pair) Same as above, except that the
twisted pairs are given additional protection from unwanted interference by an
overall shield. There is some controversy concerning which is the better system
(UTP or SCTP). Category 5 SCTP cabling systems require all components to
maintain the shield, and are used almost exclusively in European countries.
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Category 5E, RJ45
jack (Work Area Outlet) An 8 conductor, compact, modular, female jack
that is used to terminate category-5E cable at the user (or other) location.
The jack is specifically engineered to maintain the performance of cat 5E
cabling.
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Category 5E
Patch Panel A Category 5E Patch Panel is basically just a series of
many category-5E jacks, condensed onto a single panel. Common panel
configurations are 12, 24, 48, and 96 ports. Patch panels are typically used
where all of the horizontal cable sections meet, and are used to connect the
segments to the Network Hub.
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Category 5E
Patch Cable A Category 5E Patch Cable consists a length of cat 5E cable
with an RJ-45 male connector,
crimped onto each end. The cable assembly is used to provide
connectivity between any two category-5E female outlets (jacks). The two most
common are from network
hub to patch
panel, and work area outlet (jack) to the computer.
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EIA/TIA 568A Standard This standard was published in July of 1991. The purpose
of EIA/TIA 568A, was to create a multiproduct, multivendor, standard for
connectivity. Prior to the adoption of this standard, many "proprietary"
cabling systems existed. This was very bad for the consumer. Among other
things, the standard set the minimum requirements for category 5E cable and
hardware. The 568 "standard" is not to be confused with 568A or 568B wiring
schemes, which are themselves, part of the "568A standard".
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568A and 568B Wiring Schemes When we refer to a jack or a patch panel's wiring
connection, we refer to either the 568A, or 568B wiring scheme, which dictates
the pin assignments to the pairs of cat 5E cable. It is very important to note
that there is no difference, whatsoever, between the two wiring schemes, in
connectivity or performance when connected form one modular device to another
(jack to Patch panel, RJ-45 to RJ-45, etc.), so long as they (the two devices)
are wired for the same scheme (A or B). The only time when one scheme has an
advantage over the other, is when one end of a segment is connected to a
modular device, and the other end to a punch block. In which case, the 568A has
the advantage of having a more natural progression of pairs at the punch block
side. More on 568 A&B later on.
Computer Cable 101
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