Peavey MediaMatrix Nion Hardware Manual page 79

Note: A ratcheting type crimping tool is highly recommended. The use of non-ratcheting
crimping tools, while occasionally adequate, typically results in considerably higher failure
rates for field terminated connections.
Just like telco wire, there are stranded and solid varieties of CAT 5 cable. This is important to
know, because the RJ-45 connector is different for each type of wire. The standard bent tine
connector is intended for use with solid core wire, and the aligned tine connector is for use
with standard wire. The bent tine connector will generally work on stranded wire, but not the
other way around.
The EIA standard requires no more than 1/2 inch be left untwisted. More than 1/2 inch of
untwisted cable will affect performance at high bit rates. Although only 2 of the 4 twisted pairs
are used for Ethernet, it is important that all pairs be terminated, and that the conductors be
twisted together in pairs. The illustrations should give you the basics for getting your cables,
and your audio system up and running. Although pre-made, molded style cables are preferred,
they can be impractical, since your cabling route, distance and locations are based on the
jobsite conditions and not your test bench.
Although the 8P8C modular connector (RJ-45) used in CAT 5 cabling originates with AT&T,
it is functionally different for configuring Ethernet cabling. The Bell System uses a series of
colors to identify wire pairs. This color scheme identifies the pair numbers, and conductor
polarity, and applies to the wire, not the connector. It is important to know what pairs are
which, and the function of the pins on the RJ-45 connector. The colors are BLUE, ORANGE,
GREEN and BROWN for the first four pairs.
What is often confusing is that the pair numbers do not line up with the pin numbers on the
8P8C modular connector (RJ-45) connector. In other words, conductor one of the cable (White
w/Blue Strip) is not terminated to pin one of the connector. The AT&T connecting standard
always uses the middle pins for the first pair. After that, they are staggered around, primarily to
prevent crosstalk between adjacent pairs. For Ethernet, only the ORANGE and GREEN pairs
are actually used.
For Ethernet, the BLUE and BROWN pairs are not used (except in some implementations of
Power over Ethernet (PoE)).
Notes:

A single CAT 5 cable run must not exceed 100 meters.

Make sure your connector matches your cable type. If you are not sure, use the bent tine
variety.

When terminating CAT 5 cable, it is important that the natural twist of each pair is carried
through as close as possible to the point of termination at the connector.

We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the wiring color schemes so they are
second nature to you. An error in the cabling of an Ethernet network is often the primary
cause of system errors.
June 11, 2012 Version 1.6.4b.1
NION Hardware Manual
75