MediaMatrix CAB 8n Hardware Manual page 23

CAT 5e and CAT 6 connections
Category 5e and category 6 cables (commonly known as CAT 5e and CAT 6) are two wiring
standards recommended for use with CobraNet networks.
Both cable types use a UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) configuration. CAT 5e cables typically
use 24–26 AWG wire. CAT 6 cable tends to have slightly more copper in each cable, with
standard gauges of 22–24 AWG. The cable is coupled to in-line RJ-45 connectors. As the
conductor sizes are generally the same, CAT 6 jacks may also be used with CAT 5e cable.
Special crimping tools are required to make the termination; these are widely available, as are
the connectors.
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.
There are stranded and solid varieties of CAT 5e and CAT 6 cable. The stranded form is more
flexible and withstands more bending without breaking and is suited for reliable connections
with insulation piercing connectors, but makes less reliable connections in
insulation-displacement connectors (IDCs). The solid form is less expensive and makes
reliable connections into insulation displacement connectors, but makes less reliable
connections in insulation piercing connectors.
When used for 10/100/1000BASE-T, the maximum allowed length of a CAT 5e or CAT 6
cable is 100 meters or 328 feet. This consists of 90 meters (300 ft) of solid horizontal cabling
between the patch panel and the wall jack, plus 10 meters (33 ft) of stranded patch cable
between each jack and the attached device. Since stranded cable has higher attenuation than
solid cable, exceeding 10 metres of patch cabling will reduce the permissible length of
horizontal cable.
Different types of connectors are used with either type of wire. There is a bent tine connector
intended for use with solid core wire, and an aligned tine connector for use with stranded
cable. The bent tine connector will generally work on stranded wire, but not the other way
around.
All cable types must be properly installed and terminated to meet specifications. The cable
must not be kinked or bent too tightly (the bend radius should be at least four times the outer
diameter of the cable). The wire pairs must not be untwisted and the outer jacket must not be
stripped back more than 1/2 inch (1.27 cm).
There are two main standards for termination: T568A and T568B. For more information on
the wiring for these standards, see Wikipedia
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T568A#T568A_and_T568B_termination).
Notes:

A single CAT 5e or CAT6 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 5e or CAT6 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.
July 23, 2014 Version 1.7.1.0
CAB 8n Hardware Manual
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