Cabling Recommendations; Protection On Twisted-Pair Data Ports; Gigabit Ethernet 1000Base-Tx Cabling Recommendations - Siemens RUGGEDCOM RSG2488 Installation Manual

Chapter 2
Installing the Device
Section 2.6

Cabling Recommendations

Before connecting the device, be aware of the recommendations and considerations outlined in the following
sections:
• Section 2.6.1, "Protection On Twisted-Pair Data Ports"
• Section 2.6.2, "Gigabit Ethernet 1000Base-TX Cabling Recommendations"
Section 2.6.1

Protection On Twisted-Pair Data Ports

Siemens does not recommend the use of copper cabling of any length for critical, real-time substation automation
applications. All copper Ethernet ports on RUGGEDCOM products include transient suppression circuitry
to protect against damage from electrical transients and conform with IEC 61850-3 and IEEE 1613 Class 1
standards. This means that during a transient electrical event, communications errors or interruptions may occur,
but recovery is automatic.
Siemens also does not recommend using copper Ethernet ports to interface with devices in the field across
distances that could produce high levels of ground potential rise (i.e. greater than 2500 V), during line-to-ground
fault conditions.
Section 2.6.2

Gigabit Ethernet 1000Base-TX Cabling Recommendations

The IEEE 802.3ab Gigabit Ethernet standard defines 1000 Mbit/s Ethernet communications over distances of up
to 100 m (328 ft) using all 4 pairs in category 5 (or higher) balanced, unshielded twisted-pair cabling. For wiring
guidelines, system designers and integrators should refer to the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA)
TIA/EIA-568-A wiring standard that characterizes minimum cabling performance specifications required for proper
Gigabit Ethernet operation. For reliable, error-free data communication, new and pre-existing communication
paths should be verified for TIA/EIA-568-A compliance.
The following table summarizes the relevant cabling standards:
Cabling Category
< 5
5
5e
6
> 6
Follow these recommendations for copper data cabling in high electrical noise environments:
• Data cable lengths should be as short as possible, preferably 3 m (10 ft) in length. Copper data cables should
not be used for inter-building communications.
• Power and data cables should not be run in parallel for long distances, and should be installed in separate
conduits. Power and data cables should intersect at 90° angles when necessary to reduce inductive coupling.
16
1000Base-
Required Action
TX Compliant
No New wiring infrastructure required.
Yes Verify TIA/EIA-568-A compliance.
Yes No action required. New installations should be designed with Category 5e or higher.
Yes No action required.
Yes Connector and wiring standards to be determined.
RUGGEDCOM RSG2488
Installation Guide
Cabling Recommendations