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Ethernet Network Requirements
This chapter provides test parameters and specification requirements for Ethernet network cabling.
10BASE-T
All Cabletron Systems 10BASE-T products require that installed facility cabling
and cable hardware meet the following minimum specifications. If a network
cabling installation is not within the limitations presented here, the operation of
the 10BASE-T products may be affected.
Cable Type
10BASE-T network operations are more demanding than normal telephony, and
thus require specific, high-quality cabling in order to function properly. The
10BASE-T specification for Ethernet networks requires UTP cabling of Category 3,
4, or 5. Categories of UTP cabling below Category 3 may not meet the quality
requirements of the networking specification, and may therefore be unable to
meet the tested characteristics listed below.
The Category of cabling used in a network installation is dependent upon all the
components that make up the cabling run. If an installation utilizes Category 5
cabling, and the wallplates and patch panels to which that cabling is connected
are Category 3 compliant, the cable does not meet the EIA/TIA end-to-end
specifications for a Category 5 installation.
Insertion Loss (Attenuation)
The maximum allowable insertion loss for any 10BASE-T station on the Ethernet
network is 11.5 dB at frequencies from 5 to 10 MHz. This calculation must take all
cabling devices in the cable path into account. A typical insertion loss test must
include the jumper cabling used at the station and at the wiring closet, and any
patch panels, punchdown blocks, and wallplates in the installation.
Chapter 5
5-1
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