This appendix provides specifications for cables used with the Model FS509 switch.
Fast Ethernet Cable Guidelines
Fast Ethernet uses UTP cable, as specified in the IEEE 802.3u standard for 100BASE-TX. The
specification requires Category 5 UTP cable consisting of either two-pair or four-pair twisted
insulated copper conductors bound in a single plastic sheath. Category 5 cable is certified up to
100 MHz bandwidth. 100BASE-TX operation uses one pair of wires for transmission and the other
pair for receiving and for collision detection.
When installing Category 5 UTP cabling, use the following guidelines to ensure that your cables
perform to the following specifications:
•
Certification
Make sure that your Category 5 UTP cable has completed the Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
or Electronic Testing Laboratories (ETL) certification process.
•
Termination method
To minimize crosstalk noise, maintain the twist ratio of the cable up to the point of termina-
tion; untwist at any RJ-45 plug or patch panel should not exceed 0.5 inch (1.5 cm).
Category 5 Cable
Category 5 distributed cable that meets ANSI/EIA/TIA-568-A building wiring standards can be
a maximum of 328 feet (100 meters) in length, divided as follows:
•
20 feet (6 meters) between the hub and the patch panel (if used)
Cabling Guidelines
Appendix C
Cabling Guidelines
C-1