Avocent 3100/3200 manual Appendix C UTP Cabling, UTP copper cabling, Wiring standards

Appendices 73

Appendix C: UTP Cabling

The AutoView 3100/3200 switching systems utilize UTP cabling. This appendix discusses various aspects of connection media. The performance of a AutoView 3100/3200 switching system depends on high quality connections. Poor quality or poorly installed or maintained cabling can diminish AutoView switching system performance.

NOTE: This appendix is for information purposes only. Please consult with your local code officials and/or cabling consultants prior to any installation.

UTP copper cabling

The following are basic definitions for the three types of UTP cabling that the AutoView switch supports:

•CAT 5 UTP (4-pair) high performance cable consists of twisted pair conductors, used prima- rily for data transmission. The twisting of the pairs gives this cable some immunity from the infiltration of unwanted interference. CAT 5 cable is generally used for networks running at 10 or 100 Mbps.

•CAT 5E (enhanced) cable has the same characteristics as CAT 5, but is manufactured to some- what more stringent standards.

•CAT 6 cable is manufactured to tighter requirements than CAT 5E cable. CAT 6 has higher measured frequency ranges and significantly better performance requirements than CAT 5E cable at the same frequencies.

Wiring standards

There are two supported wiring standards for 8-conductor (4-pair) RJ-45 terminated UTP cable: EIA/TIA 568A and B. These standards apply to installations utilizing CAT 5, 5E and 6 cable specifications. The AutoView 3100/3200 switching system supports either of these wiring standards. Table C.1 describes the standards for each pin.

Table C.1: UTP Wiring Standards

Pin	EIA/TIA 568A	EIA/TIA 568B
1	white/green	white/orange
2	green	orange
3	white/orange	white/green
4	blue	blue
5	white/blue	white/blue
6	orange	green
7	white/brown	white/brown
8	brown	brown