Avocent 590-686-501D manual Appendix D UTP Cabling, UTP copper cabling, Wiring standards

100DSR Switch Installer/User Guide

Appendix D: UTP Cabling

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

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 DSR switch supports:

•CAT 5 UTP (4-pair) high performance cable consists of twisted pair conductors, used primarily 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 somewhat 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 DSR switching system supports either of these wiring standards. Table D.1 describes the standards for each pin.

Table D.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