Chapter 5: Technical Glossary

5. Technical Glossary

Category 5 (CAT5) Network Cabling — Category 5 cable is commonly also referred to as CAT5. This cabling is available in either solid or stranded twisted pair copper wire variants and as UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) or STP (Shielded Twisted Pair). UTP cables are not surrounded by any shielding, making them more susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI). STP cables include shielding over each individual pair of copper wires that provides better protection against EMI. Category 5 has been superseded by CAT5e cabling, which includes improved data integrity to support high-speed communications.

USB Cables — USB cables have two distinct connectors. The Type A connector is used to connect the cable from a USB device to the Type A port on a computer or hub. The Type B connector is used to attach the USB cable to a USB device.

USB Type A

USB Type A

USB Type B

USB Type B

port

connector

port

connector

Figure 5-1. USB cables.

RJ-45 — The Registered Jack (RJ) physical interface is what connects the network cabling (CAT5) to the local extender and remote extender. You may use either the T568A scheme (Table 5-1) or the T568B scheme (Table 5-2) for cable termination because the extender uses all four pairs of the cable. RJ-45 connectors are sometimes also referred to as 8P8C connectors.

RJ-45 Pin Positioning —

Table 5-1. T568A wiring.

Pin

Pair Wire Cable Color

 

 

1 3 1 White/Green

2 3 2 Green

3 2 1 White/Orange

4 1 2 Blue

5 1 1 White/Blue

6 2 2 Orange

7 4 1 White/Brown

8 4 2 Brown

Table 5-2. T568B wiring.

Pin

Pair Wire Cable Color

 

 

1 2 1 White/Orange

2 2 2 Orange

3 3 1 White/Green

4 1 2 Blue

5 1 1 White/Blue

6 3 2 Green

7 4 1 White/Brown

8 4 2 Brown

Figure 5-2. T568A connector pinout.

Figure 5-3. T568B connector pinout.

IC408A

Page 17

 

Page 17
Image 17
Black Box 4-Port USB 2.0 Extender over LAN, IC408A manual Technical Glossary

IC408A, 4-Port USB 2.0 Extender over LAN specifications

The Black Box IC408A is a robust 4-Port USB 2.0 Extender that utilizes LAN technology to deliver seamless connectivity over considerable distances. This device is specifically designed for enterprises and home users who require the ability to extend USB connections beyond typical limits while maintaining high-speed data transfer.

One of the standout features of the IC408A is its capability to support four USB devices simultaneously. This feature is particularly beneficial in environments where multiple peripherals, such as printers, scanners, and external hard drives, need to be connected with the same level of efficiency as a direct connection.

The IC408A supports USB 2.0 specifications, which allows for data transfer rates of up to 480 Mbps. This ensures that users can experience fast data transmission rates without significant lag, making it ideal for applications requiring real-time processing.

The extended range of the IC408A is made possible through the use of standard Ethernet cabling, enabling connections of up to 100 meters (328 feet) using Cat5e or Cat6 cables. This distance far exceeds the limitations of traditional USB cables, which are restricted to a maximum length of 5 meters. This versatility opens up new possibilities in office layouts and configurations, as devices can be positioned farther away from the host computer without sacrificing performance.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the IC408A is its plug-and-play installation. Users can effortlessly set up the extender without the need for specialized software or drivers. This ease of use makes it suitable for both technical and non-technical users, simplifying the process of extending USB connections.

In terms of device compatibility, the IC408A supports a wide range of USB peripherals, ensuring that users can connect various devices without worrying about compatibility issues. Additionally, it features built-in surge protection, enhancing the reliability and longevity of connected devices.

Overall, the Black Box IC408A 4-Port USB 2.0 Extender over LAN stands out as an essential solution for anyone looking to expand their USB connectivity options. With high transfer speeds, extensive range, easy installation, and compatibility with a broad selection of devices, it delivers practical functionality and efficiency needed in today’s fast-paced digital environments. Whether for business applications or personal use, the IC408A is a dependable choice for enhancing USB connectivity.