Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)

Table B-1. UTP Cable Category Specifications

UTP

Operating

Electrical

 

Signal

NEXT

Attenuation

loss

Cat.

Frequency

Impedance

per 100m

(@ 100m)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

4 MHz

100Ω ±15%

5.6 dB

32 dB

 

 

 

 

 

 

16 MHz

100Ω ±15%

13.1 dB

23 dB*

 

 

 

 

 

 

4

4 MHz

100Ω ±15%

4.3 dB

47 dB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16 MHz

100Ω ±15%

8.9 dB

38 dB

 

 

 

 

 

 

5

4 MHz

100Ω ±15%

4.3 dB

63 dB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16 MHz

100Ω ±15%

8.2 dB

44 dB

 

 

 

 

 

 

*below Token Ring performance requirement of 30.5 dB.

Categories 4 and 5 are higher quality versions of category 3. They use the same gauge of wire but demonstrate superior performance due to improvements in material quality and assembly (e.g. more twists per foot).

WARNING

WARNING

Because Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT) contributes the majority of its detrimental effects near the end of a lobe cable, the quality of jumper cables and patch cables is critical. Seek the highest practical grade. The quality of connectors and terminators is also critical.

DO NOT connect UTP cabling to any non-Token Ring network conductors (telephone, etc.) or ground. If in doubt, test wiring before using. Telephone Battery and Ringing voltages used in UTP telephone circuits may present a shock hazard and may damage Token Ring equipment when connected to Token Ring cabling.

B.1.2 UTP Lobe Lengths

The physical length of the cable connecting a station to a TCU port on the STHI is referred to as the lobe length. The maximum lobe length attainable under ideal conditions, is shown in Table B-2. Cable routing, connector attenuation, noise, and crosstalk can adversely affect the maximum lobe length.

Page B-2

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Cabletron Systems STHI manual Unshielded Twisted Pair UTP, Operating Electrical Signal, Attenuation Loss Cat Frequency