Kingston Technology KNE8TX/WG manual Appendix E Mounting Templates

Appendix D Commonly Asked Questions 17

Category 5 Compliance vs. Category 5 Performance?

Having CAT 5 components in your network installation does not necessarily achieve full Category 5 performance. To achieve any category-rated performance, make sure all cabling components are at least of the minimum category required.

To achieve full CAT 5 performance, all components must be CAT 5 compliant and terminated properly according to EIA/TIA-568 TSB-36 and TSB-40 guidelines.

What are the Guidelines for Proper Termination?

It is important to maintain the twists of the cable as close to the termination on the outlet as possible, to avoid NEXT (Near End Cross Talk) and to maintain the transmissions characteristics of the Category. Category specifications require that pair twisting be maintained to within the following distances from the outlet termination:

•Category 3 maximum allowed untwisting: 3 inches

•Category 4 maximum allowed untwisting: 1 inch

•Category 5 maximum allowed untwisting: 1/2 inch

Can I mix CAT 3 and CAT 5 cabling in the same building?

Yes, but keep in mind, you will not have CAT 5 performance. It is a good idea to keep the lines separated when installing any new lines. Use CAT 5 UTP cabling only.

Can a Four-Pair CAT 5 cable support two 100BASE-TX devices?

Although only two pairs are used in the standard four-pair CAT 5 UTP cable, it is not recommended because it exceeds the specifications outlined by IEEE 802.3u.

Appendix E Mounting Templates

KNExTX/WG User’s Guide - Rev. A00 Kingston Technology Company