Kingston Technology KNS500/WG, KNS800/WG manual Category 5 Compliance vs. Category 5 Performance?

Appendix D Frequently Asked Questions 17

Category 5 Compliance vs. Category 5 Performance?

Using CAT 5 cabling in your network installation does not necessarily achieve full Category 5 performance. To achieve any category-rated performance, make sure all cabling components, including modular plugs, trunk cables, and patch panels, 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 transmission characteristics of the Category. Category specifications require that pair twisting, at the point of termination, not exceed the following maximums:

•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, physically and by color, 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.

KNS800/WG User’s Guide - Rev. B01 Kingston Technology Company