Appendix B
Cables and Connectors
This appendix provides general information about 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX cabling and connections.
UTP Cable Length Limitations
All 10BASE-T/100BASE-T ports on EtherSpeedII switch modules support the maximum lengths for twisted pair cable that are specified in the IEEE 802.3 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet specification. This specification defines the maximum segment length in terms of the performance characteristics of the cable media, which can vary according to cable type. In most networks, cable runs are less than 100 meters (m) to ensure that data is not distorted or lost.
For UTP links of #24 AWG cable between a network interface (transceiver or 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX network interface card) and a hub or between hubs, these performance specifications are normally met by a cable run of 100 m (330 ft.) or less, including any patch cables and cross-connect cables. The 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX standard specifies this length as a design objective. The EtherSpeedII switch module is designed to support a maximum cable length of 100 m.
Your cable plant can contain Category 3 or 5 UTP cables, up to a maximum length of 100 m between the end station and the switch module. Use an appropriate patch cable to connect your cable to this module.
