CABLES

1000BASE-T Cable Requirements

All Category 5 UTP cables that are used for 100BASE-TX connections should also work for 1000BASE-T, providing that all four wire pairs are connected. However, it is recommended that for all critical connections, or any new cable installations, Category 5e (enhanced Category 5) or Category 6 cable should be used. The Category 5e specification includes test parameters that are only recommendations for Category 5. Therefore, the first step in preparing existing Category 5 cabling for running 1000BASE-T is a simple test of the cable installation to be sure that it complies with the IEEE 802.3ab standards.

Cable Testing for Existing Category 5 Cable

Installed Category 5 cabling must pass tests for Attenuation, Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT), and Far-End Crosstalk (FEXT). This cable testing information is specified in the ANSI/TIA/EIA-TSB-67 standard.

Additionally, cables must also pass test parameters for Return Loss and Equal-Level Far-End Crosstalk (ELFEXT). These tests are specified in the ANSI/TIA/EIA-TSB-95 Bulletin, “The Additional Transmission Performance Guidelines for 100 Ohm 4-Pair Category 5 Cabling.”

Note that when testing your cable installation, be sure to include all patch cables between switches and end devices.

Adjusting Existing Category 5 Cabling to Run 1000BASE-T

If your existing Category 5 installation does not meet one of the test parameters for 1000BASE-T, there are basically three measures that can be applied to try and correct the problem:

1.Replace any Category 5 patch cables with high-performance Category 5e or Category 6 cables.

2.Reduce the number of connectors used in the link.

3.Reconnect some of the connectors in the link.

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SMC Networks SMC7824M/FSW manual Cable Testing for Existing Category 5 Cable

SMC7824M/FSW specifications

The SMC Networks SMC7824M/FSW is a robust and versatile managed switch designed for small to medium-sized enterprises that require reliable networking solutions for their growing needs. This switch is part of SMC's commitment to providing innovative networking products that deliver superior performance and flexibility.

One of the main features of the SMC7824M/FSW is its 24-port configuration, which provides ample connectivity for a variety of devices within a network. The switch supports both 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet and 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet connections, allowing for seamless integration of multiple devices ranging from legacy systems to modern high-speed applications. This flexibility is crucial for businesses looking to extend the life of existing equipment while still adopting new technologies.

The SMC7824M/FSW is equipped with advanced Layer 2 management capabilities, including VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) support, which enables network administrators to segment traffic for improved performance and security. Additionally, it supports Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), which ensures loop-free network topology and enhances network stability.

Another significant feature is the switch’s Quality of Service (QoS) functionality, allowing for prioritization of critical data traffic. This is particularly beneficial for voice over IP (VoIP) and video conferencing applications, where latency and jitter must be minimized to ensure optimal performance. With QoS, businesses can maintain high levels of service, even as network demands increase.

The SMC7824M/FSW also includes features such as port mirroring for traffic analysis and troubleshooting, Link Aggregation for increased bandwidth and redundancy, and an easy-to-use web-based interface for straightforward configuration and management. This ease of use makes it an excellent choice for IT administrators who may not have extensive networking experience.

In addition to its extensive feature set, the SMC7824M/FSW is designed with energy efficiency in mind. It complies with IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet standards, allowing it to consume less power during periods of low traffic, thus reducing operational costs.

In summary, the SMC Networks SMC7824M/FSW switch is a powerful solution that combines flexibility, advanced management features, and energy efficiency, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to enhance their networking capabilities while remaining cost-effective. Its comprehensive set of features ensures that it can meet the demands of modern network environments.