B Cables

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.

Fiber Standards

The current TIA (Telecommunications Industry Association) 568-A specification on optical fiber cabling consists of one recognized cable type for horizontal subsystems and two cable types for backbone subsystems.

Horizontal 62.5/125 micron multimode (two fibers per outlet).

Backbone 62.5/125 micron multimode or single mode.

TIA 568-B will allow the use of 50/125 micron multimode optical fiber in both the horizontal and backbone in addition to the types listed above. All optical fiber components and installation practices must meet applicable building and safety codes.

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SMC Networks SMC8126L2 manual Fiber Standards, Cable Testing for Existing Category 5 Cable

SMC8126L2 specifications

The SMC8126L2 is a robust Layer 2 managed switch developed by SMC Networks, designed to meet the demands of modern networking environments. This switch is part of the SMC's lineup of network solutions, emphasizing reliability, efficiency, and advanced functionalities suitable for both small and medium-sized enterprises.

One of the standout features of the SMC8126L2 is its support for 26 ports, which allow multiple devices to connect seamlessly. This includes 24 Fast Ethernet ports (10/100 Mbps) and 2 gigabit uplink ports. This configuration enables flexible network designs and enhances the bandwidth availability for devices that require faster data transmission.

The SMC8126L2 is equipped with various Layer 2 switching capabilities, including port-based Virtual LAN (VLAN) support, allowing businesses to segment their networks for better security and performance. This capability ensures that sensitive data remains isolated and reduces broadcast traffic across the entire network. The switch also supports 802.1Q tagging for VLAN configuration, facilitating the management of multiple VLANs simultaneously.

Quality of Service (QoS) is another significant aspect of the SMC8126L2. It employs intelligent traffic management features, prioritizing critical applications such as VoIP and video conferencing. This ensures that time-sensitive data packets are transmitted efficiently, minimizing latency and improving overall user experience. The switch supports multiple QoS mechanisms, such as 802.1p priority tagging and port-based scheduling, thus accommodating varied networking needs.

Security features are paramount in the SMC8126L2, with network access control through Port Security and MAC address filtering. This prevents unauthorized access and enhances the security posture of the network. Additionally, the switch supports IGMP Snooping, which conserves bandwidth by ensuring that multicast traffic is only sent to ports that require it.

Another remarkable aspect of the SMC8126L2 is its management capabilities. The switch can be managed through various methods, including web-based interfaces, command-line interfaces (CLI), and SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). This flexibility allows network administrators to monitor performance, configure settings, and troubleshoot issues effectively.

In summary, the SMC8126L2 brings a suite of advanced features and technologies that cater to the evolving requirements of networking. With its extensive port options, VLAN support, QoS capabilities, robust security measures, and versatile management interfaces, the SMC8126L2 stands out as a reliable choice for organizations looking to enhance their networking infrastructure. Its performance and reliability make it well-suited for addressing the challenges of modern network environments while ensuring efficient data flow and security.