Avocent 3100/3200 Personal Computer User Manual


 
Appendices 73
Appendix C: UTP Cabling
The AutoView 3100/3200 switching systems utilize UTP cabling. This appendix discusses various
aspects of connection media. The performance of a AutoView 3100/3200 switching system
depends on high quality connections. Poor quality or poorly installed or maintained cabling can
diminish AutoView switching system performance.
NOTE: This appendix is for information purposes only. Please consult with your local code officials and/or
cabling consultants prior to any installation.
UTP copper cabling
The following are basic definitions for the three types of UTP cabling that the AutoView
switch
supports:
CAT 5 UTP (4-pair) high performance cable consists of twisted pair conductors, used prima-
rily for data transmission. The twisting of the pairs gives this cable some immunity from the
infiltration of unwanted interference. CAT 5 cable is generally used for networks running at 10
or 100 Mbps.
CAT 5E (enhanced) cable has the same characteristics as CAT 5, but is manufactured to some-
what more stringent standards.
CAT 6 cable is manufactured to tighter requirements than CAT 5E cable. CAT 6 has higher
measured frequency ranges and significantly better performance requirements than CAT 5E
cable at the same frequencies.
Wiring standards
There are two supported wiring standards for 8-conductor (4-pair) RJ-45 terminated UTP cable:
EIA/TIA 568A and B. These standards apply to installations utilizing CAT 5, 5E and 6 cable
specifications. The AutoView 3100/3200 switching system supports either of these wiring
standards.
Table C.1 describes the standards for each pin.
Table C.1: UTP Wiring Standards
Pin EIA/TIA 568A EIA/TIA 568B
1 white/green white/orange
2 green orange
3 white/orange white/green
4 blue blue
5 white/blue white/blue
6 orange green
7 white/brown white/brown
8 brown brown