Kingston Technology KNS800/WG Switch User Manual


 
Appendix D Frequently Asked Questions
KNS800/WG User’s Guide - Rev. B01 Kingston Technology Company
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.