APPENDIX C: CABLING GUIDELINES
This appendix provides specifications for cables used with the Model FS518T Fast
Ethernet Switch.
Fast Ethernet Cable Guidelines
Fast Ethernet uses UTP cable, as specified in the IEEE 802.3u standard for
100BASE-TX.The specification requires Category 5 UTP cable consisting of either
two-pair or four-pair twisted insulated copper conductors bound in a single plastic
sheath. Category 5 cable is certified up to 100 MHz bandwidth. 100BASE-TX oper-
ation uses one pair of wires for transmission and the other pair for receiving and for
collision detection.
When installing Category 5 UTP cabling, use the following guidelines to ensure that
your cables perform to the following specifications:
• Certification
Make sure that your Category 5 UTP cable has completed the Underwriters
Laboratories (UL) or Electronic Testing Laboratories (ETL) certification process.
• Termination method
To minimize cross-talk noise, maintain the twist ratio of the cable up to the point
of termination; untwist at any RJ-45 plug or patch panel should not exceed
0.5 inch (1.5 cm).
cabling guidelines C-1
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