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B-3
technology automatically senses which connection, MDI or MDI-X, is needed and makes the right
connection.
B.4 Patch Panels and Cables
If using patch panels, ensure they meet the 100BASE-TX requirements. Symbol recommends
Category 5 UTP cable for patch cables and work area cables to ensure the UTP patch cable rating
meets or exceeds the distribution cable rating. To wire patch panels, two Category 5 UTP cables are
required with an RJ-45 plug at each end.
Flat silver satin telephone cable can have the same RJ-45 plug. However, using telephone cable
results in excessive collisions, causing the attached port to be partitioned or disconnected from the
network.
B.5 Using 1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet over Category 5 Cable
B.5.1 Overview
When using the new 1000BASE-T standard, consider the limitations of cable installations and the
steps necessary to ensure optimum performance. The most important components in the cabling
system are patch panel connections, twists of the pairs at connector transition points, the jacket
around the twisted-pair cable, bundling of multiple pairs on horizontal runs and punch down blocks.
All of these factors affect the performance of 1000BASE-T technology if not correctly implemented.
B.5.2 Cabling
The 1000BASE-T product is designed to operate over Category 5 cabling. To further enhance the
operation, the cabling standards have been amended. The latest standard is Category 5e, which
defines a higher level of link performance than is available with Category 5 cable.
If installing new cable, Symbol recommends using Category 5e cable. If using the existing cable, be
sure to have the cable plant tested by a professional who can verify it meets or exceeds either ANSI/
EIA/TIA-568-A:1995 or ISO/IEC 11801:1995 Category 5 specifications.