| Category | Standard data rate | Usual application |
|---|
CAT 1 | Up to 1 Mbps (1 MHz) | analog voice (POTS)
Integrated Services Digital Network Basic Rate Interface in ISDN
Doorbell wiring
Dead - no longer supported |
CAT 2 | 4 Mbps | Mainly used in the IBM Cabling System for Token Ring networks
Dead - no longer supported |
| CAT 3 | 16 Mbps | Used predominantely for POTS Voice |
CAT 4 | 20 Mbps | No longer approved
Was used in 16 Mbps Token Ring |
CAT 5 | 100 Mbps | 100 Mbps TPDDI
155 Mbps ATM
No longer approved; replaced by 5E
Seen in legacy environments |
| CAT 5E | 1000 Mbps
(10000 Mbps prototype) | 100 Mbps TPDDI
155 Mbps ATM
Gigabit Ethernet
Offers better near-end crosstalk than CAT 5 |
| CAT 6 | 250 MHz | Super-fast broadband applications
Vendor recommended, minimum required and most popular cabling for new installs |
| CAT 6E | 500 MHz | Required for 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T) |
CAT 7
(ISO Class F) |
1 GHz per pair with Siemon connector |
Full-motion video
Teleradiology
Required for 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GBASE-T)
Government and manufacturing environments
Shielded system |
UTP cables are connected with the RJ(Registered Jack)-45 connector. It looks like a slightly large telephone jack connector. 100BaseT is the shorthand for this type of cable carrying Ethernet.
Drawbacks: UTP cables are vulnerable to radio and electrical frequencies. That brings us to...
Coaxial Cabling
Coaxial cables use a single copper conductor at the center, insulated by a plastic layer and a braided metal shield, which blocks interference. Coaxial cables are hard to install, but can support greater cable lengths than twisted pair. There are two types:
- Thin coaxial (Thinnet)
10Base2 refers to thin coaxials carrying Ethernet. The '2' is for the approximate 200 meters maximum length.
- Thick coaxial (Thicknet)
10Base5 is for (you guessed it) thick coaxials carrying Ethernet. The '5' is for the approximate max length of 500 meters. This type has an extra plastic layer to keep moisture out. Downsides: it doesn't bend easily, and is hard to install.
Coaxial cables are connected with BNC (Bayone-Neill-Concelman) connectors. Since the connectors are always the weakest part of a network, always use BNC connectors that crimp, not screw, onto the cable.
Fiber Optic Cabling
Fiber optics are made of a glass center with many protective layers. It's designed to transmit light, not electronic signal, so there is no problem with electrical interference. It can transmit signals further than coaxial and twisted cable, and at faster speeds. It is often used for video conferencing. 10BaseF is the standard for Fiber Optic Cable carrying Ethernet.
Connections are made with an ST connector, which is similar to a BNC connector.
There are various grades of fiber, but 50 micron laser optimized is the most widely used today.
It's important to be up-to-date on technology news to maximize the efficiency of your data center. After all, if you don't the company will find someone who does--technology is constantly changing, and businesses need to to stay current.
High performance cabling -- The cat's meow
SearchDataCenter.com | July 11, 2005
According to a new study, data center managers are more willing than ever to adopt Category 6 and Category 6A cabling that can support 10 GBps, even with standards yet to be...
It's the cabling, stupid!
SearchDataCenter.com | July 9, 2005
Why neglecting your networking cables could be the dumbest thing you ever do.
Charming the cable snake
SearchDataCenter.com | May 26, 2005
Do you lose track of cabling changes months after they take place? What's going where and who is making changes to cabling infrastructure? Cable management tools can help.
Vativ offers beta alternative for 10 GigE transmission
SearchDataCenter.com | March 24, 2005
Vativ Technologies unveiled a new 10 Gigabit Ethernet network offering for the data center backbone
Separate trays for separate cables
Carrie Higbie answers a question about possible interference between CAT6 and power cables.
Advantages of 10 Gigabite Ethernet?
What are the advantages of 10 Gigabit Ethernet? Obviously my LAN would be faster, but are there other aspects I should consider?
Things to consider when moving your data center
We're moving our data center to an older building in an urban area that is currently being renovated. I'm working with consultants on our cabling infrastructure, but I was wondering if you could provide me with some sort of check list of things to be aware of as we plan this move out?
Hungry for more cabling information? Check out these links:
SearchDataCenter Topics: Physical Environment: Cabling
www.siemon.com
SearchNetworking.com
|
|
|
