Cabletron Systems 100BASE-FX, Cabling Manual

Page: 105 / 192

10-1
Chapter 10
Token Ring Network Requirements
This chapter provides test parameters and specification requirements for Token Ring network cabling.
IEEE 802.5 Shielded Twisted Pair
All Cabletron Systems Token Ring products for STP Token Ring connectivity
require that installed facility cabling and cable management hardware meet the
following minimum specifications. If the network cabling in question is not
within the limitations and ranges presented in this chapter, the operation of the
Token Ring network may be adversely affected.
Cable Type
The IEEE 802.5 specifications for Token Ring require the use of STP cables that
meet certain design and construction requirements. Cabling that is not specifically
designed for use in IEEE 802.5 network installations should not be used. Within
the class of compatible STP cabling, only certain types of STP are allowed for use
with IEEE 802.5 networking devices. These are IBM Cable Types 1, 2, 6, and 9. The
use of any other type of STP cabling may result in a loss of performance or poor
network operation.
Due to the differences between cable types, the network requirements of STP
cabling given below will be broken up by cable type. The requirements are also
separated by the type of Token Ring network devices being used: active or
passive circuitry.