Cabletron Systems 100BASE-FX, Cabling Manual

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3-1
Chapter 3
Relevant Specifications
This chapter presents and examines a number of networking specifications and how they are related
to planning and installing network cabling.
Just as there are specifications that deal with the tested aspects of installed cabling
and their fitness for use with a particular networking technology, there are also
standards that deal with the construction of cables and the methods by which
they may be installed. These higher-level cabling standards involve such things as
the pairing and insulating of cables within a multi-wire cable, the labeling of cable
jackets, and the allowable proximity of cables of certain types to other cables or
electrical equipment.
These higher-level specifications are out of the purview of this Cabling Guide,
and are not covered in detail within this document. Some of the aspects treated by
the higher-level specifications are discussed in the sections which follow, as they
impact or affect the use or selection of cabling materials in certain facilities or for
use with individual networking standards.
EIA/TIA
The EIA/TIA specifications deal with the recommended methods and practices
for constructing, installing, and terminating wiring. There are several different
EIA/TIA specifications which cover different aspects of wiring. EIA/TIA
specification number 568 is the one that network installers are most commonly
interested in, as it deals with the installation of networking and telephony and
networking cable.
The construction specifications of the EIA/TIA specification are important only
when selecting a specific type of cable. The EIA/TIA construction specification
used in the manufacture of that cable determines the construction and tested
characteristics of the cable, the organization and quality of its components, and
what applications it is suited for.