Cabletron Systems 100BASE-FX, Cabling Manual

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7-1
Chapter 7
Fast Ethernet Network
Requirements
This chapter provides test parameters and specification requirements for Fast Ethernet network
cabling.
100BASE-TX
All Cabletron Systems 100BASE-TX products require that installed facility cabling
and cable hardware meet the following minimum specifications. If a network
cabling installation is not within the limitations presented here, the operation of
the 100BASE-TX products may be affected.
Cable Type
The operation of a 100BASE-TX network is more demanding than that of standard
Ethernet, and high-quality cables are required. The 100BASE-TX specification for
Fast Ethernet networks requires UTP cabling Category 5. Categories of UTP
cabling below Category 5 may not meet the quality requirements of the
networking specification, and may therefore be unable to meet the tested
characteristics listed below.
The Category of cabling used in a network installation is dependent upon all the
components that make up the cabling run. If an installation utilizes Category 5
cabling, and the wallplates and patch panels to which that cabling is connected
are Category 3 compliant, the cable does not meet the EIA/TIA end-to-end
specifications for a Category 5 installation.
NOTE
Due to the construction of the connectors and organization of
wires, the 25-pair RJ21 connector is not Category 5 compliant.