IBM LCM8, Installation And User Manual

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Appendixes 53
Appendix B: UTP cabling
This appendix discusses various aspects of connection media. The performance of an LCM8/
LCM16 switching system depends on high quality connections. Poor quality or poorly installed or
maintained cabling can diminish LCM8/LCM16 switching system performance. LCM8/LCM16
switching systems utilize UTP cabling.
NOTE: This appendix is for information purposes only. Please consult with your local code officials and/or
cabling consultants prior to any installation.
UTP copper cabling
The LCM8/LCM16 switch supports the following three types of UTP cabling:
•
CAT 5 (4-pair) high performance cable consists of twisted pair conductors, used primarily for
data transmission. The twisting of the pairs gives this cable some immunity from the
infiltration of unwanted interference. CAT 5 cable is generally used for networks running at 10
or 100 Mbps.
• CAT 5E (enhanced) cable has the same characteristics as CAT 5, but is manufactured to
somewhat more stringent standards.
• CAT 6 cable is manufactured to tighter requirements than CAT 5E cable. CAT 6 has higher
measured frequency ranges and significantly better performance requirements than CAT 5E
cable at the same frequencies.
Wiring standards
There are two supported wiring standards for 8-conductor (4-pair) RJ-45 terminated UTP cable:
EIA/TIA 568A and B. These standards apply to installations utilizing CAT 5, 5E, and CAT 6 cable
specifications. The LCM8/LCM16 switching system supports either of these wiring standards.
Table B.1 describes the standards for each pin.
Table B.1: UTP wiring standards
Pin EIA/TIA 568A EIA/TIA 568B
1 white/green white/orange
2 green orange
3 white/orange white/green
4 blue blue
5 white/blue white/blue
6 orange green
7 white/brown white/brown
8 brown brown