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R10.24.08
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Cabling Guide
Cabling Guide
Cabling Guide
Cabling Guide
Cabling Guide for Xseries Installations
NComputing X-series products deliver exceptional multi-media performance to multiple users sharing a
single computer. This is enabled by the direct connection between the X-series plug-in card and the access
device. While the connections use standard Category 5e and Category 6 STP cable, the signals going
across the cable are not Ethernet. Instead, the video and peripheral signals are sent directly using all four
twisted pairs of the cable. Therefore it is important to always use correctly specified, quality cables with the
X-series. This cabling guide will help you select the right cable type and length for your installation.
Cable Type
The table below lists the two cable types that are supported by the X-series.
Cable Type
Distance Supported
Category 5e UTP (unshielded twisted pair)
up to 5 meters (16.4 feet)
Category 6 STP (shielded twisted pair)
up to 10 meters (32.8 feet)
Shielded cable Category 6 cable is required above 5 meters to ensure video signal quality over the longer
distance. Cables should be terminated to RJ-45 connectors according to the standard method (wires match
on both ends of the cables as shown below). This is the most common configuration available when
purchasing standard patch cables. So called “cross-over” cables (used to directly connect two Ethernet
devices without a switch) CANNOT be used.
NComputing offers a certified 5 meter Category 5e UTP cable, which is the longest Category 5e cable
supported by the X-series. Other Category 5e cable length options and Category 6 STP cables are readily
available from a variety of suppliers.
You have two options for terminating your cable:
1) Purchase patch cables of a specific length that have been terminated by your cable vendor
2) Purchase a large roll of cable (often sold in 50 ft or 100 ft rolls) and then terminate the ends yourself
to create any custom length
If you choose to use the second option, make sure you have the appropriate termination tools and carefully
follow the instructions provided with the tools to ensure proper termination. Pre-made cables are convenient,
but can result in excess cable if you cannot find the exact length you need. Making your own cable can give
you a custom fit and may save on material costs, but will require significantly more installation time. Most
customers find that using pre-made cables is the best and easiest approach.
When sizing your cables, provide some extra length to make it easy to route cable (i.e. for pre-made cables,
choose the next biggest standard size from what you have measured). However, avoid providing too much
cable leaving excess to be rolled or bundled. The following section provides some basic cable sizing
guidelines for typical X-series configurations.
Wire colors
should match
on both ends
of cable
!!!!
DO NOT USE CROSS-OVER CABLES!
