RAVENNA Networking Guide
V1.0/3
7
Selecting Components
Cables
Cables
All of Lawo's RAVENNA devices support copper Ethernet cabling (see below). In addition, some devices support
optical fibre ports by fitting one of the Lawo-certified
modules.
Copper Connections
Choose an Ethernet cable and connector that meets the following specification:
·
Cable Type:
CAT 5 or better (CAT 5e/6/7); straight (1:1) or crossed
Ethernet cable.
·
Connector Type:
RJ45.
·
Network Speed:
1000, 100 and 10 Base-TX LAN speeds are supported;
1000 Base-TX
(Gigabit Ethernet) is recommended.
·
Cable Length:
up to 100m.
Cable Quality & Distance
The CAT5, CAT5e, CAT6 and CAT7 standards specify that these cables can transmit data up to 100m. However,
in practice, the reliability of Gigabit Ethernet transmission over longer distances will vary according to the cable
quality and its termination. You should check the manufacturer's specifications for the maximum cabling
distance, and also the quality of terminations using a CAT5e cable checker - an inaccurate termination will not
achieve the maximum transmission performance.
If the cabling distance is to exceed say 70m, then a rugged solid-conductor cable, as opposed to stranded cable,
is recommended )(see below). For distances longer than 100m, you should convert to fibre optic, see
In addition, if the installation environment is prone to electromagnetic interference, you should choose STP
(Shielded Twisted Pair) cables, as opposed to UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair). Note that STP cables require
compatible connectors (for proper grounding).
Solid-conductor vs Stranded Cables
Two cable types are supported by the CAT 5/5e/6/7 specifications:
·
Solid-conductor cable
uses a single solid wire per conductor and, therefore, creates a more rigid
product. It is ideal for fixed installations and provides reliable long distance transmission (up to 100m).
·
Stranded cable
uses multiple wires wrapped around each other in each conductor and, therefore,
creates a more flexible product. It is ideal for shorter patch cables, but is less reliable over long distance.
