Introduction
1.5.2 Gigabit Ethernet 1000Base-TX Cabling Recommendations
1.5.2
Gigabit Ethernet 1000Base-TX Cabling Recommendations
The IEEE 802.3ab Gigabit Ethernet standard defines 1000 Mbit/s Ethernet
communications over distances of up to 100 m (328 ft) using all 4 pairs in category
5 (or higher) balanced, unshielded twisted-pair cabling. For wiring guidelines,
system designers and integrators should refer to the Telecommunications Industry
Association (TIA) TIA/EIA-568-A wiring standard that characterizes minimum cabling
performance specifications required for proper Gigabit Ethernet operation. For
reliable, error-free data communication, new and pre-existing communication paths
should be verified for TIA/EIA-568-A compliance.
The following table summarizes the relevant cabling standards:
Cabling
Category
1000Base-
TX Compliant
Required Action
< 5
No
New wiring infrastructure required.
5
Yes
Verify TIA/EIA-568-A compliance.
5e
Yes
No action required. New installations should be designed with
Category 5e or higher.
6
Yes
No action required.
> 6
Yes
Connector and wiring standards to be determined.
Follow these recommendations for copper data cabling in high electrical noise
environments:
• Data cable lengths should be as short as possible, preferably 3 m (10
ft) in length. Copper data cables should not be used for inter-building
communications.
• Power and data cables should not be run in parallel for long distances, and
should be installed in separate conduits. Power and data cables should intersect
at 90° angles when necessary to reduce inductive coupling.
• Shielded/screened cabling can be used when required. Care should be taken to
avoid the creation of ground loops with shielded cabling.
1.5.3
Supported Fiber Optic Cables
The following fiber optic cable types are supported under the stated conditions.
Distance (m)
Cable Type
Wavelength (nm) Modal Bandwidth
(MHz·km)
100Base-FX
1000Base-SX
10GBase-SR
850
200
—
275
33
OM1 (62.5/125)
1300
500
2000
—
—
850
500
—
550
82
OM2 (50/125)
1300
500
2000
—
—
850
1500
—
550
300
OM3 (50/125)
1300
500
2000
—
—
OM4 (50/125)
850
3500
—
550
400
RUGGEDCOM RSG2288
Installation Manual, 04/2021, C79000-G8976-1045-17
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