Network Cables and Connectors Flashcards
Cat 1 - Class A - 100 kHz - Description?
Low speed cable used for older voice telephone installations. Not for use in data networks.
Cat 2 - Class A - 1 MHz - Description?
Used in older data networks like ARCnet and early Token Ring.
Cat 3 - Class A - 16 MHz - Description?
Used in early Ethernet; unsuitable for faster networks, but still used for voice telephone cables.
Cat 4 - Class A - 20 MHz - Description?
Used by early Ethernet and some Token Ring networks, but was never common.
Cat 5 - Class A - 100 MHz - Description?
Widely used for Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet networks, also used for telephone and video. Superseded by Cat5e.
Cat 5e - Class A - 100 MHz - Description?
Category 5 Enhanced. Same overall properties as Cat5, but higher testing standards.
Cat 6 - Class A - 250 MHz - Description?
Stronger crosstalk specifications than Cat 5e. Popular for new Gigabit Ethernet installations, and short distance 10 Gigabit Ethernet networks. Frequently shielded for additional EMI protection; if so, the shielding needs a grounded connection.
Cat 6a - Class A - 500 MHz - Description?
Augmented Category 6. Shielded, and allows full distance 10 Gigabit Ethernet operation.
Cat 7 - Class A - 600 MHz - Description?
Similar to Cat6A, but screened and shielded for higher noise resistance.
Cat 7a - Class A - 1000 MHz - Description?
Augmented Category 7. May be suitable for emerging 40 Gigabit Ethernet.
10BASE-T
The first popular twisted-pair Ethernet standard, used in the early 1990s. Operates at 10 Mbps, using two wire pairs on a Cat3 or higher cable.
100BASE-TX
A 100 Mbps standard, also known as Fast Ethernet. It still uses two wire pairs, but requires Cat5 or higher cable.
1000BASE-T
Also known as Gigabit Ethernet, since it operates at 1000Mbps.
10GBASE-T
As the name implies, 10 Gigabit Ethernet operates at 10 Gbps, using all four pairs of Cat6a cable.
How does the pitch of a twisted pair affect crosstalk?
In general a higher pitch provides more protection. Parallel pairs, like those in the same cable, should use a slightly different pitch from each other so their twists don’t line up.
What’s special about plenum-grade cable?
It uses fire-retardant insulating materials that won’t produce toxic smoke, so it’s safe for use in a ventilation system.
You’re replacing all the wiring in your office. What twisted-pair standards would you consider, balancing performance and cost?
Answers may vary. Cat3 cable today should only be used for voice telephone lines. Cat5e is the cheapest option suitable for high speed networks, but Cat6 supports faster standards. For 10 Gigabit Ethernet over long distances, you need Cat6a.
What’s the fastest Ethernet standard supported by your NIC?
Answers may vary, but most new PCs support 1000BASE-T
Name the colour order for a T-568A Cable
Green Stripe, Green, Orange Stripe, Blue, Blue Stripe, Orange, Brown Stripe, Brown
Name the colour order for a T-568B Cable
Orange Stripe, Orange, Green Stripe, Blue, Blue Stripe, Green, Brown Stripe, Brown
Termination tool - Snips
Cuts cables to length.
Termination tool - Wire stripper
Cuts the jacket from the cable.
Termination tool - Crimper
Clamps a modular jack onto the wire ends of a cable.
Termination tool - Punch down tool
Places wires on punch down blocks. It uses a spring-loaded blade to push the wire in place, pierce the insulation, and cut excess length in a single motion.