28 Feb
2002
28 Feb
'02
6:39 a.m.
On Feb 28, 6:16, Tothwolf wrote:
Cat5 (category 5 rated) cable is more appropriately
called UTP
(unshielded
twisted pair) cable. UTP cable is not shielded, and
for serial
applications, the category rating isn't very important. Keep in mind that
category '5e' cable is much more difficult to work with compared to
category 5/4/3 if you are planning to install RJ45 connectors yourself,
due to molded pairs.
I've only seen one brand of Cat5e with pairs bonded. Almost all the Cat5e
I've worked with is very easy to untwist. "Cat6" is usually bonded,
though.
As far as wire colors go, UTP cable has a standard
color code for the individual pairs, but the pinout varies depending on
the application for the cable.
There are three standards for that, TIA 568A, TIA 568B, and USOC.
--
Pete Peter Turnbull
Network Manager
University of York