CABLING & CABLE MANAGEMENT FEATURE
The right patch cable for every application By Thomas Kruse, product manager at Reichelt
Standard Category 6 cables are
designed for frequencies up to 250 MHz. Category 6a models can even be used for up to 500 MHz. However, the highest possible transmission speed decreases in proportion to the length of the cable. This is limited to 100 meters and the range of around 50 meters is increased by using switches in between. They are generally used for all voice and data transmissions as well as for ATM and multimedia networks. Category 6 and Cat 7 cables transmit
data at up to 10 Gbps, ahead of their time. These cables help you stay on the safe side with new installations and the increased data consumption of future devices. Cat 8 cables with 1600 to 2000 MHz are even faster, theoretically reaching a speed of up to 40 Gbps.
D
espite the triumph of wireless radio connections, patch cables have
become indispensable in private home networking, office networking and industrial applications. The ability to flexibly move and segment portions of the network, link rooms and create a structured network environment stand in favour of patch cable use. But not all network cables are the same, therefore different ones are more suitable for certain applications than others. Determining the suitability of a cable
depends a lot on the signal quality that can be provided. There are several factors that can influence signal quality and maximum transmission lengths, for example, if the inner conductors of a cable are made of a poorer quality material than copper. If the network cable is not well shielded, other cables that are routed in parallel can influence the signal quality too.
CABLE TYPES Network cables are divided into patch cables, laying cables and crossover cables according to their type. Patch cables (commonly twisted-pair cables) connect
For
the computer to a hub, switch or router and forms the basis for building a network. Crossover cables, in which two pairs of wires cross, can be used to connect two PCs without an intermediate router or switches. Thicker cables are used when it comes to building a long term network infrastructure, where longer distances are needed with relatively little loss in quality.
PERFORMANCE CATEGORIES Performance classes are essential when assessing which cable is the best for the job. Look out for the categories Cat 1 to 7. While Cat 1 to 4 hardly play a role today, the Cat 5, 6 and sometimes 7 cables are much more common. Cat 5 cables are ideal for structured
network cabling of computers and are suitable for fast or Gigabit Ethernet. It’s hardly surprising that the models in this performance class, which are designed for operating frequencies of 100 MHz, are found in most installations. They enable a transfer rate of up to 1000 Mbps, the maximum transfer rate of the most common network devices in the home.
For All Your able M Cable Managemen ales@nig Managemen nt Needs
sales@niglon.co.uk |
www.niglon..niglon.co.uk glon.
0121 711 1990 uk
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING | NOVEMBER 2018 13
REQUIREMENTS, DISTURBANCE FACTORS AND PERFORMANCE CLASSES Robustness, performance and reliability are fundamental features of high quality patch cables. In addition to the suitable cable type and the corresponding cable category, you should also consider the shielding, the cable length, reliability as well as the suitable plugs and contacts before purchasing. As a rule, use RJ45 connectors for the plug connections, except Cat 7a cables, which require a GG45 connector. As already mentioned, the cable length is limited to 100 meters, but increased damping will shorten the maximum length. The lower the damping, the higher the speed and the transmission quality. In addition, interference factors are largely eliminated through cable shielding. Choosing the right cable for the job is
essential to achieve the signal quality required. Understanding the requirement, performance categories, disturbance factors and classes all contribute to good patch cable management. So, it’s worthwhile comparing and assessing before installing your network.
Reichelt
reichelt.com/de
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