Installation Guide for fl Modules 2007-02

ProCurve Switch fl Modules
Specifications
Table 5. Twisted-Pair Cables
Port Type Cable Specifications Maximum Length
10 Mbps Operation Category 3, 4, or 5 100-ohm balanced unshielded 100 meters
twisted-pair (UTP) or shielded twisted-pair (STP)
cable, complying with IEEE 802.3 10Base-T
specifications, fitted with RJ-45 connectors
100 Mbps Operation Category 5 100-ohm balanced UTP or STP cable,
100 meters
complying with IEEE 802.3u 100Base-TX
specifications, fitted with RJ-45 connectors
1000 Mbps Category 5e 100-ohm balanced UTP or STP
100 meters
Operation cable, complying with IEEE 802.3ab 1000Base-T
specifications, fitted with RJ-45 connectors
(please see “Note on 1000Base-T Cable
Requirements” below)
Note on 1000Base-T Twisted-Pair Cable Requirements. The Category
5 networking cables that are used for 100Base-TX connections should also
support 1000Base-T connections. However, for the most robust connections,
you should use cabling that complies with the Category 5e (or better)
specifications, as described in Addendum 5 to the TIA-568-A standard (ANSI/
TIA/EIA-568-A-5).
Because of the increased speed provided by 1000Base-T (Gigabit-T), the
quality of the network cable is more important than for 10Base-T or
100Base-TX connections. Cabling plants being used to carry 1000Base-T
networking must comply with the IEEE 802.3ab standards. In particular, the
cabling must pass tests for Attenuation, Near-End Crosstalk (NEXT), and Far-
End Crosstalk (FEXT). Additionally, unlike the cables for 100Base-TX,
1000Base-T cables must pass tests for Equal-Level Far-End Crosstalk
(ELFEXT), Multiple Disturber ELFEXT, and Return Loss.
When testing your cabling, be sure to include the patch cables that connect
the switch and other end devices to the patch panels on your site. The patch
cables are frequently overlooked when testing cable and they must also
comply with the cabling standards.
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