ProCurve Switch xl Modules Installation Guide 2004-05

HP ProCurve Switch xl Modules

Specifications

Cables

Twisted-Pair Cables

Note on 1000Base-T Cable Requirements. The Category 5 networking cables that

work for 100Base-TX connections should also work for

1000Base-T, but 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), network cable

quality is more important than for either 10Base-T or 100Base-TX. 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, the 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.

Port Type Cable Specifications Maximum Length

10 Mbps Operation Category 3, 4, or 5 100-ohm balanced unshielded twisted-pair

(UTP) or shielded twisted-pair (STP) cable, complying with

IEEE 802.3 10Base-T specifications, fitted with RJ-45

connectors

100 meters

100 Mbps Operation Category 5 100-ohm balanced UTP or STP cable, complying

with IEEE 802.3u 100Base-TX specifications, fitted with RJ-

45 connectors

100 meters

1000 Mbps Operation Category 5e 100-ohm balanced UTP or STP cable, complying

with IEEE 802.3ab 1000Base-T specifications, fitted with RJ-

45 connectors

(please see “Note on 1000Base-T Cable Requirements”,

below)

100 meters