Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
TABLE 4.1
Common Applications for EIA/TIA-568-C Category 3, 5e, 6, AC6, and 7 Facilities
Category 3
Category 5e
Category 6
Category 7
1.5 Mbps IBM 3270*
All Category 3
All Category 3
All Category 3
applications
applications
applications
2.5 Mbps Arcnet
25 Mbps ATM
All Category 5e
All Category 5e
applications
applications
4.0 Mbps Token-Ring*
52 Mbps ATM
1000BaseTX
All Category 6
applications
10 Mbps 10BaseT
100BaseTX
1244 Mbps ATM
2.5 Gbps ATM
16 Mbps Token-Ring*
100BaseT4
10 Gbps Ethernet
25 Mbps UNI ATM
100 VG AnyLAN
Baseband video and
CATV
52 Mbps UNI ATM
155 Mbps ATM
100BaseT4
622 Mbps ATM
100 VG AnyLAN
1000BaseT(4)
Baseband voice
ISDN Basic Rate Interface
ISDN Primary Rate
T1/E1 carrier (1.544 Mbps)
RS-232D (partial interface)
RS-422
Baseband video*
*Application may require baluns or special interfaces.
cable to each workstation location. However, the shielding between pairs in
Category 7 is so nearly perfect that it may be feasible to bend this rule and allow
diverse applications to share the same cable sheath. On the other hand, there is a
school of thought that holds that total separation of voice and data facilities—down
to separate wiring closets and equipment rooms—is the safest course.
This certainly might make sense if your telephone system and LAN system are
maintained by separate entities. Standard practices for telephone wire installation
are much looser than the strict requirements for a Category 5e/6 (or higher) data
installation. Many LAN managers have had bad experiences when the two types of
installation methods are mixed. However, if all of your cabling is installed and/or
maintained by the same people, you should be able to ensure that Category 5e/6
wiring stays Category 5e/6.
Ensuring the performance to Category 5e/6/AC6/7 standards requires much
more than just Category 5e/6/AC6/7 components. Location, routing, and workman-
ship issues are at least as important. These three issues are difficult to judge because
