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UTP Cabling

Explain how UTP cable is used in Ethernet networks.

Properties of UTP Cabling

  • UTP has four pairs of color-coded copper wires twisted together and encased in a flexible plastic sheath. No shielding is used. UTP relies on the following properties to limit crosstalk:
    • Cancellation – Each wire in a pair of wires uses opposite polarity. One wire is negative, the other wire is positive. They are twisted together and the magnetic fields effectively cancel each other and outside EMI/RFI.
    • Variation in twists per foot in each wire – Each wire is twisted a different amount, which helps prevent crosstalk amongst the wires in the cable.

UTP Cabling Standards and Connectors

  • Standards for UTP are established by the TIA/EIA. TIA/EIA-568 standardizes elements like:
    • Cable Types
    • Cable Lengths
    • Connectors
    • Cable Termination
    • Testing Methods
  •   Electrical standards for copper cabling are established by the IEEE, which rates cable according to its performance. Examples include:
    • Category 3
    • Category 5 and 5e
    • Category 6

  Connectors

Straight-through and Crossover UTP Cables

 

Cable Type Standard Application
Ethernet Straight-through Both ends T568A or T568B Host to Network Device
Ethernet Crossover One end T568A, other end T568B Host-to-Host, Switch-to-Switch, Router-to-Router
Rollover Cisco Proprietary Host serial port to Router or Switch Console Port, using an adapter

Other related topics

 

Topic Title Topic Objective
Purpose of the Physical Layer Describe the purpose and functions of the physical layer in the network.
Physical Layer Characteristics Describe characteristics of the physical layer.
Copper Cabling Identify the basic characteristics of copper cabling.
UTP Cabling Explain how UTP cable is used in Ethernet networks.
Fiber-Optic Cabling Describe fiber optic cabling and its main advantages over other media.
Wireless Media Connect devices using wired and wireless media.

 

 Other useful information

 

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