49
Chapter 4:
Understanding Network Cabling
not much affected by electrical interference (even without the shield). Both Ethernet
and Token Ring networks use twisted-pair cabling. Note that different Ethernet types
require different cables, and some higher-speed standards require STP.
When a new twisted-pair network is installed, a number of wiring components
form the complete run from the workstation to the hub. As shown in Figure 4-7, the
cabling starts at the hub, where a patch cable (usually 6 to 10 feet long, or 2 to 3 meters)
connects a port on the hub to a patch panel, using RJ-45 connectors on each end. On the
other side of the patch panel, the twisted-pair cable is hard-wired to the patch panel
connection, and then runs continuously to a wall jack (in an office, for instance) to
which it is also hard-wired. The wall jack contains an RJ-45 connector on its other side,
to which another patch cable connects, and then connects to the computer's network
interface card (NIC). The distance from the connector on the hub to the connector on
the computer's NIC cannot exceed 100 meters (328 feet) of cable length.
Anywhere twisted-pair cabling isn't hard-wired, it uses RJ-45 modular connectors.
These are just like the modular connectors you see on telephones, but they are larger
and can accommodate up to eight wires. 10Base-T and 100Base-T use four of those wires
(two pairs: one for transmit and one for receive). 1000Base-T uses eight of those wires.
Figure 4-7.
A typical twisted-pair network wiring arrangement
Summary :
As shown in Figure 4-7, the cabling starts at the hub, where a patch cable (usually 6 to 10 feet long, or 2 to 3 meters) connects a port on the hub to a patch panel, using RJ-45 connectors on each end.
Tags :
patch,twistedpair,hub,network,cable,cabling,hardwired,connects,connectors,wires,rj45,connector,panel