CAT 5e and CAT 6 connections

Category 5e and category 6 cables (commonly known as CAT 5e and CAT 6) are two wiring standards recommended for use with CobraNet networks.

Both cable types use a UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) configuration. CAT 5e cables typically use 24–26 AWG wire. CAT 6 cable tends to have slightly more copper in each cable, with standard gauges of 22–24 AWG. The cable is coupled to in-line RJ-45 connectors. As the conductor sizes are generally the same, CAT 6 jacks may also be used with CAT 5e cable. Special crimping tools are required to make the termination; these are widely available, as are the connectors.

Note: A ratcheting type crimping tool is highly recommended. The use of non-ratcheting crimping tools, while occasionally adequate, typically results in considerably higher failure rates for field terminated connections.

There are stranded and solid varieties of CAT 5e and CAT 6 cable. The stranded form is more flexible and withstands more bending without breaking and is suited for reliable connections with insulation piercing connectors, but makes less reliable connections in insulation-displacement connectors (IDCs). The solid form is less expensive and makes reliable connections into insulation displacement connectors, but makes less reliable connections in insulation piercing connectors.

When used for 10/100/1000BASE-T, the maximum allowed length of a CAT 5e or CAT 6 cable is 100 meters or 328 feet. This consists of 90 meters (300 ft) of solid horizontal cabling between the patch panel and the wall jack, plus 10 meters (33 ft) of stranded patch cable between each jack and the attached device. Since stranded cable has higher attenuation than solid cable, exceeding 10 metres of patch cabling will reduce the permissible length of horizontal cable.

Different types of connectors are used with either type of wire. There is a bent tine connector intended for use with solid core wire, and an aligned tine connector for use with stranded cable. The bent tine connector will generally work on stranded wire, but not the other way around.

All cable types must be properly installed and terminated to meet specifications. The cable must not be kinked or bent too tightly (the bend radius should be at least four times the outer diameter of the cable). The wire pairs must not be untwisted and the outer jacket must not be stripped back more than 1/2 inch (1.27 cm).

There are two main standards for termination: T568A and T568B. For more information on the wiring for these standards, see Wikipedia.

Notes:

• A single CAT 5e or CAT6 cable run must not exceed 100 meters.
• Make sure your connector matches your cable type. If you are not sure, use the bent tine variety.
• When terminating CAT 5e or CAT6 cable, it is important that the natural twist of each pair is carried through as close as possible to the point of termination at the connector.
• We recommend that you familiarize yourself with the wiring color schemes so they are second nature to you. An error in the cabling of an Ethernet network is often the primary cause of system errors.
• It is very important that you build the cable with all pairs properly terminated. This will prevent any confusion later, and give your cable a solid mechanical connection.
• The use of pre-made and pre-tested cabling can greatly simplify and expedite installation for wiring within a rack.
• There are two main standards for termination: T568A and T568B. It is important that both ends of a cable are terminated in line with one of these standards and you do not use one standard for one end of the cable and the other for the other end. The cable will not function normally.