Difference between revisions of "Twisted pair cable"
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'''Twisted Pair cable''' is used in [[telecommunications]] for a variety of purposes. It has also evolved a great deal to improve performance. Twisted pair wiring standards are specified by the ANSI/EIA standard 568. This kind of cabling is probably best recognized for its role in modern [[Ethernet]] networks. | '''Twisted Pair cable''' is used in [[telecommunications]] for a variety of purposes. It has also evolved a great deal to improve performance. Twisted pair wiring standards are specified by the ANSI/EIA standard 568. This kind of cabling is probably best recognized for its role in modern [[Ethernet]] networks. | ||
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| + | ==Purpose== | ||
| + | Any unprotected wire will tend to pick up electronic interference. This interference comes from radio transmitters, but also from everyday electronic devices. Even worse, communications traveling along other nearby wires (which to some extent act as transmitters) can be picked up on separate, insulated lines resulting in crosstalk. This interference is picked up by single strand of wire, and can be disruptive to the device it is connected to. In order to counter this problem, this kind of wire was created such that the two insulated wires are twisted together. Then several of these pairs are bundled together (typically four pairs) and covered with a plastic sheath to form standard, Unshielded Twisted Pair wire. To further protect from interference, this twisted pair bundle is sometimes wrapped in a wire mesh sleeve before it is covered with plastic. This forms what is known as Shielded Twisted Pair.<ref>https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/t/twispair.htm</ref> In most cases, unshielded twisted pair is sufficient, and can be used to carry communications over 100 feet.<ref>http://searchdatacenter.techtarget.com/definition/twisted-pair</ref><ref>https://www.techwalla.com/articles/best-wireless-gaming-headsets-of-2016</ref> | ||
==Categories== | ==Categories== | ||
Revision as of 03:49, February 23, 2018
Twisted Pair cable is used in telecommunications for a variety of purposes. It has also evolved a great deal to improve performance. Twisted pair wiring standards are specified by the ANSI/EIA standard 568. This kind of cabling is probably best recognized for its role in modern Ethernet networks.
Purpose
Any unprotected wire will tend to pick up electronic interference. This interference comes from radio transmitters, but also from everyday electronic devices. Even worse, communications traveling along other nearby wires (which to some extent act as transmitters) can be picked up on separate, insulated lines resulting in crosstalk. This interference is picked up by single strand of wire, and can be disruptive to the device it is connected to. In order to counter this problem, this kind of wire was created such that the two insulated wires are twisted together. Then several of these pairs are bundled together (typically four pairs) and covered with a plastic sheath to form standard, Unshielded Twisted Pair wire. To further protect from interference, this twisted pair bundle is sometimes wrapped in a wire mesh sleeve before it is covered with plastic. This forms what is known as Shielded Twisted Pair.[1] In most cases, unshielded twisted pair is sufficient, and can be used to carry communications over 100 feet.[2][3]
Categories
| Category[4] | Max Date Rate[4] | Purpose[4] |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1Mb/s | Voice communication |
| 2 | 4Mb/s | 4 Mbps token ring |
| 3 | 16Mb/s | 10BaseT Ethernet |
| 4 | 20Mb/s | 16 Mbps token ring |
| 5 | 100Mb/s (two pairs) | 100BaseT Ethernet |
| 5 | 1,000Mb/s (four pairs) | Gigabit Ethernet |
| 5e | 1,000Mb/s(two pairs) | Gigabit Ethernet |
| 6 | 1,000Mb/s (two pairs) | Gigabit Ethernet |
| 6a | 10,000 Mb/s | 10 gigabit |
| 7 | 10,000 Mb/s | 10 gigabit |
Networking
Modern networks typically use at least category 5e or above. Category 5 is also sometimes used, but offers slower service. To offer better service with upgrade capabilities, many networks are now composed of categories 6 or 6a.
When data is moving from one point to another through a network, the transfer can only be performed as quickly as the slowest choke point. For this reason, it is important to maintain consistent cabling throughout a network for optimal efficiency. A single category 5 cable in the wrong place will slow an entire 6a network to category 5 speed.