The ANSI/TIA 568 C.2 standard is written by the Telecommunications Industry Association and is meant to eliminate misunderstandings between manufacturers and purchasers, facilitate interchangeability and product improvement and to help a purchaser select the proper product for their needs. This standards document specifically covers 100Ω Category 3, Category 5e, Category 6 and Category 6A twisted–pair cabling and components. The document specifies both mandatory and advisory criteria. The mandatory criteria specify the minimum acceptable requirements that apply to protection, performance, administration and compatibility. The advisory criteria present criteria that will enhance the performance of the cabling system. The document is divided into the following three main sections:
The general section specifies the backward compatibility and interoperability of the cabling. This means that all newer versions cables must meet the requirements of, support the transmissions of and operate in a system with older versions of cable. It is important to note that when older cables or equipment are used in a system with newer cables the performance will be limited to the slowest system component. The general section also specifies the recognized cable categories and their transmission characteristics.
Cable Category | Category 3 | Category 5e | Category 6 | Category 6a |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cable Type | 100Ω balanced twisted–pair | 100Ω balanced twisted–pair | 100Ω balanced twisted–pair | 100Ω balanced twisted–pair |
Transmission Characteristic | 1 to 16 MHz | 1 to 100 MHz | 1 to 250 MHz | 1 to 500 MHz |
This standard no longer recognized the older legacy cabling standards of Category 1, 2, 4 and 5.
This portion of the document defines the physical characteristics and mechanical performance specifications the cable must meet. This section also defines that the performance can only be achieved with the use of compliant components. Each category of cable must consist of four twisted pairs with solid or stranded conductors sized between 22AWG and 24AWG with thermoplastic insulation and an overall thermoplastic jacket with a diameter less than or equal to 9.0mm. This section also states that the cables must meet the mechanical performance requirements, testing and test methods defined below:
This portion of the standard also defines the internal color code of the conductors in the cable.
Additionally, this portion of the standard provides the two standard pinouts, T568A and T568B, for the use of this cable type with eight position modular connectors.
T568A | T568B |
---|---|
Pin — Conductor Color | Pin — Conductor Color |
1 — White–Green | 1 — White–Orange |
2 — Green | 2 — Orange |
3 — White–Orange | 3 — White–Green |
4 — Blue | 4 — Blue |
5 — White–Blue | 5 — White–Blue |
6 — Orange | 6 — Green |
7 — White–Brown | 7 — White–Brown |
8 — Brown | 8 — Brown |
Note: T568B is the more commonly used.
This section covers the performance specifications of the cable and components.
This white paper is for informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. C2G makes no guarantees, either expressed or implied, concerning the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information found in this document.