Crestron
CAT5 Wiring
Reference
Guide
Crestron CAT5 Wiring
Introduction
Category 5 (CAT5) wiring is a twisted pair cable designed for Ethernet networks.
These networks operate at speeds of up to 100 Megabits per second (Mbps) using the
100baseT standard. Crestron
®
takes advantage of this specification for a variety of
audio and video applications. This document contains basic CAT5 information and
specific wiring connections for Crestron audio and video CAT5 devices.
The term “Category” refers to the classifications of UTP (unshielded twisted pair)
cables. The differences in the classification of the cables are their electrical
performance criteria. ANSI/EIA (American National Standards Institute/Electronic
Industries Association) Standard 568 is one of several standards that specify these
categories of twisted pair cabling systems, which includes wires, junctions, cable
material and connectors, in terms of the data rates that they can sustain. There are
currently three main Categories of cable - Category 3, Category 4, and Category 5.
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Category 3 = Rated to 16 MHz (used for Ethernet 10BaseT)
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Category 4 = Rated to 20 MHz (used for Token-Ring, 10BaseT)
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Category 5 = Rated to 100 MHz (used for 100BaseT, 10BaseT)
Under the 10BaseT/100BaseT (twisted pair) standard, the distance between
connected components cannot exceed 328 feet (100 meters).
In large Ethernet configurations, Crestron recommends the use of a hub or switch for
signal distribution. Generally, in a hub system every device must have a separate
wire returning to a central point.
CAT5 wire is typically four pairs of 24AWG solid copper wires, with each pair
twisted about three times per inch. It can be supplied with or without a foil shield,
and with various outer insulation materials.
CAT5E (enhanced) is essentially the same as CAT5, however it is made to higher
electrical standards.
NOTE:
Special plenum cable is required if you are running the wire in heating
system plenums or in certain commercial settings.
Reference Guide – DOC. 6137A
Crestron CAT5 Wiring
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