Network Data Wiring Basics with Cat5 Cables

Cat 5 cable is a type of data wiring that is used for a wide variety of network applications for the small business or home. The two main types, Cat 5 and Cat 5E, are ideal for voice networks, token ring networks and ATM applications. They are also the popular choice for structured wiring and computer networks. By learning the basics of this wiring you can provide a number of networking solutions for the home or office.

Properties of Cat 5 Cable

The basic properties are the same for both Cat 5 and Cat 5E data wiring. Each type of wiring contains 4 twisted pairs of 24 gauge copper wiring with a different color coding for each pair: Blue, Blue/White, Green, Green/White, Orange, Orange/White, Brown, and Brown/White. The twisted pairs are housed in a PVC (polyvinyl chloride) jacket that is UV rated and usually contains some form of shielding. The use of the 4 twisted pairs, or balanced lines, allows for a high signal-to-noise ratio despite external interference. CAT 5 cable usually has three twists per inch of copper wiring within the cable jacketing. Typically, Cat 5 cable can transmit around 100 Mbit per second which makes them perfect for Ethernet networks.

Plenum rated wiring is fire resistant and is commonly used in commercial applications where fire prevention regulations must be adhered to. To achieve the plenum rating, a fire resistant shield is installed during production underneath the PVC jacketing.

If the wiring runs are in close proximity to electrical wiring or power equipment then the use of a shielded cable is recommended. The shielding helps prevent crosstalk caused by electrical interference.

Limitations of Cat 5 Cable

One of the main drawbacks of Cat 5e data wiring is its inability to transmit data over long distances. Currently, the strength of the signal drops significantly after reaching distances in excess of 300 feet. For locations that are greater than 300 feet from your wire closet you’ll have to use alternative wiring such as coaxial cable or the more costly fiber optic cable. Cat 5 cable will also experience transmission problems if the cable is bent at a radius that is less than 4 times the diameter of the cable. All bends should be gradual, and even short term kinks or knots can do long term damage. Despite this limitation, Cat 5 and Cat 5E data wiring remains the number one choice for small business networks.

Installing Cat 5 Cable

Installing Cat 5 data wiring for your network is easy with the help of additional materials such as wire management systems and termination jacks. There are a multitude of different wire management systems for organizing your cable runs above the ceiling. Cable tray systems are designed primarily for large networks that require hundreds of drops. Individual cable hangers are ideally suited for smaller networks that serve a few dozen drops. Terminating individual drops are accomplished using the industry standard 8P8C modular connectors. These connectors can be used at individual locations are installed in a faceplate that usually contains a voice connection as well. The same connectors are used in the wiring closet patch panel. Cat 5 patch cables connect the individual network drops to the corresponding router port.