Ethernet Network Cabling Introduction from OPENXTRA

Types of Cable

A wide range of cabling types have been used to run Ethernet systems. This document deals with copper cabling only, other standards exist for fibre optic cables.

Thick Ethernet

The original 10Mbps Ethernet systems used a thick type of 50 ohm ’co-axial’ cable called 10Base-5, the name indicating a speed of 10Mbps and a maximum segment length of 500 metres. For obvious reasons this cable type is widely known as Thick Ethernet.

Thinnet (Thin Ethernet, Cheapernet)

A thinner version soon became available. Again a 50 ohm ’co-axial’ cable. Technically known as 10Base-2 or RG58, denoting a speed of 10Mbps and a maximum segment length of 200 metres. (In actual fact the maximum length was 185 metres but nobody wanted to call it 10Base1.85!).

Commonly also known as Thinnet, Thin Ethernet, or Cheapernet.

10Base-T

10Mbps Ethernet running over unshielded twisted pair cable similar to telephone cable. Much cheaper, more flexible, easier to install than co-axial cabling. Maximum cable length 100 metres (from network card to device). Often connected as part of a structured cabling system using hubs and switches.

100Base-TX

100Mbps Fast Ethernet over CAT5 unshielded twisted pair cable. Maximum cable length 100 metres (from hub/switch to network card). Uses two pairs of wires.

1000Base-T

Gigabit Ethernet over CAT5 or CAT5e unshielded twisted pair cabling. Maximum cable length 100 metres (from hub/switch to network card). Uses all four pairs of wires.

1000Base-TX

Gigabit Ethernet over CAT6 unshielded twisted pair cabling. Maximum cable length 100 metres (from hub/switch to network card). Uses all four pairs of wires.

See Also