. Cat 5 or Category 5 are the network cables used to connect computers to share data.
. Uses 5th generation of twisted pair Ethernet technology.
. Cat 5 handle upto 10 Mbps of data transfer.
. It is enhanced to Cat 5E cable which is cable to transfer data 10 times faster.
. It is enhanced to Cat 5E cable which is cable to transfer data 10 times faster.
. Cat 5 cable has 4 pairs of wires which means 8 wires.
. Only 2 pairs are actually used for communication, remaining 2 pairs are left over for other purpose.
. One pair is for data transmission and the other one for the data reception.
Color coding:
. Based on the arrangement of colors of wires in an order, there are two types:
- T568A
- T568B
Connections:
. When we wanted to connect devices together, ports of devices will have different way of receiving and transmitting pins.
. That means a PC has different pin configuration for receiving and Switch will have different pin configuration.
. So, to connect them, their receiving and transmitting pins should be connected clearly for transmission of data.
. Based on the type of device we connect, there are 2 types of connections:
1. Straight through:
. We use this to connect different types of devices like PC-Switch, Switch-Router, PC- Router etc.
. Ends of the cable must be followed either of one type of color coding
2. Cross over:
. We use this to connect same types of devices like PC-PC, Switch-Switch.
. It means one end of wire should be T568A and the other must be T568B.