[276] in Resnet-Forum
Re: Category 5 Cabling Standards
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Michael Palladino)
Thu May 19 10:07:00 1994
Date: Thu, 19 May 94 09:02:47 -0400
To: goetz@reed.edu (Norman Goetz)
From: map@pobox.upenn.edu (Michael Palladino)
Cc: resnet-forum@MIT.EDU
I would recommend that anyone seriously interested in the EIA/TIA standards
purchase the 568, 569, 570, etc. documents from Global Professional
Publications at 1-800-624-3974. The two inch, three ring binder of
materials is about $300 and is well worth the money.
Since not all wiring contractors are familiar with CAT 5 installations and
CAT 5 100 Mbps testing, we pre-qualified wiring contractors before we even
allowed them to bid on our installation.
We are using the 110 AT&T closet hardware. We are using Berk-Tek CAT 5
cable for data and voice pulls. We are using Siemons Cat 5 faceplates at
the user end. The reason that we selected Berk-Tek cable is that Berk-Tek
is certifying wiring contractors with their cable. After a company
completes the Berk-Tek program, Berk-Tek gives the customer a 15 warranty
on the cable and certifies it for ATM(155 Mbps).
I totally agree that one does not want to replace the cable and not want to
"tear up the closet". However, for the few extra dollars now, I would
always install the CAT 5 faceplates with the initial installation. I say
this for several reasons: 1) The labor to upgrade them later will be five
times the cost of the CAT 5 now. 2) It may be difficult to even get to the
faceplate after people put furniture in front of them. 3) You will have to
test the CAT 5 jacks again, thereby doubling the testing costs. 4) If you
us CAT 3 jacks(10 Mbps) initially, you will not be able to get the benefit
of testing the cable at 100 Mbps.
Michael Palladino
Manager, Projects & Planning
University of Pennsylvania
