Difference between solid & flexible utp + 1000Mbps on UTP cat5e

[Stoemp]

Can anyone give me the exact difference between solid and flexible UTP. I can't find a satisfying answer when I search the internet.

Another rising question here is is you can use cat5e utp cable for gigabit networking. Do I need special precautions or are there some limitations on when I can use this?

Thanks a lot,
Stoemp

 

[jimbopalmer]

There is greater attinuation of signal in the flexable cable the rule i hear is 10 meters of lex max tehn 80 meters of solid max then 10 meters of flex max to make the 100 meter limitation I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.

 

[daronwilson]

Yup, basically the stranded cable has a much higher attenuation and is only used for patch cables. Depending on the configuration of the network, if you use some of the modular furniture MUTOA wiring techniques, you can have a patchcable up to 76 feet (or something very close to that). However, in a standard horizontal cabling situation you would be allowed a 90 meter installed cable, leaving you 10 meters (about 33 feet) of patch cable. You can divide that up between workstation and patch cable, but there are some minimum and maximum lengths for that as well. Can't remember it right off the top of my head, I'll see if I can find it.

As for Cat5e for gigabit, that should do you well if installed correctly. Basically the installation rules and techniques have been around for some time, and we have been quite sloppy with them at times because they really didnt matter at 10 mbs, they were more critical at 100 mbs, and even more critical at 1000 Mbs.

Good Luck! It is only my opinion, based on my experience and education...I am always willing to learn, educate me!
Daron J. Wilson, RCDD
daron.wilson@lhmorris.com