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The well-known ANSI/TIA 568-B.2 standard for copper cabling components is being updated to the C.2 edition. It will include the technical content of all previous Addendums, including everything from transmission performance specs for four-pair 100Ω Cat 6 cabling to specs for increased diameter four-pair UTP (unshielded twisted pair) and ScTP (screened twisted pair) cables. There is also a plan to include content from TSB 155, Guidance for Field Testing Installed Cabling for 10GBase-T.
Here are some of TIA 568-C.2’s other significant changes: 568-C.2 cable typesSo far, the standard will include the following cable categories for 100Ω balanced twisted-pair cabling and components: TIA 568-C.2 notes that Cat 1, 2, 4 and 5 cabling and components are not recognized as part of the standard, and so their transmission characteristics are not specified. The transmission characteristics of Cat 5 used in legacy cabling installations will be included for information only. 568-C.2 jackThe eight-position modular jack interface will be maintained at the telecom outlet connector in the work area for all cabling categories. 568-C.2 backwards compatibilityWhen different category components are mixed, the combination will meet the transmission requirements of the lowest-performing category (Table 1 shows how mated component performance is backwards compatible). This is where component requirements support interoperability—when products from different manufacturers are mixed and mated. For example, mixing Cat 5e cabling with Cat 6 connecting hardware gives you Cat 5e performance. (Ask yourself this question: If “backwards compatibility” is the ability to connect legacy cables and equipment to new stuff without having to replace all the components in the system, will your old cable be compatible with the newest equipment jacks, or will you need an adapter [if there is one] to help with the conversion?) 568-C.2 horizontal cableHorizontal cable will consist of four balanced twisted-pairs of 22 AWG to 24 AWG thermoplastic insulated solid conductors enclosed by a thermoplastic jacket. 568-C.2 cable diameterThe diameter of the completed cable can now be as large as 0.354 in. (previous UTP categories were 1/4-in. around).However, larger diameter cables might be incompatible with certain modular connecting hardware designs; that is, the termination caps in some modular outlet designs might not accommodate larger diameter cables. When four-pair cables with overall diameters larger than 1/4-in. are used, consider compatibility with connecting hardware.Check it out, if you can What you’re seeing is a comprehensive update of a leading performance standard. TIA aims to have 568-C.2 approved in June 2009. When you can, check out the work being done on the standard and how it’s progressing, as it will include recently researched performance information for Cat 3, Cat 5e, Cat 6 and Cat 6A (100Ω) balanced twisted-pair cabling and components—all in one place. Along with cabling information, you’ll also get requirements for the field test equipment used to verify the performance of installed cabling. Marilyn Michelson (
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) of Business Communication Services writes articles, standards update reports and training materials, and provides industry guidance at www.bcsreports.com. Reprinted with full permission of Network & Cabling Magazine www.networkcablingmag.ca
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