ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-B Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard

Table of Contents

ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.1 COMMERCIAL BUILDING

TELECOMMUNICATIONS CABLING STANDARD
General Requirements

ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2 100 OHM TWISTED PAIR CABLING

STANDARDS
Backbone
Connecting Hardware
Cords and Jumpers
Horizontal
Stranded

ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.3 OPTICAL FIBER STANDARDS

Optical Fiber Cabling Components

Addendums
ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.1-1 Patch Cord Bend Radius
ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.1-2 Grounding & Bonding
ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.1-3 Supportable Distances for Optical Fiber
ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.1-4 Recognition of Category 6 & 850 Laser
Optimized 50/125µm Multimode Optical Fiber
Cabling
ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2-1 Category 6
ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2-2 Revisions to TIA/EIA-568-B.2
ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2-3 Additional Considerations for Insertion Loss
and Return Loss Pass/Fail Determination
ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2-4 Solderless Connection
Reliability Requirements for Copper Connecting
Hardware
ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2-5 Corrections to TIA/EIA-568-B.2-5
ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.3-1 Additional Specifications for 50/125µm Fiber
Optic Cables

Transmission Parameter Charts

Category 3 Cabling, Connecting Hardware, Permanent Link and
Channel
Category 5e Cabling and Connecting Hardware
Category 5e Cords
Category 5e Permanent Link and Channel
Category 6 Cable
Category 6 Connecting Hardware
Category 6 Delay Skew
Category 6 Patch Cord
Category 6 Permanent Link
Category 6 Channel

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ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.1
Commercial Building Telecommunications
Cabling Standard
General Requirements

HORIZONTAL CABLING
The definition of horizontal cabling is that portion of the cabling system that extends
from the work area outlet, through the cabling in the wall/ceiling/floor and then to the
patch panel in the telecommunications room. The system also includes the patch
cords at the work area outlet, and patch cords in the telecommunications room. When
provisioning for the horizontal cabling system the designer should also consider voice,
fire/safety, video, HVAC and EMS.
A good design should be aimed at minimizing relocations and maintenance of the
horizontal system as it is much more costly to do it later.
Topology
Horizontal cabling will be installed in a star topology, with each work area outlet being
connected via the horizontal cable to the horizontal cross connect in the
telecommunications room. Each floor should have its own telecommunications closet,
sized as per ANSI/TIA/EIA 569.
Any devices required such as baluns and impedance matching devices should not be
installed in the horizontal system, but rather, kept external to the telecommunications
outlet. This will facilitate network changes.
Only one transition point or consolidation point between the horizontal cross connect
and the telecommunications outlet shall be allowed, and bridged taps and splices are
not allowed in the copper horizontal.
Cable Length
The maximum distance between the telecommunications outlet and the horizontal
cross connect shall be no more than 90 meters. The maximum length of all patch
cords and jumpers in the telecommunications closet shall be no more than 5 meters,
and the total length of all patch cords both in the telecommunications closet and at
the work area shall be no more than 5 meters.
Recognized Cables
a. 4-pair 100 ohm unshielded twisted pair (UTP) or screened twisted pair (ScTP).
b. two or more multimode optical cables, either 62.5/125 or 50/125
150 ohm shielded twisted pair (STP-A) is a recognized cable type but is not
recommended for new cabling installations.
All jumpers, patch cords, equipment cords shall meet all applicable standards as
specified in ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-B.2 and B.3.
When hybrid and bundled cables are used, each cable type will meet the requirements
for that cable type, and the bundled or hybrid cable will meet the specifications for
bundled cables. Both of the above requirements are located in ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-B.2
and B.3.
Telecommunications Outlets

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Each individual work area shall be serviced with a minimum of two

telecommunications outlets. One will be associated with voice and the other data. One
outlet will be a 4 pair 100 ohm UTP cable rated category 3 or higher. Category 5e is
recommended. The other outlet will be either a 4 pair 100 ohm UTP category 5e, or 2
multimode fibers, either 50/125 or 62.5/125 micron fibers. All connectors must meet
all ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-B.2 and B.3 requirements.
Grounding
The system must be bonded and grounded as per ANSI/TIA/EIA 606.

Backbone Cabling
General
Backbone cabling provides interconnections between telecommunications rooms,
equipment rooms, and entrance facilities. It consists of the cabling, copper and/or
fiber, the terminations, patch cords, jumper cords, intermediate and main cross
connects.
Backbone cabling is expected to serve the needs of the user for 3-10 years based on
current and future needs.
Topology
The backbone cabling will be laid out in a hierarchical star so that each horizontal
cross connect is connected to the main cross connect or to an intermediate cross
connect and then to a main cross connect. There can be no more than two
hierarchical levels of cross connects in the backbone. No more than one cross connect
shall be passed through between the horizontal cross connect and the main cross
connect. This means that between any two horizontal cross connects, the signal must
pass through 3 or fewer cross connect facilities.
Recognized Cables
The following cables are recognized in the backbone and may be used on their own,
or in combination.
a. 100 ohm twisted pair cable
b. either 50/125 micron or 62.5/125 micron multimode fiber.
c. Singlemode fiber.
All patch cords, jumpers, connecting hardware must meet ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.2 and
B.3.
Backbone Cabling Distances
The distances in the table below are inclusive of cable, patch cords, jumpers and
equipment cable.

Maximum Backbone Distance

Intermediate to
Main to Horizontal Main to Intermediate
Media Type Horizontal Cross
Cross Connect Cross Connect
Connect

Copper
800 m (2,624 ft) 500 m (1640 ft) 300 m (984 ft)
(Voice)

Multimode
2000 m (6560 ft) 1700 m (5575 ft) 300 m (984 ft)
Fiber

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Singlemode
3000 m (9840 ft) 2700 m (8855 ft) 300 m (984 ft)
Fiber

Jumper and Patch Panel Lengths

Main cross connect jumper and patch cords should not exceed 20 meters.
Intermediate cross connect jumper and patch cords should not exceed 20 meters.
Equipment jumpers should not exceed 30 meters.
Grounding and Bonding
Grounding and bonding practices as per ANSI/TIA/EIA 607 should be followed.

Work Area
General
The work area components are those that extend from the work area outlet to the
telecommunications device(s).
100-Ohm Balanced Twisted-Pair Telecommunications Outlet/Connector
Each 4 pair cable shall be terminated on an 8 position modular jack, and all UTP and
ScTP telecommunications outlets shall meet the requirements of IEC 60603-7, as well
as ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-B.2 and the terminal marking and mounting requirements of
ANSI/TIA/EIA-570-A.
There are two recognized pin out assignments, T568A and T568B.

Optical Fiber Telecommunications Outlet

Horizontal fiber shall be terminated in a duplex outlet meeting ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-B.3.
The 568SC was specified in ANSI/TIA/EIA 568A-A and is still recommended. As well
other connectors such as some small form factor connectors may be used.
Work Area Cords
The maximum length of a work area patch cord is 5 meters. Generally, the patch cord
will have similar connectors on each end. If additional devices are required, such as
adapters, they will not be part of the horizontal cabling system, but rather be
connected via the patch cord.
Open Office Cabling
The open office cabling recognizes that some offices are faced with regular
reconfigurations and require a more flexible cabling system to facilitate these
changes.
Multi-user Telecommunications Outlet-MUTOA
The MUTOA is used where there are frequent changes in office layout. The MUTOA
allows the horizontal cable to remain undisturbed while allowing office

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rearrangements. The work area cables originating from the MUTOA are connected
directly to the station equipment without the use of any additional connections.
The MUTOA:
1. Should be located in an area so that each furniture cluster is served by at least 1
MUTOA.
2. Should serve a maximum of 12 work areas.
3. Will have a maximum work area cable length.
4. Shall be attached to a permanent part of the building
5. Shall not be located in the ceiling or furniture, unless that part of the furniture is
permanently affixed to the building.
Administration
The MUTOA is are administered as in ANSI/TIA/EIA-606. The work area cables
connecting a MUTOA to a device are to be assigned a unique identifier and the cable
shall be labelled at both ends. The outlet end shall identify the work area it serves
and the work area end shall identify which MUTOA it is connected to, and what port
on the MUTOA.
When a MUTOA is used the horizontal cable maximum length will be affected, based
on the length of the work area cord. The maximum length of the work area cord is 22
meters. For purposes of calculating the horizontal cable and the work area cord, the
formula is:
C = (102 - H)/(1 = D)
Where:
C = maximum combined length of the work area cable, equipment cable and patch
cord
H = the length of the horizontal cable (H + C < 100)
D = the derating factor for the patch cord type. (.2 for 24AWG UTP and ScTP, and .5
for 26 AWG ScTP)
There is a second formula for calculations which is not shown here.

Maximum Work Area Cable Length

Length of Horizontal Maximum Length of Maximum Combined Length

Cable Work Area Cable of All Patch and Equipment
Cords

Meters (Ft) Meters (Ft) Meters (Ft)

90 (295) 5 (16) 10 (33)

85 (279) 9 (30) 14 (46)

80 (262) 13 (44) 18 (59)

75 (246) 17 (57) 22 (72)

70 (230) 22 (72) 27 (89)

For fiber optic cables, a reduction of the total 100 meters is not required.
Consolidation Point

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A consolidation point is an interconnection point within the horizontal cabling using

compliant connecting hardware. It requires an additional connection point
(telecommunications outlet). Cross connects cannot be used at a CP and no more
than 1 CP is permitted in a horizontal run, nor can a CP and transition point be used
in the same horizontal run. The CP should be located a minimum of 15 meters from
the telecommunications room to reduce the effects of NEXT and return loss.
The CP should be located in a fully accessible and permanent location.
Administration of the CP should follow ANSI/TIA/EIA 606.

Telecommunications Rooms
General
Consult ANSI/TIA/EIA 569 for design and provisioning requirements for
telecommunication rooms.
The telecommunications room may contain horizontal cable, backbone cable and their
connecting hardware, intermediate cross connect or main cross connect for portions
of the backbone system. The TR also provides environmental control for the
telecommunications equipment and splice closures as they relate to the building.
Cross Connection and Interconnection
All connections between horizontal cabling and backbone cables shall be cross
connects. All connecting hardware and cables shall meet the requirements of
ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-B.2 and B.3.
An interconnection will connect the connecting hardware of the horizontal cable (patch
panel) to the telecommunications equipment (eg: hub).
A cross connect will have the connecting hardware of the horizontal system (eg: patch
panel) connected to connecting hardware (patch panel), which is in turn connected to
the common equipment.

Equipment Rooms
Equipment rooms differ from telecommunications rooms in that the ERs generally
contain more complex equipment, but an ER may also be a telecommunications room.
Equipment rooms must conform to ANSI/TIA/EIA 569 requirements.
An equipment room may also contain main cross connects, the intermediate cross
connect used in the backbone hierarchy.
The ER may also act as a telecommunications room and house the horizontal
terminations, telephone provider terminations, premise network terminations and
other miscellaneous terminations.

Entrance Facilities (EF)

General
The entrance facilities serve as the entrance point for the outside plant cable from a
variety of sources such as the telephone company, private network cables and other
access providers. It also houses network protection devices, and may act as the
demarcation point for the regulated access provider.
The EF must conform to ANSI/TIA/EIA-569 requirements.

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Functions
Network Demarcation
The EF may be the demarcation (termination point) for the regulated access
provider(s) and private network providers(s). Local regulations will determine where
the demarcation point will be.
Electrical Protection
Interbuilding cables and antennas may require devices to protect from power surges.
The designer/installer should consult the local access provider to determine local
practices and requirements.
Grounding and bonding should be completed as per ANSI/TIA/EIA 607.
Connections
The EF contains the connections and transition points between the cables designated
for outdoor use and cables designated for indoor use.

Cabling Installation Requirements

Cable Placement
Cable should be placed in such a manner as to minimize stress caused by suspending
the cable and cinching the cable too tight. If cable ties are used, they should be
cinched loosely to prevent deforming the cable sheath.

Balanced 100-Ohm Twisted Pair Cabling (UTP and ScTP)

Minimum Bend Radius

Cable Type Bend Radius

4 Pair UTP 4 X cable diameter

4 Pair ScTP 8 X cable diameter

Backbone 10 X cable diameter

Patch Cords Under Review

Maximum Pulling Tension

For 4 pair UTP it is 110 N (25 lbf). For multipair, consult the manufacturers
specifications.
Connecting Hardware Termination
Cables should be terminated with connectors of the same category. Connecting cable
and components of the same category is not enough to ensure performance. Other
factors such a proximity to power cords, termination practices and cable management
are jus some of the factors that may affect performance.
In a system with multiple category components, the system shall be rated as that of
the lowest performing component.
Only strip back as much jacket as required to properly terminate the cable on the
connector. With Category 5e and higher systems the individual pairs should not be

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untwisted more that ½". Category 3 systems the pair twists shall be maintained to
within 3" of the terminations.
Patch Cords
Patch cords should be of the same category as the link, and should not be field
terminated. Jumper cords should not be made by removing a jacket from a previously
jacketed cable.

100-Ohm ScTP Grounding

The drain wire on ScTP cable shall be bonded as per ANSI/TIA/EIA 607.

Optical Fiber Cable

Minimum Bend Radius and Maximum Pulling Tension

No Load Condition* Maximum Load*

Intrabuilding 2 or 4 Fiber 25mm 50mm

Intrabuilding Backbone 10 X OD 15 X OD

Interbuilding Backbone 10 X OD 20 X OD

Note: The maximums are noted here in the abscence of any manufacturers
specifications.
Connecting Hardware and Polarity
Optical fiber shall be installed with odd numbered fibers having Position A at one end
and Position B at the other. Even numbered fibers will have position A and B reversed
from the odd numbered fibers. When using the 568SC connector or other duplex
connectors, the above polarity must be maintained.
Patch Cords
Patch cords shall consist of 2 fiber cables of the same fiber type as the system with
connectors at both ends, and shall be positioned A and B as in the connecting
hardware section above, with patch cord A connected to position B on the connecting
hardware, and vice versa for the B position on the patch cord.

Cabling Transmission Performance and Test Requirements

100 Ohm Twisted Pair
General
System performance is directly related to not only the performance of the individual
components, but also the cable installation practices and the number of connectors in
the system.
TSB 67 is now found in annex D of the original documentation.
Channel and Permanent Link Definitions
The Channel is defined as the 90 meters of horizontal cable, the telecommunications
connector and patch cord in the work area as well as 2 connectors and a maximum of
2 patch/equipment cords in the telecommunications room. The maximum allowable
length of patch cords and equipment cords is 10 meters. Also included in the channel
is an optional transition or consolidation point.

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The Permanent Link is defined as a maximum of 90 meters of horizontal cable, an

optional transition or consolidation point and one connection on each end. The
Permanent Link does not include the instrument cords or connectors on the field test
equipment.
Test Parameters
The primary tests are:
Wire Map
Length
Insertion Loss
Near End Cross Talk (NEXT)
Power Sum Near End Cross Talk (PSNEXT)
Equal Level Far End Cross Talk (ELFEXT)
Power Sum Equal Level Far End Crosstalk (PSELFEXT)
Return Loss
Propagation Delay
Delay Skew

Wire Map
Checks for proper pin to pin termination, and for each of the 8 conductors the wire
map checks for:
Continuity to the far end
Shorts between any two or more conductors
Reversed Pairs
Split Pairs
Transposed Pairs
Any other miswiring
Length
The physical length of the cable is the actual length derived by measurement of the
cable(s) between the two end points. The electrical length is the length derived from
the propagation delay of the signal and depends on the construction of the cable.
The maximum physical length of the horizontal cable (permanent link) one end of the
cable to the other is 90 meters. The maximum length of the channel model is 100
meters.
Insertion Loss
Insertion loss is the loss derived from inserting a device into a transmission line. The
insertion loss for both the permanent link and the channel models are the total
insertion losses of all the components.
Pair to Pair NEXT Loss
Pair to pair NEXT loss is the measurement of signal coupling from one pair to another.
The result is based on the worst pair to pair measurement.
Power Sum NEXT (PSNEXT) Loss
Power sum NEXT takes into account the statistical crosstalk between all pairs while
energized. This is a calculated amount derived by adding up the crosstalk results
between all pair combinations.
Pair to Pair FEXT and ELFEXT Loss
FEXT is the unwanted coupling of a signal induced by a transmitter at the near end,
measured on the disturbed pair at the far end. ELFEXT is the same measurement of
FEXT, less the effect of attenuation.

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Power Sum FEXT and Power Sum ELFEXT

As in Power Sum NEXT, these are computed values based on the sum of all the
possible pair combinations under the respective tests.
Return Loss
Return loss is the value of energy reflected by impedance variations when devices are
inserted into the cabling system.
Propagation Delay
Is the time it takes the signal to travel from one end of the cable/system to the other.
The maximum channel propagation delay is 555ns (nanoseconds) and for the link it is
498 ns, both measured at 10Mhz.
Delay Skew
Delay skew is the signalling delay difference in time (nanoseconds) between the
fastest pair and the slowest pair. The maximum channel delay skew is 50 ns, and in
the permanent link it is 44 ns.

Optical Fiber Transmission Performance and Test Measurements

Link Segment
An optical fiber link includes the connectors, splices (if required) and the passive
cabling between two optical fiber connecting hardware termination points. There are 3
backbone link segments:

MC to IC
MC to HC
IC to HC
Link Segment Performance and Measurement
The most important field test in fiber optic systems is link attenuation. The horizontal
link segments should be tested in one direction at either 850 nm (nanometers) or
1300 nm. The result shall be less than 2.0 dB. In an open office with a consolidation
point, the resulting test shall be less than 2.75 dB, or if using a MUTOA, the result
shall be less than 2.0 dB.
Backbone Link Measurement
The backbone shall be tested in at least one direction at both 850 and 1300
(multimode). For singlemode, the links should be tested at 1310 nm and 1550 nm.
Because of the possibility of splice points etc, the link attenuation equation should be
used to compute the loss value.
The equation is:
Link Attenuation = Cable Attenuation + Connector Insertion Loss + Splice Insertion
Loss
Note: All calculations, equations, and reference test parameters can be found
in the original documentation, available through TIA.

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ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-B.2
Commercial Building Telecommunications
Cabling Standard
Part 2 – Balanced Twisted Pair Cabling
Components

BACKBONE CABLE
Multipair cables are defined as cables having more than 4 pairs of 22 AWG to 24 AWG
solid conductors with a thermoplastic insulating cover. The conductors are assembled
into binder groups of 25 pairs that adhere to the standard industry color code
(ANSI/ICEA S-80-576). The individual pairs will be twisted in a manner that will
ensure the performance characteristics meet the transmission requirement of this
Standard. The entire assembly shall be covered by a continuous thermoplastic jacket.
Core Assembly

For cables of more than 25 pairs, the cable will be assembled in groups of 25 pairs,
and each group will be identified by a colored binder as per ANSI/ICEA S-80 576.

Core Wrap

Where applicable, the core may be covered with one or more layers of dielectric.

Core Shield

When a core shield is present, the DC resistance of the core shield shall not exceed a
specific value, calculated by an equation available in the original standards documents
under Section 4.4.5.

Transmission

All measurements are in accordance with ASTM D 4566, corrected to, or tested at
20°C.

DC Resistance < 9.38 ohms/100 mtrs

DC Resistance Unbalance < 5%

Mutual Capacitance < 6.6 nF/100 mtrs (Cat 3)

< 5.6 nF/100 mtrs (Cat 5e)

Capacitance Unbalance < 330 pF/100 mtrs

Characteristic Impedance and Structural Return Loss

Category 3 horizontal cables shall have a Characteristic Impedance of 100 ohms ±

15%. Structural return loss (SRL)is dependent on input impedance, frequency and
cable construction. For category 3 cables the SRL for the worst pair is calculated:

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Frequency (MHz) Category 3 (dB)

1< ƒ < 10 12
10 < ƒ < 16 12-10log(ƒ/10)

Return Loss and Insertion Loss

Return Loss and Insertion Loss for backbone cables shall meet the same requirements
as for that of horizontal cable.

NEXT Loss

Next loss in mulitpair cables asses the impact of NEXT on not only adjacent pairs, but
also adjacent groups. In a 25 pair cable the groups are made up as follows:

Group Pairs

1 1-4

2 5-8

3 9-12

4 13-16

5 17-20

6 21-24

The 25th pair in any binder group will meet all the transmission parameters when
used in a 4 pair group.

Category 5e Backbone NEXT Loss @ 20°C ± 3° C (100 mtrs)

Frequency Cat 5e (within 4-pair Cat 5e(25th to all other

group) dB pairs) dB

.772 67.0 67.0

1.0 65.3 65.3

4.0 56.3 56.3

8.0 51.8 51.8

10.0 50.3 50.3

16.0 47.2 47.2

20.0 45.8 45.8

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25.0 44.3 44.3

31.25 42.9 42.9

62.5 38.4 38.4

100 35.3 35.3

PSNEXT Loss

PSNEXT is the combined NEXT from all disturber pairs operating at the same time. It
is a statistical value in accordance with ASTM D4566 calculations. PSNEXT is specified
for backbone Category 3 cables.

The equation for calculating PSNEXT Cat 5e backone cable is:

PSNEXTcable>32.3-15log(ƒ/100) dB

For Cat 3 cable it is:

PSNEXTcable>23-15log(ƒ/16) dB

Backbone Cable PSNEXT Loss @ 20°C ± 3° C (100 meters)

Frequency Category 3 (dB) Category 5e (dB)

.772 43 64

1.0 41 62.3

4.0 32 53.3

8.0 28 48.8

10.0 26 47.3

16.0 23 44.2

20.0 42.8

25.0 41.3

31.25 39.9

62.5 35.4

100 32.3

PSELFEXT

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Power Sum ELFEXT is the stastistical calculation of the sum of all far end disturbers on
the near end pair. PSELFEXT is calculated in accordance with ASTM D4566.

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Category 5e Backbone Cable PSELFEXT @ 20° C ± 3° C

Frequency (MHz) Category 5e (dB)

1.0 60.8

4.0 48.8

8.0 42.7

10.0 40.8

16.0 36.7

20.0 34.8

25.0 32.8

31.25 30.9

62.5 24.9

100 20.8

Propagation Delay and Delay Skew

Propagation delay in backbone cables shall meet the requirements of propagation

delay in horizontal cables. Similarly, delay skew in all sequential 4 pair groups, eg:
pairs 1-4, shall meet the same requirements as horizontal cable delay skew.

Dielectric Strength

The insulation between each conductor shall be capable of withstanding a minimum

DC potential of 5kV for 3 seconds.

HORIZONTAL
Recognized Categories
Categories 1, 2, 4, and 5 are not recognized as part of the standard and therefore
transmission parameters are not listed.
The only recognized categories are 3,5e and 6. Category 6 was ratified mid 2002, and
the specifications for it can be found in Addendum 1.
Horizontal Cable
The cable shall be 4 twisted pairs of 22-24 AWG solid conductors with a thermoplastic
jacket, and shall meet the requirements of ANSI/ICEA S-80-576 where applicable to 4
pair inside wiring. Bundled and hybrid cables are allowed provided that each cable
type is recognized by ANSI/TIA/EIA-568-B.1, as well as Annex M of this standard.
Hybrid cables must also have better than 3 dB PSNEXT value when compared to the
pair to pair NEXT value for any disturbed pair within the cable, and all pairs external
to the cable but contained within the bundle.

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Construction

Conductor Diameter(Max) 1.22 mm (.048")

Cable Diameter (Max) 6.35 mm (.25")

Breaking Strength 400 N (90 lbf)

Bending Radius 25.4 mm (1")

Color Codes

Conductor Identification
Color Code Abbreviation
(T568A Wiring)

Pair 1 White-Blue (W-BL)

Blue (BL)

Pair 2 White-Orange (W-O)

Orange (O)

Pair 3 White-Green (W-G)

Green (G)

Pair 4 White-Brown (W-BR)

Brown BR

Transmission
The following performance characteristics have been measured in accordance with
ASTM D 4566, and measured at, or corrected to 20°C.

DC Resistance < 9.38 ohms/100 mtrs

DC Resistance Unbalance < 5%

Mutual Capacitance < 6.6 nF/100 mtrs (Cat 3)

< 5.6 nF/100 mtrs (Cat 5e)

Capacitance Unbalance < 330 pF/100 mtrs

Characteristic Impedance and Structural Return Loss

Category 3 horizontal cables shall have a Characteristic Impedance of 100 ohms ±

15%. Structural return loss (SRL) is dependent on input impedance, frequency and
cable construction. For category 3 cables the SRL for the worst pair is calculated:

Frequency (MHz) Category 3 (dB)

1< ƒ < 10 12
10 < ƒ < 16 12-10log(ƒ/10)

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Return Loss
Return loss is the measurement of the reflected energy caused by impedance
mismatches in the cable and components. This measurement is extremely important
for applications that use full duplex (bi-directional) transmission. Return loss is not
specified for Category 3 cables.

Category 5e Return Loss @ 20°C ± 3°

Frequency (Mhz) Category 5e (dB)

1 < ƒ < 10 20 + 5log(ƒ)

10 < ƒ < 20 25
20 < ƒ < 100 25-7log(ƒ/20)

Insertion Loss

In previous standards, insertion loss was referred to as attenuation. Insertion loss is

the loss of signal strength when a cable is inserted between the transmitter and the
receiver. Insertion loss is measured as per ASTM D 4566 and is shown in dB.
Near End Crosstalk (NEXT) Loss

NEXT is the unwanted coupling of a signal from one pair onto another when a signal is
induced by a transmitter at the near end, and measured in dB.
Power Sum Near End Crosstalk (PSNEXT) Loss

PSNEXT is the combined NEXT from all disturber pairs operating at the same time. It
is a statistical value in accordance with ASTM D4566 calculations. PSNEXT is not
specified for Category 3 cables.

The actual equation for calculating PSNEXT is:

PSNEXTcable>32.3-15log(ƒ/100) dB
Equal Level Far End Crosstalk and Power Sum Equal Level Far End Crosstalk
ELFEXT is the measurement of the unwanted coupling of a signal injected at the far
end into adjacent pairs at the near end, expressed in dB as the difference between
the measured FEXT and the insertion loss (attenuation) of the disturbed pair. Power
Sum ELFEXT is the stastistical calculation of the sum of all far end disturbers on the
near end pair.
Propagation Delay and Delay Skew
Propagation delay is the time it takes a signal to travel from one end to the other,
measured in nanoseconds (ns) as per ASTM D 4566. Delay skew is the signal delay
differential in time (ns) from the fastest pair to the slowest pair.

Propagation Delay, Velocity of Propagation & Delay Skew

@ 20° C ± 3° C

Maximum Propagation Minimum Velocity of Maximum Propagation

Frequency
Delay (ns/100 m) Propagation (%) Delay Skew (ns/100m)

1 570 58.5% 45

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10 545 61.1% 45

100 538 62.0% 45

Bundled and Hybrid Cables

Bundled and hybrid cables may be used in a horizontal applicaton provided that each
cable is recognized under ANSI/TIA/EIA 568-B.1, and meets the transmission and
color code standards as laid out by the original standard in Clause 4.
Cables made up of fiber optic and copper conductors are sometimes referred to as
composite cables.

Category 3 Transmission Performance Standards

Cabling Transmission Performance Standards

Frequency-MHz Insertion Loss-dB Insertion Loss-dB NEXT-dB (worst

(Solid Cable) (Stranded Cable) pair to pair)

.772 2.2 2.7 43

1.0 2.6 3.1 41.3

4.0 5.6 6.7 32.3

8.0 8.5 10.2 27.8

10.0 9.7 11.7 26.3

16.0 13.1 15.7 23.2

Connecting Hardware Transmission Performance Standards

Frequency-MHz Insertion Loss-dB NEXT-dB (Worst pair to pair)

1.0 .1 58

4.0 .2 46

8.0 .3 39.9

10.0 .3 38

16.0 .4 33.9

Permanent Link Transmission Performance Standards

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Frequency-MHz Insertion Loss-dB NEXT-dB (worst pair to pair)

1.0 3.5 40.1

4.0 6.2 30.7

8.0 8.9 25.9

10.0 9.9 24.3

16.0 13 21.0

Channel Transmission Performance Standards

Frequency-MHz Insertion Loss-dB Next-dB (worst pair to pair)

1.0 4.2 39.1

4.0 7.3 29.3

8.0 10.2 24.3

10.0 11.5 22.7

16.0 14.9 19.3

Category 5e Transmission Performance Standards

Cabling Transmission Performance Standards

Frequency Insertion Insertion NEXT PS ELFEXT PS Return

(Mhz) Loss Loss (dB) NEXT (dB) ELFEXT Loss
(dB) (dB) (Stranded) (dB) (dB) (dB)
(Solid)

.772 1.8 - 67.0 64.0 - - -

1.0 2.0 2.4 65.3 62.3 63.8 60.8 20

4.0 4.1 4.9 56.3 53.3 51.8 48.8 23

8.0 5.8 6.9 51.8 48.8 45.7 42.7 24.5

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