Written by Don Schultz, a great technical advisor, Bismsi Tech, Instc, Instf, Fluke Networks Copper/Fiber CCTT
What does the colors of the Ethernet cable mean? Well, first, we need to understand what we mean by the “Eternet” cable. Are we talking about the cable of the twisted husband category for copper (such as Cat6aWe all know and love? Or, perhaps, we are talking Optical fiber? Optical fibers, cable category, twisted copper, and Cable All are able to transfer Eternet data packages, so Ethernet is a protocol and not specifically the type of cable. Now, in order to be fair, the twisted copper category cable was a purpose designed to carry ethernet packages but can do more. For the purposes of this blog, we will generally refer to the twisted copper category cable as “Ethernet cable” to simplify things. Just keep what has been taken into account.
With the term “Eternet” completely, let’s talk about Eternet color. Specifically, the color of the Ethernet cable is a jacket color. Does the color are concerned when it comes to the twisted copper category cable like Cat5e, Cat6Or cat6a? After all, many different colors are seen. Why would that be? This is what this blog is about! Stay tuned for a complete explanation and draw the Ethernet cable scheme!
Please note that this blog does not take T568a or T568B color symbols. This is a separate topic. For more information about the relevant LAN cable icons, please see T568a opposite T568B: which must be used.
Are the colors of the Ethernet cable?
The color of the cable jacket is not related to the actual performance of the cable, but it may play a role in referring to the application to which the cable is used. So the answer is yes to the organization, but not to performance. The long and short is that the twisted copper category cable (or Coaxial Series 6 For this issue, any number of colors may be and these colors can be used to denote the “SCS” cable structure.
In an organized cable system, the colors of the network cable are often used for:
Enhancing the organization and identifying identity simplifying and reforming errors in certain circumstances, and compliance with the local symbols of elements such as fire alarm circles
Is there a standard that determines the location of the colors and how? Yes. Does the standard still apply if the customer has a specific condition that the colors are different? no.
Organized cable systems (SCS)
It will be useful to clarify some concepts before we completely explain where and when the colors are used in the installation. Facilities can range from simple to complex, and colors can play a major role in maintaining everything organized.
Public organizer cable system scheme
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Below is another example on SCS, to help clarity
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Many of these terms may not be familiar to you, so there are some definitions that may help you imagine the place where the concepts meet with materialism:
The wireless and wireless communication outlets are the actual Cranes You can connect it, as in the office. Horizontal cables are the cables that were dropped (running) remote communication outlets. Horizontal cables radiate outward of the telecommunications rooms (TRS). In a multi -storey building, there will be one or more TRS on the floor, also called “floor distributors”. Horizontal cables are ended to a horizontal connection (HC). Wireless and wireless communication rooms are fed with the spine cable, and the spine cable is usually operated vertically from T to divide TR to be intertwined with horizontal cables (ground). TRS serves up to 10,000 square feet. There may be more than T. per floor! CP, or monotheism, is usually found inside the TE or wireless and wireless connections. TES is located near the work area to be presented, and aims to make additions/changes easier and help in organizing cables. TES serves up to 3600 square feet of office space.
Therefore, the “cross -horizontal connection” is the actual location of the place where the spine cables go to the cables that aim to go to cubes, offices, etc.
If you want to learn more about spine cables, please see What is the difference between the spine and the horizontal cables?
What does the standard say?
The criterion that applies, at least in North America, is the ANSI/TIA-606-D Telecom Infrastructure. Frankly, the vast majority of this standard falls in detailed details about developing the system of identifying and identifying the signs of your infrastructure based on the “separation”. The chapter means “management category” and indicates the literal size of the installation, such as the facilities in one building or even networks at the campus level. The larger the system category, the more signs and documents set.
That’s all that has been said, a little savings are given to the Ethernet colors coding aspect. The specified section that deals with the color is section 10. Adapted directly from the standard, “coding colors and connectors, wires, dye players, finishing fields, stickers, paths, and other components to determine the type, application, function, or location of the infrastructure.”
Then the standard is dived into the colored coding of cross -contact fields, with the inclusion that may match the cables themselves as well.
The termination fields (for example) indicate the point where the spine cables (connected) are transferred with the horizontal cables in TR. This can be seen with perforated wall blocks or a port (or a group of ports) in a Correction. How will this be? Here are some examples:
Color Keystone Jacks (In Keystone Correction Panel Less than tools, for example) Various color blocks down different color stickers on the blocks of the blocks down of the back panel.
Therefore, the blocks of the bottom used in the mutual spine with horizontal cables will literally contain white (or gray) blocks located next to the blue blocks down. The same blocks may not be colored, but the rear panel that is installed may be coated with different colors in different regions, or contains large colored stickers. How can this look in real life?
The colors of the common ethernet cable and their uses
As I noticed undoubtedly, the ethernet cable comes in different colors, not all of them are called by the standard. Therefore, there is a variety. Do you provide Tia-606-D any colorful recommendations? Yes, he does!
If the term “termination type” or “typical use” is confused, please re -read the above section on organized cable systems.
What about other colors such as pink and black? These colors are not called for any use in the standard, but however is available. Some ideas:
This scheme does not specify the codes of the correction cable colors; These can be considered part of the color coding scheme you follow. Ultimately, following the standard with regard to coding colors is purely voluntary and falls in the category of “best practices” in the absence of a contract dictating otherwise.
If you are installing a customer or working under a contract, the customer may determine the colors that must be used and the place of application. Always follow the work statement, if one is provided.
Using cases: Why does the color of cables in the real world are important
Here are some facilities and why will the colors coding components for the cable system will be a very good idea:
Data centers: High -density environments of cables coded in colors clearly benefit. One of the biggest concerns with data centers is the huge number of cross -communications and communications. Error and repair, add, moves, moves, and changes can be great. Crying colors can all associated terminals, corrections, cables, etc., relieve maintenance. Commercial Networks: Separate VLAN networks or user collections using color. Commercial networks can be very complex, and may be logically divided into different virtual networks to serve different user groups or provide different levels of access. To make this more friendly for humans, it is suggested that the coloring of specific outlets and drops to make them can be distinguished. Safety systems: Use yellow for monitoring or alarm communications. Examples include access control key platforms, camera systems, motion sensors, etc. For life -saving emergency systems, such as fire alarms, red color may be needed by code and prohibits any other purpose. Check your local laws before using Red. Home Networks: DIYERS can designate and code for future leakage, but they also have the freedom to use colors as needed to match aesthetic concerns.
Best color coding practices in ethernet
Be consistent with your system completely. The consistency is the color coding key. If you have a pattern you use, it is highly recommended to stick to it. The next time the system needs to be modified (or someone needs yourself to work on it), this will reduce confusion and costly errors. Documenting your color scheme on the site (charts, correction panels). When the color symbol scheme is settled, it is important to document it and make permanent charts to connect it to the rear panels or shelves. This is part of the properly organized cable system documentation and the importance of documents cannot be exaggerated! More money was wasted due to errors and reformulation as a result of lost or incomplete documents. Use stickers in addition to color – do not depend on color alone. In addition, these stickers should be permanently connected to both ends of cables, on correction panels, shelves, ports, connecting and grounding connectors, and even cable pathways. It is highly recommended with permanent adhesive posters and should be printed on the device. The labels written with the hand are unacceptable.
conclusion
So, there you have! The colored coding of your structured cable system is not completely required, but highly recommended. Without developing the correct signs, coding colors, exploring and repairing errors, or visual inspection, adding addition, movements or changes, becomes more difficult. Coding the correct professional colors and good maintenance reflects. There is nothing more disturbing for the customer (or yourself) when it is impossible to know what is going on!
Happy networks!
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