Ethernet Cable

Connection

The Ethernet cable, also called the network cable, is used for carrying signals on Gigabit networks or networks with a lower packet rate.

Ethernet cables are classified into straight-through and crossover cables according to the wiring scheme used at the two ends of the cables. The interfaces of the USG can dynamically adapt to straight-through cables and crossover cables.

Figure 1 and Figure 2 show how to distinguish and make straight-through cables and crossover cables. You need to strictly observe the wiring scheme to ensure the quality of services.

• Straight-through cable

  The straight-through cable is also called the standard cable. Both ends of the cable use wiring scheme EIA/TIA T568A or EIA/TIA T568B. You are advised to use wiring scheme EIA/TIA T568B when you make straight-through cables. Figure 1 shows the detail.

  Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the connection scheme of straight-through cables
  
  You can use straight-through cables to connect:

  • A switch or hub with an USG6000E
  • Computers (including servers and workstations) with a switch or hub

• Crossover cable

  The crossover cable uses wiring scheme EIA/TIA T568A for one end and EIA/TIA T568B for the other, as shown in Figure 2.

  Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the connection scheme of crossover cables
  
  You can use the crossover cables to connect:

  • Two USG6000Es

  • An USG6000E and a computer

  • Two hubs
  • A switch and hubs
  • Two switches
  • Two computers

Appearance and Structure

Network cables are classified into shielded and unshielded ones based on whether the twisted pair and RJ45 connector are shielded, as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4.

Figure 3 Appearance of a shielded cable

Figure 4 Appearance of an unshielded cable

The figure is for reference only.

An Ethernet cable consists of twisted pairs and RJ45 connectors, as shown in Figure 5.

Figure 5 Structure of the Ethernet Cable

Pin Assignments

The twisted pair network cable has eight wires. The connection between wires and RJ45 connector pins complies with wiring scheme EIA/TIA 568A or EIA/TIA 568B, as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6 Wiring scheme EIA/TIA 568A or EIA/TIA 568B

Technical Specifications

Table 1 lists the technical specifications of the Ethernet cable.