Introduction to Data Communications
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IBM Cabling System

Type 1

Two shielded, solid wire, twisted pairs, 22 AWG. Available for plenum or nonplenum interior use and underground or aerial exterior use. Use of Type 1 permits transmission at 16 Mbps and a maximum of 260 stations on the network.

Note: Plenum is heating ducts and air returns. To be qualified for plenum installation means that it must meet certain standards for releasing hazardous fumes and temperature ratings.

Type 2

Two shielded, solid wire twisted pairs, 22 AWG plus four twisted pairs of solid 26 AWG wires added between the shield and the insulating cable sheath. Type 2 supports 16 Mbps transmission.

Type 3 (RJ11 and RJ45)

Unshielded, telephone grade (22 or 24 AWG) twisted pairs, typically found inside a building. Basically equivalent to Cat 5 cable. See previous section on Unshielded Twisted Pair cabling.

Type 5

100/50 micron fibre-optic cable, used to connect distant MSAUs with fibre optic repeaters.

Type 6

Patch cables consisting of data-grade, stranded, shielded twisted pairs, 26 AWG. the distant limits are 66% of Type 1 cable.

Type 8

Under carpet cable, data-grade twisted pair cable, 26 AWG. The distance limits are 50 percent of Type 1.

Type 9

Shielded twisted pair, 26 AWG approved for plenum installations. The distance limits are 66% of Type 1 cable.


Introduction to Data Communications
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