C A B L I N G    F A Q    

      Version 950305
     
     This is a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document for the
     comp.dcom.cabling  newsgroup.   Topics  covered include the
     types of cables (fiber, coax,  copper,  unshielded  twisted
     pair-UTP, shielded twisted pair),  installation techniques,
     standards as well as fire and building safety codes.

     Prepared and maintained by Peter Macaulay (pmac@fox.nstn.ca)
     Constructive comments/updates are welcomed.

 0.1 Recent Updates

     The most recent changes are on the top of this list for easier
     identification of the new stuff (push down stack).  Format of
     the version is year, month, day.

     950305 - added rtfm.mit.edu approval, cable testing
     950124 - added bending radius specs, ISDN cabling
     950110 - added headers required for rtfm.mit posting
     - expanded references with much help from Evan Gamblin

 0.2 Copyright

     Copyright (c) 1995 by Peter Macaulay, all rights reserved.

     This FAQ may be posted to any USENET newsgroup, on-line service,
     or BBS as long as it is posted in its entirety and includes this
     copyright statement.  

 0.3 Disclaimer

     This article is provided as is without any express or implied
     warranties.  While every effort has been taken to ensure the
     accuracy of the information contained in this article, the
     author and contributors assume no responsibility for errors
     or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the
     information contained herein.

     THIS DOCUMENT IS A GUIDELINE ONLY -- SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE,
     CHECK LOCAL BUILDING CODES AND APPLICABLE STANDARDS.

 0.4 Acknowledgments

     bhughes@vanbc.wimsey.com (Bill Hughes)
     egamblin@ott.hookup.net (Evan Gamblin)
     jlundgre@kn.PacBell.COM (John Lundgren)
     mikeb@iaccess.za (Mike Barker)
     koeman@tc.fluke.COM (Henriecus Koeman)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 0.1 Recent Updates
 0.2 Copyright
 0.3 Disclaimer
 0.4 Acknowledgments
 1.0 Cable Types
 2.0 Cable Ratings
 3.0 National Electrical Code (NEC)
 4.0 Not Used (Blank)
 5.0 Specific Cable Classifications
 6.0 Cable Conductors
 7.0 Vendor Specific Suggestions
 8.0 Cabling Standards
 9.0 Standard EIA/TIA 568
10.0 Birds and Bees (Plugs vs. Jacks)
11.0 Standard Networking Configurations
12.0 Ethernet 10Base-T Cabling
13.0 Category Specifications
14.0 Sources for the EIA/TIA 568 Standards Documents
15.0 Cable Test Equipment
16.0 Cable Testers for Category 5
17.0 Typical Wiring Layout
18.0 How Far Away Should Cable be Installed from an EMI Source
19.0 What is the Minimum Bending Radius for a Cable?
20.0 Fiber Optic Cable
21.0 ISDN Cabling
22.0 Testing Unshielded Twisted Pair Cables
23.0 - 29.0 Not Used (Blank)
30.0 Sources of Additional Information

---------------------------

Subject: 1.0 Cable Types

     Communications Cable: primarily for telephone cable
     Class 2 Cable: signaling cable primarily for data communications
     Riser: vertical shaft used to route cable between floors
     Plenum: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) air return
      area -- mostly drop ceilings. Also below raised floors
      (where the underfloor area is used for ventilation).