Ethernet Types for Wired Networks

Ethernet cables traditionally used in domestic and business systems are based on four sets of twisted pair cables bunched in an outer sheath. There is a new type automotive Ethernet that only uses a single twisted pair cable rather than the four pairs in current systems.The following information details the types of cables that are likely to be encountered, the classes of Ethernet they can carry, and the modules that Pickering can provide to switch them.

Pickering's Ethernet switching modules: 40-201 PXI fault insertion, 50-201 PCI fault insertion, and the 40-736 PXI multiplexer.Modules 

We have three modules available that are designed for Ethernet switching: 40-201 PXI fault insertion, 50-201 PCI fault insertion, and the 40-736 PXI multiplexer.  All of these can switch Ethernet up to 1Gbps (1Gbit per second) but with cautions that are detailed as follows: 

Ethernet types

10BaseT

The early Ethernet over twisted pair was 10BaseT, which used the standard RJ45 plugs and network cable that would be Cat3 or Cat4. The cable has four twisted pairs, but 10BaseT uses only two of these twisted pairs for 10Mbps communication. The other two twisted pairs can be used for power over Ethernet and things such as phone systems.

100BaseT 

For many years the 100BaseT Ethernet communication has been the standard, this also uses the standard RJ45 plugs and network cables, but in this case, higher grade Cat5 is required for distance. The cable has four twisted pairs, but 100BaseT also only uses two of these twisted pairs for 100Mbps communication. 

1000BaseT (Gigabit Ethernet) 

1000BaseT is the Ethernet standard that many data systems now use, it can utilize the standard RJ45 network cables but over a minimal distance and requires better quality cables such as Cat-5e and Cat-6 to function to full 100m distance. This uses all four twisted pairs for 1Gbps communication. 

10000BaseT (10Gigabit Ethernet) 

10000BaseT is the next-generation Ethernet that is on some new systems; it again uses four twisted pairs but needs top quality cables i.e., Cat-6a or Cat-7 for 10Gbps communication over distance. 

Next-generation in ANext-generation in automotive Ethernetutomotive Ethernet

Modern car systems are now moving to Ethernet communication for the ever-increasing electronic system interface requirements. The required cabling would add lots of bulk if standard Ethernet cable were used, so a new form of automotive Ethernet is available which functions on a single twisted pair but for the short distances required within the small system of a car, these are: 

100BaseT1 

100BaseT1 is 100Mbps communication over one twisted pair, hence the subtle T1 designation, it also carries power over the twisted pair. The communication uses specialized coding methods, which means that it only requires 66MHz bandwidth to achieve 100Mbps. The Pickering modules that can switch this are our 40-201 PXI fault insertion, 50-201 PCI fault insertion, and the 40-736 PXI multiplexer. 

1000BaseT1 

1000BaseT1 is 1Gbps communication over one twisted pair, again with the subtle T1 designation. It can also carry power over the twisted pair and with specialized coding, can communicate 1Gbps Ethernet over a 660MHz bandwidth. Pickering does not currently have differential modules with high enough bandwidth for switching this communication. 

Cables

There are several different categories (Cat) of standard four twisted-pair Ethernet cables such as the commonly installed legacy Cat5 cable, as the number increases, so does the bandwidth of the cable over distance. Most current installations have Cat-5e fitted, but for the increasing data-rates of modern systems higher-performing cables are required: 

  • Cat1&2 used on old phone networks 
  • Cat3&4 up to 10Mbps with a bandwidth of 10MHz at 100m, used on old legacy networks since 1990 
  • Cat5 up to 100Mbps with a bandwidth of 100MHz at 100m 
  • Cat5e up to 1Gbps with a bandwidth of 100MHz at 100m, has more twists per cm than Cat-5 which gives higher performance 
  • Cat6 up to 1Gbps with a bandwidth of 250MHz at 100m, can carry 10Gbps up to 50m distance 
  • Cat6a up to 10Gbps with a bandwidth of 500MHz at 100m 
  • Cat7 up to 10Gbps with a bandwidth of 600MHz at 100m has shielded twisted pairs and likely to carry above 10Gbps 

There are several proprietary single twisted pair cables and connectors for the new automotive Ethernet, most appear to not be interchangeable but are compliant with the relevant IEEE specifications IEEE802.3bw and IEEE802.3bp which is capable of 1Gbps on distances of up to 40m.

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