Week 3 - Gigabit Ethernet Cabling Options

When we look are the evolution of the internet and network solutions, ethernet has been around since the 1970s when it was first introduced by Robert Metcalfe. Ever since Ethernet has gone through some phases of evolution to where it is today. In the 1990s, Ethernet evolved into a Gigabit form as well. So what exactly is Gigabit? Well, Gigabit Ethernet is the most common type of Ethernet today that is found on NICs. There are 2 different versions of ethernet that the IEEE has approved. One of the versions is IEEE 802.3ab which is referred to as 1000BaseT. The other version is 802.3z which is referred to as 1000BaseX. 

Here are some of the specifications of each of the cabling methods.

1000BaseT

• Cat 5e/6 UTP cabling setup
• Four-pair/full duplex
• RJ-45 connectors
• 100 meters in length

1000BaseSX (Subdivision of BaseX)

• Multimode fiber cabling setup
• 850nm
• Variable/Commonly LC connectors
• 220-500 meters in length 

1000BaseLX (Subdivision of BaseX)

• Single-mode fiber
• 1300nm
• Variable/Commonly LC and SC
• 5 kilometers in length 

These cabling methods all have their own advantages and disadvantages attached to them. As with the cables above, there are some media converter cables that can also be used to connect any type of Ethernet cable together.