In comp.dcom.lans.ethernet Charles Lindsey wrote: < Connections between desktop computers and hubs/routers customarily us RJ45 < copnnectors and cat5 cable carrying 4 twisted pairs. < But, AIUI, only 2 of those pairs are used for the protocol, so what are < the other two for? given that cat5 cable does not come cheap, surely < 2-pair cable would be far more economical. < So why not use 2-pair cable and leave the other RJ45 pins unconnected? < Would that work?
I have some patch cables with only two pairs that came with
100baseTX cards. Otherwise, they are pretty rare.
You need all four pairs for gigabit, though. It may cost a little more now, but saves the cost of replacing all the cables when updating to gigabit.
I have some patch cables with only two pairs. Otherwise, they are pretty rare.
You need all four pairs for gigabit, though. It may cost a little more now, but saves the cost of replacing all the cables when updating to gigabit.
Otherwise, I don't think you can easily buy two pair Cat 5. The cables I have might only be Cat 3, though if short enough will likely work for 100baseTX.
-- glen