Cable Quality - NETGEAR MR814v2 Reference Manual

Reference Manual for the MR814v2 Cable/DSL Wireless Router
The MR814v2 router incorporates Auto Uplink technology (also called MDI/MDIX). Each
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LOCAL Ethernet port will automatically sense whether the Ethernet cable plugged into the port
should have a normal connection (e.g. connecting to a PC) or an uplink connection (e.g.
connecting to a router, switch, or hub). That port will then configure itself to the correct
configuration. This feature also eliminates the need to worry about crossover cables, as Auto
Uplink will accommodate either type of cable to make the right connection.
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Cable Quality

A twisted pair Ethernet network operating at 10 Mbits/second (10BASE-T) will often tolerate low
quality cables, but at 100 Mbits/second (10BASE-Tx) the cable must be rated as Category 5, or
Cat 5 or Cat V, by the Electronic Industry Association (EIA). This rating will be printed on the
cable jacket. A Category 5 cable will meet specified requirements regarding loss and crosstalk. In
addition, there are restrictions on maximum cable length for both 10 and 100 Mbits/second
networks.
Network, Routing, Firewall, and Basics B-13