568A and 568B Colors - CompTIA A+ 220-1101 - 3.1

Summary

The video script discusses the importance of standardized methods for network installations, specifically focusing on the TIA 568 standard for ethernet cabling. It explains the two color-coding schemes, T568A and T568B, used for wiring ethernet connections, noting that while both standards function identically, they differ in the color assignments for specific pins. The script highlights how these standards are applied in practice, the similarities and differences between them, and clarifies misconceptions about their association with ethernet crossover cables.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Networks across different organizations follow standardized installation methods, including pin colors, due to international standards like ISO/IEC 11801 and TIA 568.
• 🇺🇸 In North America, the TIA 568 standard is widely recognized for commercial building telecommunications cabling.
• 🔍 The TIA 568 standard includes specific pin and pair assignments for Ethernet connections, known as T568A and T568B.
• 🔢 Both T568A and T568B provide two options for wiring Ethernet connections, with different color assignments for the 8P8C connectors.
• 🏢 The 568A coloring scheme is typically associated with horizontal cabling, while 568B is more commonly used for end-user connections.
• 💡 The choice between 568A and 568B does not affect functionality; both are equally valid for network installations.
• 🤔 Common misconceptions include associating 568A/B with Ethernet crossover cables, but these standards only specify colors and are not crossover definitions.
• 🛠️ Ethernet crossover cables are designed according to IEEE standards, not the T568 color schemes.
• 🔑 The key difference between T568A and T568B lies in the color wiring of pins 1, 2, 3, and 6.
• 🔄 Pins 4, 5, 7, and 8 have the same color wiring in both T568A and T568B standards.
• 🔍 To determine the standard used in a cable, one can inspect the color sequence on the back of an Ethernet cable or connector.
• 🔄 Both 568A and 568B standards are represented on punch down blocks, allowing for flexibility in installation.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the ISO/IEC 11801 and TIA 568 standards in networking?

The ISO/IEC 11801 and TIA 568 standards provide guidelines on how networking cabling should be installed, ensuring consistency across different organizations in terms of methods and pin colors used.

What is the TIA 568 standard?

The TIA 568 standard is the Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard developed by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) for cabling in North America.

Where can I find more information about the TIA 568 standard?

More information about the TIA 568 standard can be found on the TIA website at tiaonline.org.

What does the term 'pin and pair assignments' refer to in the context of the TIA 568 standard?

The term 'pin and pair assignments' refers to the specific color wiring scheme for the eight-conductor 100-ohm balanced twisted pair cabling in an Ethernet connection.

What are the two common wiring schemes provided by the TIA 568 standard?

The two common wiring schemes provided by the TIA 568 standard are T568A and T568B.

What is the difference between T568A and T568B wiring schemes?

T568A and T568B differ in the color assignments for pins 1, 2, 3, and 6. Pins 4, 5, 7, and 8 have the same color assignments in both schemes.

Which color standard is commonly used for end-user connections in most organizations?

In most organizations, the 568B color standard is commonly used for end-user connections.

Does it matter if an organization uses 568A or 568B for all its Ethernet connections?

No, it does not matter which standard an organization chooses to use as both 568A and 568B have the same functionality and neither is inherently better or worse than the other.

What is the misconception about Ethernet crossover cables in relation to the 568A and 568B standards?

The misconception is that an Ethernet crossover cable uses a 568A color scheme on one end and a 568B color scheme on the other. In reality, the 568A and 568B standards only specify colors and are not directly associated with crossover cables.

How can you determine which TIA 568 standard is used on an Ethernet cable?

You can determine which standard is used by looking at the color of the wires on pins 1, 2, 3, and 6, as these are the pins where the 568A and 568B standards differ.

How are the 568A and 568B color schemes typically represented on a punch down block?

On a punch down block, the 568A color scheme is often represented along the top, and the 568B color scheme along the bottom, allowing installers to match the wires according to the chosen standard.