EIA/TIA 568A and 568B Wiring......

[CityRoamer]

I was always told that there was not difference b/t the two specs as long as you stay consistent throughout the whole project. Well, I networked my whole house in 568A, and now I see the damn Linksys Router/4port switch wants everything in 568B. So now my only choices are to get a patch panel or re-crimp everything into 568B, correct? But my cable modem has a 568A wire coming from it to the PC. So when I put the router into the network, I will need a crossover cable to the cable modem from the router, correct? How come the companies don't really emphasize these specs very much? You would think that Linksys would write on their box that it takes 568B, with all the other specs. Doesn't it seem logical?

 

[daverji]

The EIA/TIA 568A and 568B are both industry standards. Devices should work with these wiring configurations regardless of which one you choose. Don't waste your time rewiring your house.
I haven't seen any devices (hubs,switches,routers) that specifically request 568B. I'd double check on your Linksys to make sure.
If it is true, would you mind posting the model number so I can check it out and find out what kind of bs this is?
I'm not sure what your setup is but your Cable Modem's cable should be plugged directly into the WAN link. IF your modem and router is are seperate pieces of hardware, you might need a crossover. I'm not sure, try it. You don't have to many options, it's either one or the other.
Good luck

 

[ScottMac]

The only difference between the two (as far as pair-order goes) are that the orange and green pair are swapped. As long as you punched both sides to the same spec, you have a straight-through, compliant cabling system (assuming you followed the other rules).

FWIW

Scott

 

[CityRoamer]

Well, on the Linksys site: http://www.linksys.com/tech_helper/cabling.html

It refers to the straight through cabling as the 568B method as the example and not the 568A. Thats why I figured they wanted 56B for their router..

 

[ScottMac]

568B is a bit more popular lately (last few years), but it won't make any difference, the cable manufacturers pretty much make the orange and green pair interchangeble.

Don't sweat it. If something doesn't work, it's more likely that a punch or cable end is FUBAR than whether it's 568A or 568B cabling rules.

Good Luck

Scott