Common Outlet Configurations

Two wiring schemes have been adopted by the '568-B.1 and '11801:2002 standards. They are nearly identical except that pairs two and three are reversed. T568A is the preferred scheme because it is compatible with 1 or 2-pair USOC systems. Either configuration can be used for Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and high speed data applications. Transmission categories 3, 5e, and 6 are only applicable to this type of pair grouping.

USOC wiring is available for 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-pair systems. Pair 1 occupies the center conductors, pair 2 occupies the next two contacts out, etc. One advantage to this scheme is that a 6-position plug configured with 1, 2, or 3 pairs can be inserted into an 8-position jack and still maintain pair continuity. A note of warning though, pins 1 and 8 on the jack may become damaged from this practice. A disadvantage is the poor transmission performance associated with this type of pair sequence. None of these pair schemes is cabling standard compliant.

10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX wiring specifies an 8-position jack but uses only two pairs. These are pairs two and three of T568A and T568B schemes.

1000BASE-T and 10GBASE-T wiring specifies an 8-position jack. Can be either the T568A or T568B configuration. (See above)

Token Ring wiring uses either an 8-position or 6-position jack. The 8-position format is compatible with T568A, T568B, and USOC wiring schemes. The 6-position is compatible with 1- or 2-pair USOC wiring.

ANSI X3T9.5 TP-PMD uses the two outer pairs of an 8-position jack. These positions are designated as pair 3 and pair 4 of the T568A wiring scheme. This wiring scheme is also used for ATM.