Increased Internet data traffic has surged an unprecedented transformation in the data center infrastructure. As a result, network designers are struggling with cabling upgrade options. Ethernet over twisted-pair copper continues as the preferred protocol as it provides simplicity and cost-performance benefits over alternatives. The bottom line: choosing the best cabling system ensures that all needed applications will run productively in tomorrow’s IP environment.

This white paper from Solarflare and Anixter describes untwisted copper pair cabling as related to signal transmission with special emphasis on twisted-pair Ethernet applications. It will also discuss some installation and environmental considerations that affect the performance of cabling.