View source for Template:Info:Exakt-Cables

'''ALL FOUR pairs''' of the cables are used in the Exakt-Link cable. <u>This is NOT an ethernet transport cable but an Exakt transport cable.</u> 
: These pairs are used to transmit the 
::* <u><b>audio data</u></b>,
::* <u><b>power triggers</u></b> and a 
::* <u><b>master timing control</u></b> to ensure that the audio from all channels are in perfect sync.<br><br>

The Exakt-link has been designed, and tuned, to operate with the <u><b>CAT-5</b></u> cable electrical specifications for signal timings. <u>There have been NO changes to this design for any other CAT, (category), cable standards. (updated 2024)</u>

:We recommend using the 100Base-T4 / 568B ethernet cable pairing

:Exakt Link uses readily available network cables:
::* <b>CAT 5/5e U-UTP/U-FTP</b>
::* <b>CAT 6/6a U-UTP/U-FTP</b>

:Note: 
:* <u>There is no change in the audio performance of the Exakt Link between Cat 5 or Cat 6 Cables.</u>
:* <Font color=red><u><b>Cat-7 and Cat-8 cables may not work reliably with an Exakt system..</b></u></font>
::* Cat-7 & Cat-8 are designed for much higher data speeds, (with different cable twist rates and incorporating extra shielding).  
::* <u>Using Cat-7/8 specification cables</u>: (We have performed a lot of testing to confirm this.)
:::* Will degrade the "master timing control" and reduce audio performance.
:::* it will have more transport data losses & recovery. (Cat-7 or Cat-8 cable are designed for much higher data rates).
:::* and the presence of the additional shielding, aka  F-FTP, S-FTP or SF-FTP. This will also reduce the usable cable length due to the lower Exakt-link data and "master timing control" attenuation.
<br>


<!-- <Font color=red><u><b>Cat-7 and Cat-8 cables may not work reliably with an Exakt system.</br> For a trouble-free, reliable, high-performance installation, we recommend use of Cat 5 or Cat 6.</b></u></font>
: The <b>Exakt-Link</b> carries the <u>audio data</u>, the <u>power trigger</u> and the <u>"Master Exakt clock"</u>, (This master clock syncs the time and playback of all the Exakt speakers and Exaktboxes). <u><b>It has been designed to work with Cat-5 & Cat 6/6A specification cables</b></u>.
: Cat 7 & Cat-8 are designed for much higher data speeds, (with different cable twist rates and incorporating extra shielding).  
: <u>Using Cat-7/8 specification cables</u>: (We have performed a lot of testing to confirm this.)
::* Degrade the "Master timing control" and reduce audio performance.
::* Cause more data losses & recovery in the transport. (Cat-7 or Cat-8 cable are designed for much higher data rates).
::* The use of the additional shielding will also reduce the usable cable length due to the lower Exakt-link data and "Master Exakt clock" attenuation.
--->


Typical Ethernet 100Base-T length restrictions ''guide'':
: Patch cable '''<''' 30M
: Solid core cable '''<''' 100M 


<div class="toccolours" style="width:400px; overflow:auto; color:red">
EXAKT-LINK <u>CANNOT</u> be used with:
:* Ethernet Network Routers,
:* Ethernet Network Switches,
:* Ethernet Isolators,
:* Ethernet conditioners,
:* HomePlugs/Ethernet-over-Mains devices
:* WLAN bridges etc
Exakt-Link can ONLY be a CAT5/6 cable from Exakt socket to Exakt socket
</div>