Template:Info:Exakt-Cables
ALL FOUR pairs of the cables are used in the Exakt-Link cable. This is NOT an ethernet transport cable but an Exakt transport cable. These pairs are used to transmit the audio data, power triggers and a master timing control to ensure that the audio from all channels are in perfect sync.
The Exakt-link has been designed to operate with the CAT-5 cable electrical specifications for signal timings. There have been NO changes to this design for any other CAT cable standards. (updated 2019)
- We recommend using the 100Base-T4 / 568B ethernet cable pairing
- Exakt Link uses readily available network cables:
- CAT 5/5e UTP/FTP
- CAT 6/6a UTP/FTP
- Note: There is no change in the audio performance of the Exakt Link between Cat 5 or Cat 6 Cables.
Cat-7 and Cat-8 cables may not work well with an Exakt system. For a trouble-free, reliable, high-performance installation, we recommend use of Cat 5 or Cat 6.
- The Exakt-Link carries the audio data, the power trigger and the "Master Exakt clock", (This master clock syncs the time and playback of all the Exakt speakers and Exaktboxes). It has been designed to work with Cat-5 & Cat 6/6A specification cables.
- Cat 7 & Cat-8 are designed for much higher data speeds, (with different cable twist rates and incorporating extra shielding).
- Using Cat-7/8 specification cables: (We have performed a lot of testing to confirm this.)
- Degrade the "Master Exakt clock" 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
EXAKT-LINK CANNOT 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
