SynqNet Cable Requirements

For more information, please see Physical Layer section.

Recommended SynqNet Cabling

Use shielded category 5 cabling.
The RF immunity of 100BT networks when using unshielded cable is mediocre. Therefore, MEI recommends that only shielded cabling is used.
Braid + foil shielding is the most effective, but foil + drain wire shielding is acceptable.
If unusually high levels of interference are generated by the machine or nearby equipment, consider using shielded cables with built-in ferrites. Contact MEI for availability.
Ensure that each SynqNet node is effectively grounded, which implies connecting a short fat strap to the machine chassis or busbar.
There is no minimum length requirement for 100BT cables. Howevre, cables must not be longer than 100m. Longer links are possible over copper using repeaters or over fibre using media converters, but please contact the cable factory for further advice.
The machine chassis must be effectively bonded together, this is particularly important when using SynqNet nodes that do not have independently shielded IN and OUT ports.
Be sure to take the usual precautions to secure the cabling so as to avoid chafing and fatigue.
High flexure cables are required for cable retractors. Only two signal pairs are needed.

Avoid using cable couplers; commercially available units generally have poor shielding and are consequently an EMC hazard.
SynqNet is not compatible with standard Ethernet hubs or repeaters; do not use them.
SynqNet does not support POE (Power-over-Ethernet).