The 8-core cabling system of SIMATIC NET allows transfer rates of 10/100/1000 Mbit/s for Ethernet and for the service-independent cabling from this office environment. Thanks to the 8-core cabling it is now possible to implement two Industrial Ethernet connections for Fast Ethernet, but in future it will also be possible to upgrade to a Gigabit Ethernet connection. This implements the transition from 4-core Industrial Ethernet FastConnect TP cabling system to the 8-core Gigabit cabling system.

The FC RJ45 Modular Outlet base module can optionally be equipped with two different replaceable inserts, as follows:

• IE FC RJ45 Modular Outlet Insert 2FE with
  2 x RJ45 sockets for 100 Mbit/s systems
• IE FC RJ45 Modular Outlet Insert 1GE with
  1 x RJ45 socket for 1000 Mbit/s systems

Thus it is possible not only to implement individual device connections, but also 100 Mbit/s dual connections.

By replacing the insert, it is possible to switch from network structures that are operated at transfrer rates of 100 Mbit/s to structures with rates of 1000 Mbit/s. Replacement of the cabling is not necessary (permanent cabling).

Like the 4-wire cabling system, the Gigabit cabling system with the IE FC RJ45 Modular Outlet also takes the conditions in the field of industrial automation into account. No special tools are required for the assembly; the same FC stripping tool is used as for the 4-wire system.

8-wire FC installations cables are used for the cabling (AWG 22):

• IE FC Standard Cable 4 x 2;
  for fixed routing as standard type for the IE FC RJ45 Modular Outlet Inserts 2FE and 1GE

Max. distance which can be covered between two IE FC Modular Outlets using IE FC Standard Cable is 90 m; the total length of the patch cords to the terminal units at each end must not exceed 10 m.

Application examples

IE TP Cord can be used with IE FC RJ45 Modular Outlet with Insert 2FE (10/100 Mbit/s)

IE TP Cord RJ45/RJ45 can be used for patch technology with IE FC RJ45 Modular Outlet with Insert 1GE (10/100/1000 Mbit/s)