10base5 Definition

(computing) An early form of Ethernet cable.

The IEEE standard (1983) for coaxial cable assemblies in support of Ethernet transmission. Also known as ThickNet (Thick EtherNet), 10Base5 specifies traditional thick coaxial cable, often known affectionately as goldenrod, referring to its high cost, high value, and the yellow cable sheath used by some manufacturers. Other manufacturers used orange cable sheaths for thick coax, giving rise to the term orange hose. 10Base5 translates to 10 Mbps (theoretical transmission rate), Baseband (one transmission at a time over a single, shared channel), and 500 meters maximum segment length. See also 10Base2, baseband, channel, coaxial cable, Ethernet, IEEE, and transmission rate.