3Com 10/100BASE-TX, 100BASE-FX 3Com Corporation 5400 Bayfront Plaza Santa Clara, California

Page 28

3Com Corporation 5400 Bayfront Plaza Santa Clara, California 95052-8145

Copyright © 1999, 3Com Corporation. All rights reserved. No part of this documentation may be reproduced in any form or by any means or used to make any derivative work (such as translation, transformation, or adaptation) without written permission from 3Com Corporation. 3Com Corporation reserves the right to revise this documentation and to make changes in content from time to time without obligation on the part of 3Com Corporation to provide notification of such revision or change.

3Com Corporation provides this documentation without warranty, term, or condition of any kind, either implied or expressed, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties, terms, or conditions of merchantability, satisfactory quality, and fitness for a particular purpose. 3Com may make improvements or changes in the product(s) and/or the program(s) described in this documentation at any time.

3Com registered trademarks are registered in the United States and may or may not be registered in other countries. 3Com, the 3Com logo, and CoreBuilder are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation.

All other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated.

http://www.3com.com/

Part No. 10013072

Published August 1999

Image 28
Contents For the CoreBuilder 9000 Enterprise Switch Port 100BASE-FX100BASE-FX Class LED Product ESD Safety Information Instructions Installation Prerequisites Page Up to 2 can be Accessed by this Module Up to 2 can be Accessed by this Module Not applicable Up to 2 can be Accessed by this Module Up to 2 can be Accessed by this Module Not applicable Reserved for an SFM Not applicable Reserved for an SFM Not applicable Page Spring-loaded Screws Spring-loaded Screw Page LED Administration Console Web ManagementPhysical Specifications Power SpecificationsCabling Requirements Environmental RequirementsSafety Emissions Related CoreBuilder Documents Regulatory ComplianceCoreBuilder 9000 Documentation CD-ROM 3Com Corporation Limited Warranty Warranties Exclusive Emissions Compliance Statements for Class a Products 3Com Corporation 5400 Bayfront Plaza Santa Clara, California

100BASE-FX, 10/100BASE-TX specifications

3Com 10/100BASE-TX and 100BASE-FX are network technologies that played a pivotal role in the evolution of Ethernet networking. As part of the Fast Ethernet standard, these protocols allow for the transfer of data at high speeds, which has benefited various industries and residential environments.

10/100BASE-TX, often referred to simply as Fast Ethernet over twisted pair, can operate at both 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps speeds, providing flexibility for network installations. This dual-speed feature is facilitated through the use of Category 5 or higher twisted pair cabling. With the ability to automatically negotiate the optimal speed, 10/100BASE-TX allows devices to communicate effectively in diverse network environments, minimizing compatibility issues.

One of the standout characteristics of 10/100BASE-TX is its ease of installation. The use of twisted pair wiring—the same type often used for telephone lines—reduces complexity and lowers infrastructure costs. This technology also supports the use of various physical layer standards, making it adaptable for different network architectures. Power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities are an added advantage, allowing both data and electrical power to be delivered via the same cabling, simplifying setups for devices like IP cameras and wireless access points.

On the other hand, 100BASE-FX represents Fast Ethernet over fiber optics, providing a different solution for high-speed networking. Operating at 100 Mbps, it is particularly suited for long-distance data transmission, capable of distances up to 2 kilometers using multimode fiber and up to 20 kilometers with single-mode fiber. This makes 100BASE-FX an ideal choice for interconnecting different buildings within a campus or for connecting remote offices.

In terms of technology, 100BASE-FX utilizes light waves to transmit data, resulting in lower attenuation and immunity to electromagnetic interference, a major advantage in environments with substantial electrical noise. This optical technology enhances security as fiber optics are inherently more difficult to tap into without detection.

Overall, both 3Com's 10/100BASE-TX and 100BASE-FX are significant in their contributions to networking technology. They offer unique features that cater to distinct networking needs, whether for short-range, flexible deployments using copper cabling or for long-distance, high-capacity deployments using fiber optics. Their continued relevance speaks to their robust design, versatility, and reliability in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.