Linksys HPN100SK manual Installing Your HomeLink Card, Before You Begin

Linksys HomeLink Series

Installing Your HomeLink Card

Before You Begin

The HomeLink Phoneline Network Card is equipped with two phoneline ports, called RJ-11ports, to use in a phoneline network utilizing your exist- ing telephone line. The HomeLink Card also has an optional RJ-4510Mbps Ethernet port for use with 10BaseT Ethernet networks.

Using Your HomeLink Card in a Ethernet Network

If you intend to use the HomeLink Card on a 10Mbps Ethernet network, only use RJ-45 twisted-pair cabling. 10BaseT cabling is available in various grades. For best results, we recommend using 8-wire, Category 5 UTP cabling for an Ethernet network. Although Category 3 can be used successful- ly, Category 5 is much more reliable, and it is compatible with faster 100Mbps networks- a useful feature if you upgrade to Fast Ethernet speeds in the future.

	Note: Keep in mind that RJ-11
Both Category 3 and Category 5 twisted-pair	and RJ-45 capabilities cannot
cabling can be purchased from computer retail	be used at the same time. If the
	one is in use, the other is auto-
stores, or if you prefer, you can crimp your own
	matically disabled.
cables. See page 54 for details on wiring.

Regardless of what speed your Ethernet network runs, you must always use Category 5 UTP twisted-pair cabling with a switch or a hub. Each PC plugs into the switch or hub with its own twisted pair cable. Because all the PCs' cables converge at the hub's central location, a twisted-pair network is often referred to as having a star topology.

Do not connect PCs with crossover cables or without using a hub. Your network might work, but the connection will be very unstable. Only use crossover cables as a last resort when there are no uplink ports available.

Note: The RJ-45 cable connecting your PC's HomeLink Card to your hub must not exceed 100 meters (328 feet) in length.

Phoneline Network Card & Network in a Box

Installing the HomeLink Card
	Note: Most newer PCs (Pentium
1. Power off your PC and disconnect any peri-	166 or higher) usually come
	equipped with all PCI bus master-
pheral equipment including the power cable.	ing slots. If your slots are not
	labeled, check your motherboard’s
2. Remove your computer's outside cover.	documentation to determine which
	slot is a PCI Master slot.

3.Locate an open PCI expansion slot on the motherboard, and determine which PCI slot is a Master slot. If you have difficulties locating a PCI Master slot, consult your PC’s motherboard documentation.

4.Slide the HomeLink Card into your PCI slot. Make sure that all its pins are touching the slot's contacts. Applying a bit of force may be required to push the Card completely in. After the card is firmly in place, secure its fastening tab to your PC's chassis with a mounting screw.

5.Replace your PC's cover and reconnect your PC’s power source. The card installation is complete, and you are now ready to proceed to the next section to install your telephone or Ethernet network cabling.

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