Hardware Setup
Hardware Setup
Before You Begin
The EtherFast 10/100 LAN Cards are equipped with an RJ-45 port that automatically adjusts to either 10Mbps or 100Mbps speeds at any duplex. Also known as N- way technology, the card's auto-sensing mechanism allows you to attach your computer to either Fast Ethernet (also known as 100BaseTX) or regular 10BaseT Ethernet network segments of any duplex without any special hardware or software settings required.
The card should only be used with RJ-45, twisted-pair cabling. 100BaseTX cabling is available in a number of different grades. Your kit comes with 8-wire, category 5 unshielded twisted-pair for use with both 10BaseT and 100BaseTX network segments. The cable that runs from your computer's EtherFast card to your hub should not exceed 100 meters (328 feet) in length.
Extra Category 5 twisted-pair cabling can be purchased from most computer stores, or if you prefer, you can crimp your own cables. See page 53 for wiring informa- tion.
Whether you're building a 10Mbps or 100Mbps net- work, twisted-pair cabling should always be used with a hub. Each PC plugs into the hub with its own twisted pair cable. Because all of the PCs' cables converge at the hub's central location, a twisted-pair network is often referred to as a star configuration. Do not connect PCs together without a hub. Although your network may work, communication will be unstable.