Linksys PCMLM56 manual Specifications, Csma/Cd

Instant EtherFast® Series

Topology - A network's topology is a logical characterization of how the devices on the network are connected and the distances between them. The most common network devices include hubs, switches, routers, and gateways. Most large networks contain several levels of interconnection, the most impor- tant of which include edge connections, backbone connections, and wide-area connections.

USB (Universal Serial Bus) - A "plug and play" interface between a computer and add-on devices (such as audio players, joysticks, keyboards, telephones, scanners, and printers). With USB, a new device can be added to your comput- er without having to add an adapter card or even having to turn the computer off. The USB peripheral bus standard was developed by Compaq, IBM, DEC, Intel, Microsoft, NEC, and Northern Telecom and the technology is available without charge for all computer and device vendors.

USB supports a data speed of 12 megabit per second. This speed will accom- modate a wide range of devices, including MPEG video devices, data gloves, and digitizers. It is anticipated that USB will easily accommodate plug-in tele- phones that use Integrated Services Digital Network and digital private branch exchange.

Since October, 1996, the Windows operating systems have been equipped with USB driver or special software designed to work with specific I/O device types. USB is integrated into Windows 98. Today, most new computers and peripher- al devices are equipped with USB.

A different "plug-and-play" standard, Firewire/IEEE 1394, is designed to sup- port much higher data rates and devices such as video camcorders and digital video disk (digital versatile disk) players. Both standards are expected to exist together, serving different device types.

UTP - Unshielded twisted pair is the most common kind of copper telephone wiring. Twisted pair is the ordinary copper wire that connects home and many business computers to the telephone company. To reduce crosstalk or electro- magnetic induction between pairs of wires, two insulated copper wires are twisted around each other. Each signal on twisted pair requires both wires. Since some telephone sets or desktop locations require multiple connections, twisted pair is sometimes installed in two or more pairs, all within a single cable.

Workgroup - Two or more individuals that share files and databases.

EtherFast® 10/100 Compact USB Network Adapter

Specifications

Standards:	IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u, USB Spec. v1.1
Protocol:	CSMA/CD
Ports:	1 10BaseT/100BaseTX RJ-45 Port
	1 USB Type A Connector
Connection Speed:	10Mbps or 100Mbps Auto-Sensing
Transfer Rate:	Up to 12Mbps
Memory Buffer:	32KB
Cabling:	Network: UTP Category 5 or better
	100 meters (328 feet) Maximum
	USB: Standard Shielded USB Cable
	5 meters (16.4 feet) Maximum
Topology:	Star
LEDs:	100, Act, 10

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