Planning Your Network

The rules that govern how switches are distributed in Fast Ethernet are slightly different from 10BaseT networking rules. Cabling specifications, distance limits, and other topology rules must be followed in order to avoid network collisions and data loss. Here are the most important rules to follow:

·100BaseTX requires four-pair, Category 5 UTP (EIA 568, Cat 5)cabling.

·The maximum cable length from a node to a repeater, switch, or hub is 100 meters (328 feet).

·The maximum length for a Category 5 100BaseTX cable between a workstation and a stackable or other shared bandwidth hub is 100 meters (328 feet).

·A single or stacked 100Mbps hub is counted as one repeater in Fast Ethernet rules; a 10/100 switch or 10BaseT hub is not counted as a repeater.

·You can install as many switches as you want on the same network, given you don't position the switches more than 100 meters (328 feet) apart.

·The maximum distance between 2 100Mbps hubs without a switch connected in between is 5 meters (16.4 feet).