10-Port 100BASE-FX and 20-Port 10/100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet Layer 2 Switching Modules Quick Start Guide 19

7To engage the module with the backplane, use both hands to perform the following steps:

a Push firmly at the two ends of the front panel near the ejector handles until you feel the module connectors make firm contact with the backplane connectors.

b Put your left thumb on the left or top ejector handle and your right thumb on the right or bottom ejector handle. Simultaneously, push the ejector handles in towards the front panel until each handle is parallel with the front panel.

You feel a slight resistance as the connectors fully engage.

CAUTION: If there is too much resistance when you try to close the ejector handles, the module backplane connector may not be aligned. Forcing the module into place can damage the module connectors and backplane connectors. If necessary, remove and reinsert the module, ensuring that the connectors are properly aligned. Do not tighten the spring-loaded screws to seat the module.

8To secure the module in the chassis, tighten the spring-loaded screws to a torque specification of 3 to 5 inch-pounds.

CAUTION: Verify that the module screws are properly aligned with the threaded holes in the chassis. If the screws are not aligned when you tighten them, you may strip the threads and make it impossible to secure the module.

To ensure that you tighten screws to torque specification, use a torque screwdriver.

WARNING: To ensure adequate cooling airflow and continued product safety agency compliance, install blank faceplates over all empty slots.

If the chassis is powered on, the module initialization process begins.

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3Com 100BASE-FX, 10/100BASE-TX quick start
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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.
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