2 - 2 ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide
Understanding the General Rules
This section describes genera l rules for configuring an Ethernet ne twork
using fiber as the backbone medium. It also provides rul es to ensure that
your network configuration c onforms to distance limitations imposed by
Ethernet and networking equipment. Use these guidelines for building
your network.
Refer to the sections that follow for specifi c rules for:
❑Determining maximum 10BASE- FB fiber link distances
❑Connecting various horizontal m edia types (10BASE-FB, twisted pair)
to a 10BASE-FB backbone
❑Examples of recommended fault-tole rant configurations

Rules for Configuring a Network

This section outlines the network rules and recomm en dations for building
an Ethernet network. For more hardware-spe ci fic information on the
10BASE-FB, refer to Appendix A.
Table 2-1. Basic Netwo rk Rules
Rule Definition Recommendations/Notes
1 Use 10BASE-FB as the
backbone medium. Use 62.5 micron cable to
conform with the IEEE 10BASE-F
and ANSI FDDI standards.
Use ST-type connectors.
2 Wire the backbone in a
star topology to isolate
faults.
Lay extra fiber cables. The extra
cost is small and you will need
them as your network grows.