Connecting Hubs Using 10BASE-T

You can connect hubs together with 10BASE-T in a number of ways, but for simplicity we recommend the following method, as shown in Figure 8:

1Starting from the bottom, connect the port 8 of the lower hub to port 7 of the hub immediately above. Repeat this for each hub.

2Set all Uplink/Normal switches to Uplink (in) except for the top hub (the one with port 8 not connected to another hub). This unused port can be connected to a workstation provided that the Uplink/Normal switch is set to Normal (out).

Checking Connections

When you have connected your hubs, power them on. The Port Status LEDs for the 10BASE-T ports you have used should be green. If they are not, check your connections. If the 10BASE-2 port is not used and is not terminated, the LED should be yellow showing that it has partitioned. This is correct operation.

Spot Checks

At frequent intervals, visually check that:

The Alert LED is not lit — this is the best way to find out if there are problems with your network.

Case vents are not obstructed.

Cabling is secure and not pulled taut.

If you suspect there is a problem, refer to “Problem Solving for the Hub 8 and 8C” on page 22.

Figure 8 Correct Hub Connections Using 10BASE-T

Switch set to

Normal (out)

Switch set to

Uplink (in)

Switch set to

Uplink (in)

10BASE-T cable with RJ-45 connectors.

Maximum length of

each cable is 100m (328ft)

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Image 21
3Com 8 manual Switch set to Normal out Uplink