3Com MSR 50, MSR 30, MSR 20 manual FIC-1GBE/FIC-2GBE, Making Ethernet cables

FIC-1GBE/FIC-2GBE 149

Figure 171 Ethernet cable

Making Ethernet cables

You can use category 5 twisted-pair cables to make Ethernet cables. A category 5 twisted-pair cable is composed of eight wires that are identified and grouped by colors of the outer insulator. Usually a solid color wire and a white/solid color wire are organized in pairs. But sometimes, wires are also paired by color dots.

Ethernet cables fit into two categories: straight-through and crossover.

■Straight-through cable: The wires are crimped in the RJ-45 connectors at both ends in the same order. The cable is used for connecting a terminal device (for example, PC or router) to a HUB or LAN switch. The cables delivered with the router are straight-through cables.

■Crossover cable: The wires are crimped in the RJ-45 connectors at both ends in different orders. The cable is used for connecting two terminal devices (for example, PC and router). You can make cables as needed.

n In making network cables, shielded cables are preferred for electromagnetic compatibility sake.

The interface cables in the standard package of RT-FIC-FE cards are straight-through cables.

Connecting the Interface Step 1: Plug one end of the cable to an Ethernet port on the router and another Cable end to the device to be connected. (For a PC or router, use a straight-through

cable; for a HUB or LAN switch, use a crossover cable.)

Step 2: Power on the router and check the behavior of the LINK LED on the FIC-FE

panel: ON means that a link is present and OFF means that no link is present. In the latter case, check the line status.

c CAUTION: Before you connect a port, read its label carefully; a wrong connection can cause damages to the interface card and even the device.

FIC-1GBE/FIC-2GBE

Introduction FIC-1GBE/FIC-2GBE, the 1-port/2-port 10Base-T/100Base-TX/1000Base-T Ethernet electrical interface card, is used for router-to-LAN communication.

The cards support:

■100 meters (328.1 ft.) of transmission segment over the category-5 twisted-pair cable.