Fast EtherHub 3500 System User’s Guide
2-4 Installing the System
Connecting the Hub System
Remember to label all your
connections at both ends of the
cable to facilitate troubleshooting
or future changes to network
configuration.
The Fast EtherHub has 12 RJ-45 shielded ports (i.e.,
100BASE-TX) that support connections to 100 Mbps Fast
Ethernet. Ports 1 - 12 (MDI-X) allow you to connect to devices
such as a workstation, server or router. While Port 12 (MDI)
lets you easily cascade to a compatible switch (i.e., connecting
from MDI to MDI-X ports on either device).
This hub also provides an expansion slot for plugging in
optional SmartExtender Modules. These modules support a
single connection to 100BASE-TX (10BASE-T), 100BASE-T4
or 100BASE-FX. They provide a convenient way to attach to
devices which use an alternate media type (e.g., linking fiber
optic cable to a remote device).
The transmission speed for ports on the optional 100BASE-TX
SmartExtender Module is automatically set at 10 or 100 Mbps to
match the operating speed of the attached device. Moreover, the
transmission mode of the ports on the optional 100BASE-TX and
100BASE-FX extender modules is automatically set at full or
half duplex to match the optimum capability of the attached
device.
Making a Connection via an MDI-X Station Port
You can connect an RJ-45 station port on the hub to any device
that uses a standard LAN interface such as a workstation or
server, or also to a network interconnection device such as a
bridge or router (depending on the port type implemented).
1. Prepare the network devices you wish to network. Make
sure you have installed suitable 100BASE-TX network
interface cards before making a connection to any of the
hub’s station ports. You also need to prepare straight-
through 100W Category 5 shielded or unshielded twisted- p a i r
cables with RJ-45 plugs at both ends.