Fast EtherHub 3500 System User’s Guide
2-6 Installing the System
Making a Connection via the MDI Daisy-Chain Port
The Fast EtherHub 3500 hubs
are Class I repeaters. Class I
repeaters cannot be cascaded
to another repeater in the same
collision domain.
The daisy-chain port can only
be cascaded to another device
which breaks up the collision
domain (e.g., an Ethernet
switch).
Stackable Fast Ethernet hubs are generally restricted to Class I
repeater types due to the timing requirements for passing traffic
and management data across the stack’s backplane. Although
Class I repeaters cannot be cascaded to another device in the
same collision domain via the daisy-chain port, more powerful
interconnection options are provided via the hub’s backplane
and optional SmartExtender Modules.
The daisy-chain port can only be cascaded to another device
which breaks up the collision domain (e.g., an Ethernet switch).
Prepare straight-through 100W Category 5 shielded or
unshielded twisted-pair cables with RJ-45 plugs at both ends.
Connect one end of the cable to the 12MDI port on this hub,
and the other end to a standard MDI-X station port on the other
device. Remember that when using the daisy-chain port
(12MDI), station port (12MDI-X) cannot be used. When inserting
an RJ-45 plug, be sure the tab on the plug clicks into position
to ensure that it is properly seated.
Notes: 1. Make sure the twisted-pair cable does not exceed 100 meters.
2. To connect to a switch, you may also run straight-through twisted-
pair cabling from a station port on this hub to a crossover port on
the switch. However, if you must connect to a switch via station
ports at both ends of the cable, use crossover cabling.
Connecting to a SmartExtender Module
The Fast Ethernet 3500 Series includes a network expansion
slot on the front panel that supports connection to 100BASE-TX
(10BASE-T), 100BASE-T4 or 100BASE-FX. Each
SmartExtender Module acts as a two-port switch that can
forward and filter data frames at line speed. One port is
connected to the hub’s internal repeater bus, while the other
port (on the hub’s front panel) can be used to connect the hub to
any compatible network device. The optional extender modules
include: