Connecting to a 10Base-T Ethernet Network
The built-in Ethernet capabilities of your Macintosh allow you to connect to any standard
Ethernet network using 10Base-T twisted-pair cables, thin or thick coaxial cables, fiberoptic
media, or other standard Ethernet cables.
You can connect directly to an Ethernet network that uses 10Base-T twisted-pair cable. To
connect your Macintosh to an Ethernet network that uses coaxial cables, you need an RJ-45
to Thin Coax repeater. The repeater is available from manufacturers other than Apple.
See your Apple-authorized dealer for more information on Apple Ethernet media adapters.
Also see the following instructions to learn which items to purchase.
If a network administrator is responsible for network maintenance and upkeep at your
location, ask for help connecting your computer to the network.
Follow this procedure to connect your Macintosh to an Ethernet network that uses twisted-
pair cable. The hardware connection requires a twisted-pair patch cord with an RJ-45
connector, which looks like a wide version of a standard telephone connector. Take care to
use the correct patch cord. You plug the patch cord into a standard wall plate that is
connected to a centralized 10Base-T hub.
To connect your Macintosh to a twisted-pair network:
1Shut down your Macintosh.
2Plug one end of the RJ-45 twisted-pair patch cord into the 10Base-T Ethernet port on your
Macintosh.
The Ethernet port on the back of your Macintosh is marked with the Ethernet icon:
10Base-T Ethernet port (RJ-45)
Ethernet icon
Warning Do not connect cables to the back of your computer when the computer is
on or you may damage your system.
40 Chapter 2