Fast Ethernet Switching System User’s Guide

3

Connecting the DES-5016 to the Network

This chapter covers the following:

Cable Specifications

Ports

Connecting the DES-5016 to another DES-5016

Connecting the DES-5016 to other switches and hubs

This section deals with making cables and connecting the DES-5016 to other devices. It is extremely important that cables have the correct pin arrangement and that the proper cables be used when connecting to servers, switches, hubs, workstations and other devices.

Cable Specifications

Use the following guidelines when handling cables:

Do not stretch or bend cables.

Do not put copper cables near sources of electromagnetic interference. Fiber optic cables are immune to most electromagnetic interference.

Do not create trip hazards by laying cables in aisles and walkways.

Secure cables to the floor when routing in aisles or walkways.

Do not use telephone cable. Telephone cable does not support Ethernet or Fast Ethernet.

Copper Cable

In order for Ethernet or Fast Ethernet to work the wires must be arranged correctly inside the RJ-45 connector. The most common problem on Ethernet or Fast Ethernet networks is the cable. If you migrate from Ethernet to Fast Ethernet, make sure the cables are pinned out properly.

There are two types of cables: straight through and crossover. Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP/STP cable has eight wires inside the sheath. The wires form four pairs. Straight through cable has the same pin out, inside the RJ-45 connector, at both ends. Crossover cable has a different pin arrangement at each end. Fast Ethernet does not tolerate incorrect pin arrangements. You must use the correct pin arrangement in order for the DES-5016 to work properly. See Figure 11, for an example of straight through and crossover cable.

The type of cable you use depends on the speed of your network. A network running at 10 Mbps can use lower grade cable than a network running at 100 Mbps. Table 1, shows the cable requirements for Ethernet and Fast Ethernet networks.

Connecting the DES-5016 to the Network

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D-Link manual Connecting the DES-5016 to the Network, Cable Specifications, Copper Cable