Connecting Network Devices and Checking Connectivity
September 2007 © 2007 Foundry Networks, Inc. 4 - 5
Figure 4.2 Cat-5 crossover cable for 1000Base-T
NOTE: The 802.3ab standard calls for automatic negotiation of the connection between two 1000Base-T ports.
Consequently, a crossover cable may not be required; a straight-through cable may work as well.
Connecting to Workstations, Servers, or Routers
Straight-through UTP cabling is required for direct UTP attachment to workstations, servers, or routers using
network interface cards (NICs).
Fiber cabling is required for direct attachment to Gigabit NICs or switches and routers via fiber ports. See
“Connecting a Network Device to a Fiber Port” on page4-5.

Automatic MDI/MDIX Detection

All 10/100 and Gigabit Ethernet Copper ports on the Foundry FGS devices support automatic Media Dependent
Interface (MDI) and Media Dependent Interface Crossover (MDIX) detection. This feature is enabled on all 10/100
and Gigabit copper ports by default. For each port, you can disable auto MDI/MDIX, designate the port as an MDI
port, or designate the port as an MDIX port.
For more information about this feature and how configure it, see the Foundry FastIron Configuration Guide.
Connecting a Network Device to a Fiber Port
For direct attachment from the Foundry device to a Gigabit NIC, switch, or router, fiber cabling with an LC
connector is required.
To connect the Foundry device to another network device using a fiber port, you must do the following:
• Install a fiber optic module (SFP transceiver or mini-GBIC for Gigabit Ethernet ports, or XFP-MSA transceiver
for 10-Gigabit Ethernet ports)
• Cable the fiber optic module
The following sections provide information about performing these tasks.

Installing a Fiber Optic Module

You must install a fiber optic module (SFP or XFP transceiver) in each Gigabit Ethernet and 10-Gigabit Ethernet
fiber port you want to use.
You can install a new fiber optic module in a port while the Foundry device is powered on and running.
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Cat-5 Crossover Cable
1000BaseT