CHAPTER 5
MAKING NETWORK
CONNECTIONS
Connecting Network Devices
The EdgeIron 4802CF is designed to interconnect multiple segments (or collision domains). It may be connected to network cards in PCs and servers, or to hubs, switches or routers.
Note: Before connecting cables, you may want to first configure the Spanning Tree Protocol to avoid network loops. Refer to the User Guide for more information.
Twisted-Pair Devices
Each device requires an unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable with RJ-45 connectors at both ends. For 100BASE-TX connections, Category 5 cable is required; for 10BASE-T, Category 3, 4 or 5 cable can be used.
For 1000BASE-T connections, Category 5, 5e, or 6 (recommended) cable is required with all four wire pairs connected. You should also test the cable installation for IEEE 802.3ab compliance. See “1000BASE-T Cable Requirements” on page B-5.
Cabling Guidelines
The RJ-45 ports on the switch support automatic MDI/MDI-X operation, so you can use standard straight-through twisted-pair cables to connect to any other network device (PCs, servers, switches, routers, or hubs).
February 2003 | © 2003 Foundry Networks, Inc. | 5-1 |
