Intel 100BASE-TX manual Network Configuration Decisions, Mbps Network Devices

C H A P T E R 3 Intel Express 100BASE- TX Stackable Hub

Network Configuration Decisions

Before connecting your network devices to the ports on the Express hub, make sure you have made the following network configuration decisions:

∙Ensure that the new connections are within the simple Fast Ethernet repeater rules.

∙Ensure that all 100BASE-T connections are within their cable length limits.

∙Determine what kinds of cables you will use for 100BASE-T port connections. Ensure that the cables you choose comply with the type of port you are connecting to.

∙Determine which 100BASE-T modules you will need to install in the hub (if any) for connecting your network devices.

Refer to Appendix B to review the guidelines that can help you determine your network configuration.

100 Mbps Network Devices

To connect 100BASE-T network devices (such as, workstations, servers, and printers) to the 100BASE-T Hub, you must ensure that each device is physically and logically configured to operate at 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet.

Your 100BASE-T network devices should include 10/100 Mbps adapter cards or 100 Mbps adapter cards that allow the device to transmit and receive data over 100 Mbps pipes. To enable the 100 Mbps “pipes” to be used efficiently, you may have to modify the device configuration files.

If the network devices have not been configured for 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet operation, make sure you plan an adequate amount of time to rearchitect your network.

For instructions on installing adapter cards and configuring network devices, refer to the documentation that shipped with your adapter card. If these instructions do not include instructions regarding the reconfiguring of your device, check the documentation that shipped with that device for this information.

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