SMC Networks SMC6608M, SMC6608T Making Network Connections, Connectivity Rules, SMC 5 4 3 Rule

INSTALLATION

Making Network Connections

Switches are designed to interconnect multiple segments, or collision domains. Each segment may contain a single server or workstation, or multiple workstations that are connected to a hub.

Connectivity Rules

An overview of the rules for both Ethernet and Fast Ethernet collision domains is provided below.

10 Mbps Ethernet Collision Domain

SMC 5 - 4 - 3 Rule

Between any two PCs or other stations in the same 10 Mbps collision domain, there may be:

•up to 5 cable segments in series,

•up to 4 repeaters (hubs),

•up to 3 populated cable segments, that is, segments attached to two or more PCs (coax networks only).*

*The remaining two segments are unpopulated; these are known as inter-repeater links or IRLs. This distinction between populated and unpopulated segments is significant for coax networks only.

Maximum Cable Length

Cable Type	Maximum Length
Twisted Pair, Categories 3, 4, 5	100 m (328 ft.)

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