CHAPTER 4

MAKING NETWORK

CONNECTIONS

Connecting Network Devices

The TigerSwitch 10/100 may be connected to 10 or 100 Mbps network cards in PCs and servers, as well as to hubs and switches. It may also be connected to remote devices using the optional fiber optic modules

Twisted-Pair Devices

Each device requires a shielded or unshielded twisted-pair (STP or UTP) cable with RJ-45 connectors at both ends. For 1000BASE-T connections, Category 5, 5e, or 6 cable is required, for 100BASE-TX Category 5 cable is required; for 10BASE-T, Category 3 or better cable can be used.

Cabling Guidelines

A twisted-pair connection between two ports must have a crossover of the transmit and receive wires to be able to function. This crossover can be implemented in either of the ports, or in the cable connecting them.

Network card ports in PCs and servers do not contain an internal wiring crossover, these are known as straight-through (MDI) ports. Therefore, most switch and hub ports implement a built-in crossover - known as fixed crossover (MDI-X) ports - so that they can be connected to PCs and servers using standard straight-through cable. Some switches and hubs also have an MDI port, so that they can connect to another switch’s/hub’s

4-1

Page 47
Image 47
SMC Networks SMC6724L3 INT manual Chapter Making Network Connections, Connecting Network Devices, Twisted-Pair Devices