NETWORK CABLE CONNECTION
All four EtherPower II 10/100 network card models have an RJ-45 connector for connection to an Ethernet or Fast Ethernet hub or switch using an unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable. In addition, the SMC9432BTX provides a BNC port for thin coax cable, while the SMC9432FTX enables fiber cable connections. This chapter describes all connection methods.
Connection GuidelinesKTo connect to a 10BASE-T device, use the network card’s RJ-45 connector and Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP cable (2-wire pairs required).
KTo connect to a 100BASE-TX device, use the network card’s RJ-45 connector and Category 5 UTP cable (2-wire pairs required).
KTo connect to a 10BASE2 device, use the BNC connector on the SMC9432BTX network card and thin coax cable.
KTo connect to a 100BASE-FX device, use the SC connector on the SMC9432FTX network card and 62.5/125 µm fiber optic cable.
The attached device must be within the distance limitations specified by the applicable IEEE specification.
Observe the following guidelines for 100BASE-TX/FX operation:
KThe maximum length of a twisted-pair segment is 100 meters.
KThe maximum length of a fiber segment is 412 meters in half duplex and 2 km in full duplex.
KFor 100 Mbps operation, the EtherPower II 10/100 card must be connected to a 100BASE-TX/100BASE-FX hub or switch.
For additional Fast Ethernet guidelines, refer to SMC’s World Wide Web site at the URL shown on the back cover of this user guide.