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HAPTER
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AKING
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ETWORK
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ONNECTIONS
Connecting Network Devices
The TigerSwitch 10/100 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
Management 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 or 5e (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 aut omatic 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).