3Com 100BASE-T4 User Manual - Page 3

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3Com 100BASE-T4 User Manual
TX - T4 - FX Integration
Connections between 100BASE-T4, 100BASE-TX,
and 100BASE-FX are made easily through the 3Com
SuperSack II Hub 100 stackable Fast Ethernet hub.
Bridging or routing is not required to connect together
these technologies. The FMS 100 allows stackability of
100BASE-TX and 100BASE-T4 units with centralized
SNMP and RMON Management using the SuperSack II
Hub 100 Management Unit.
100BASE-T Topology Rules
When creating a Fast Ethernet network, it is important to
follow the IEEE 802.3 topology rules. One main difference
between 10BASE-T Ethernet and 100BASE-T Fast Ethernet
is the use of hub (or repeater) classifications. Fast Ethernet
repeaters are either Class I or Class II repeaters depending
on how many "hops" or stacks of repeaters are allowed
in one segment, or collision domain. A Class I repeater
supports 1 repeater or repeater stack in one segment. A
Class II repeater supports up to 2 repeater or repeater stacks
("hops") in one segment. Most 100BASE-T4 repeaters
are Class I repeaters.
This diagram shows the topology rules for constructing
a Fast Ethernet network. All distances shown for UTP
cable are the same for 100BASE-TX and 100BASE-T4.
100BASE-T4 Product Overview
Fast EtherLink 10/100BASE -T4 PCI Network Interface
Card (3C595-T4) 3Com combines the highest performance
10BASE-T and 100BASE-T NIC into one solution with
100BASE-T4 support. With bus mastering technology and
3Com's patented Parallel Tasking, Fast EtherLink provides
the highest throughput available in either 100BASE-T or
100BASE-T4 modes. Fast EtherLink has a single RJ-45 UTP
connector which allows automatic configuration and connection
to either 10BASE-T or 100BASE-T4 networks. No hardware
or software changes are needed to move between network
speeds - Fast EtherLink automatically senses the speed of the
hub. Fast EtherLink also comes in versions for 10/100BASE-
TX PCI or 10/100BASE-TX EISA. All 3Com NIC come with
integrated network management and a lifetime guarantee.
Legend
Shared 100 Mbps
Switched 100 Mbps