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February 2003 © 2003 Foundry Networks, Inc. 5-1
CHAPTER 5
MAKING NETWORK
CONNECTIONS
Connecting Network Devices
The switch may be connected to 10 or 100 Mbps network cards in
PCs and servers, as well as to Ethernet and Fast Ethernet 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 Category 5 or 5e cable is required, for 100BASE-TX
connections, Category 5 cable is required; for 10BASE-T,
Category 3, 4 or 5 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