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Hardware Setup
Before You Begin
The EtherFast 10/100 LAN Cards are equipped with an
RJ-45 port that automatically adjusts to either 10Mbps
or 100Mbps speeds at any duplex. Also known as N-
way technology, the card's auto-sensing mechanism
allows you to attach your computer to either Fast
Ethernet (also known as 100BaseTX) or regular
10BaseT Ethernet network segments of any duplex
without any special hardware or software settings
required.
The card should only be used with RJ-45, twisted-pair
cabling. 100BaseTX cabling is available in a number of
different grades. Your kit comes with 8-wire, category 5
unshielded twisted-pair for use with both 10BaseT and
100BaseTX network segments. The cable that runs from
your computer's EtherFast card to your hub should not
exceed 100 meters (328 feet) in length.
Extra Category 5 twisted-pair cabling can be purchased
from most computer stores, or if you prefer, you can
crimp your own cables. See page 53 for wiring informa-
tion.
Whether you're building a 10Mbps or 100Mbps net-
work, twisted-pair cabling should always be used with a
hub. Each PC plugs into the hub with its own twisted
pair cable. Because all of the PCs' cables converge at
the hub's central location, a twisted-pair network is
often referred to as a star configuration. Do not connect
PCs together without a hub. Although your network may
work, communication will be unstable.
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Hardware Setup