A
C
ABLING
This appendix discusses the following topics:
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Adapter cabling requirements
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Twisted-pair cable and the EIA/TIA cable categories
■
10BASE-T operation and specifications
■
100BASE-T specifications, including 100BASE-TX,
100BASE-T4, and 100BASE-FX
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Pin assignments for the RJ-45 connector
Adapter Cabling Requirements
When properly connected to a 10BASE-T network, the
Fast EtherLink 10/100BASE-T4 PCI adapter operates in 10BASE-T
mode and requires standard 10BASE-T cable topologies and
types, including 2 pairs of Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP for 10 Mbps.
When properly connected to a 100BASE-T4 network, the
Fast EtherLink PCI adapter operates in 100BASE-T4 mode and
requires 4 pairs of Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP for 100 Mbps.
In either case, the cable, quality, distance, and connectors must
comply with the EIA/TIA 568 “Commercial Building Wiring
Standard” and the Technical Services Bulletin TSB38 standards.
The maximum UTP cable distance is 100 meters (330 feet) at
either speed.
