The Classification of Networks
2-9
Overview of Networking
Thin Coaxial Cable
Thin coaxial cable (also known as thin Ethernet cable, “thinnet,” “cheapernet,”
RG58 A/U, BNC or 10BASE2 cable) is a less shielded, and thus less expensive,
type of coaxial cabling. Also used exclusively for Ethernet networks, thin coaxial
cable is smaller, lighter, and more flexible than thick coaxial cable. The cable itself
resembles (but is not identical to) television coaxial cable.
Thin coaxial cable is made up of a single outer copper shield, which may be
braided or foil, a layer beneath that of non-conductive dielectric material, and a
stranded center conductor. This shielding makes thin coaxial cable resistant to
electromagnetic interference as the shielding of thick coaxial cable does, but does
not provide the same extent of protection. Thin coaxial cable can be run to a
maximum length of 185 meters (606.7 ft.).
As with thick coaxial cable, thin coaxial cable allows multiple devices to connect
to a single cable. Up to 30 transceivers may be connected to a single length of thin
coaxial cable, spaced a minimum of 0.5 meter from one another. Connections to
the cable are typically made using T-connectors, which provide taps for
additional runs of coaxial cable to workstations or network devices. T-connectors,
as shown in Figure 2-3, below, provide three RG58 connections, two of which
attach to RG58 female connectors on the cable itself and one of which is used for
connection to the male RG58 connection of a transceiver or Desktop Network
Interface Card on a workstation.
Figure 2-3. Thin Coaxial Cable T-Connector
1706n03
Front
Side
Bottom
Summary of Contents for MMAC-5FNB
Page 1: ...Cabletron Systems Networking Guide MMAC FNB Solutions ...
Page 2: ......
Page 4: ...ii ...
Page 10: ...viii ...
Page 188: ...Expansion Ethernet 8 12 Port Assignment and Virtual LANs ...
Page 194: ...Expansion Token Ring 9 6 Port Assignment ...