GE Medical Systems Dash 3000, Service Manual, Page: 48 / 232

INSTALLATION: Optional Ethernet Communication
3-6 Dash 3000/4000 Patient Monitor Revision B
2000966-105
Optional Ethernet Communication
Overview Ethernet is a local area network used as the main link of the optional
GEUnity network, a comprehensive information communication system.
The Unity network offers the high rate of communication of 10 megabits
per second. The Ethernet connector connects to an Ethernet transceiver
directly or via a transceiver cable. This local area network links all
patient monitors, central stations, and other GEequipment throughout
the hospital. Depending on the construction of the hospital, thick-net,
thin-net, or twisted pair cabling is used.
Twisted Pair
Twisted pair is the most popular cabling because it is easy to install and
flexible to work with. It uses the star topology with a concentrator as the
hub of the segment. Each of the network devices is connected directly to
the concentrator so longer lengths of cable are required. A maximum of
100 meters or 328 feet is the longest length of twisted pair cable used.
The number of devices is limited to the amount of connectors at the
concentrator.
Concentrator The concentrator is simply a transceiver that passes all network data
between any two branches in the LAN. Note that the concentrator passes
all network data between the two branches, regardless of whether or not
one node is sending data to another node on the same branch.
To implement the star topology, each network device is connected to a
concentrator. The concentrator functions as a central hub and simply
passes all network data between each network device in the star
segment. Typically, the concentrator supports 8 to 12 network devices
and may be linked to other concentrators to form larger networks.