21
Ethernet cable
Ethernet interfaces usually use category 5 twisted pair cables, as shown in the following figure:
Figure 14
Ethernet cable
Ethernet cables fit into the following two categories:
•
Standard cable, also called straight-through cable, at both ends of which, wires are crimped in the
RJ-45 connectors in the same sequence. The cable connects different categories of devices, such as
a terminal device (PC for example) or router to a Hub or LAN switch. The cable accompanying the
router is standard cable.
•
Crossover cable, at both ends of which, wires are crimped in the RJ-45 connectors in different
sequences. The cable connects the same category of devices, such as PC to PC or PC to router. You
can make crossover cables yourself as needed.
NOTE:
In making network cables, shielded cables are preferred for electromagnetic compatibility sake.
Connecting the Ethernet cable
Follow the steps below to connect an Ethernet cable:
Step1
Connect one end of the Ethernet cable to an Ethernet port on the router and the other end to another
device.
•
For a 10/100 Mbps port provided by the RPU, connect it to a PC or another router using a crossover
cable or to a Hub or LAN switch using a straight-through cable.
Step2
View the LINK LED of the Ethernet interface: ON means a link is present. OFF means no link is present;
check the line for the cause.
Ethernet Switching Interface
The MSR 20-21 Router is available with fixed 100Base-TX FE interface(s). The following table describes
Ethernet switching interface attributes:
Table 16
Attributes of the Ethernet switching interface
Attribute Description
Connector
RJ-45
Interface
MDI/MDIX
Frame format
Ethernet_II
Ethernet_SNAP
Operating mode
10/100 Mbps autosensing
Full duplex/half duplex