3Com Router 3000 Ethernet Family
Installation Guide
2. Installing the Router
2-5
2.6 Connecting the Router to LAN
2.6.1 Ethernet cable
A 10/100Base-TX Ethernet interface is usually connected to an Ethernet using a category 5 twisted
pair cable, as shown in Figure 2-4:
Figure 2-4
Ethernet cable assembly
Ethernet cables fit into two categories: straight-through and crossover.
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Straight-through cable, at both ends of which, the wires are crimped in the RJ45
connectors in the same sequence. The cable is used for connecting different types of
devices, such as a terminal device (PC for example) or router to a Hub or LAN switch.
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Crossover cable, at both ends of which, the wires are crimped in the RJ 45 connectors in
different sequence. The cable is used for connecting the same type of devices, such as
PC to PC or PC to router.
Caution:
In preparing network cables, shielded cables are preferred for the sake of electromagnetic compatibility.
2.6.2 Connecting an Ethernet cable
Caution:
Read the mark above the port to be connected carefully before making connection to make sure it is the right port.
The 10/100BASE-T interface on the 3036 series supports MDI/MDIX autosensing. Therefore, you
can connect your router to another device using either straight-through cable or crossover cable
without considering whether the two devices are of the same type.
You can simply connect one end of the network cable to the Ethernet port on the router and the
other end to another device.
