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16- AND 24-PORT STACK HUBS
2. Introduction
2.1 Overview
The 16- and 24-Port Stack Hubs allow easy migration and integration between
10-Mbps Ethernet and 100-Mbps Fast Ethernet while providing manageability and
flexibility in cable connections.
The Hub can operate with either IEEE 802.3 10BASE-T connections (twisted-pair
Ethernet operating at 10 Mbps) or IEEE 802.3u 100BASE-TX connections (twisted-
pair Fast Ethernet operating at 100 Mbps). All of the twisted-pair ports support
10-/100-Mbps auto-negotiation, allowing the hub to automatically detect the speed
of a network connection. That means you can connect all of your Ethernet and
Fast Ethernet hosts to any hub in the series without any rewiring required when a
host is upgraded from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps.
The Hubs can be stacked with up to four hubs in a stack. A stack of four 24-port
hubs yields 96 Ethernet/Fast Ethernet ports. The Hub operates as a Class II Fast
Ethernet repeater, allowing it to be linked to another Class II Fast Ethernet stack in
the same collision domain.
In the basic configuration, the 10-Mbps and 100-Mbps segments are separate but
can intercommunicate. Each unit has a built-in switch, so it can intercommunicate
and stack up to four units.
2.2 Features
• Compatible with the IEEE 802.3 10BASE-T Ethernet and 802.3u 100BASE-TX
Fast Ethernet industry standards for interoperability with other Ethernet/Fast
Ethernet network devices.
• Ethernet connections support Category 3 or better twisted-pair cables.
NOTE
In mixed environments, you must use Category 5 or above twisted-pair
cables.
• Fast Ethernet connections support both shielded twisted-pair and Category 5
unshielded twisted-pair cables.
• Fast Ethernet connections support a maximum distance of 100 meters (328 ft.)
from end-station to Hub, and a total network diameter of 205 meters (673 ft.).
