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FYI
(Note: The origin of this information may be internal or external to Novell.
Novell makes every effort within its means to verify this information.
However, the information provided in this document is FOR YOUR INFORMATION
only. Novell makes no explicit or implied claims to the validity of this
information.)
TITLE: Cabling Specifications
DOCUMENT ID#: FYI.P.6064
DATE: 04DEC92
PRODUCT: NetWare Lite
PRODUCT VERSION: All versions
SUPERSEDES: FYI.P.6013
LITE FAX DOC #: 2602
SYMPTOM
NA
ISSUE/PROBLEM
Cabling Specifications and Limitations
This document covers the cable installation and configuration rules for
each network type including Ethernet, ARCnet, and Token-Ring. The
cabling discussed includes only the most common cable types such as Thin
Ethernet, Twisted-Pair Ethernet, ARCnet (coax), and Token-Ring.
Ethernet Network
Ethernet is a high-speed linear bus network. It can use coaxial,
twisted-pair, or fiber optic cables.
Thin Ethernet Cabling
Thin Ethernet cabling uses RG-58/U, 50-ohm coaxial cable in a bus
configuration that is a single length of cable (trunk segment) with a
terminating resistor on each end. Each node (PC) attaches to the cable
through a T-Connector that attaches to the BNC connector on the network
board.
Use the following rules for thin Ethernet cabling:
■ The network board must be set to use the BNC connector.
■ Thin Ethernet cable is RG-58/U, 50-ohm coaxial cable; no other type
of cable should be used. The cable should be prepared by the
factory or a trained professional because homemade cables can create
problems on the network.
■ Both ends of the trunk segment must be terminated with a terminating
resistor matching the rating of the cable (50 ohm). The terminator
is connected to the T-Connector at the end of the segment. One end
of the cable must also be grounded through a grounding terminator
that must be connected to a true ground.
■ The network board is connected to the trunk segment through a
T-Connector. The cable can never be plugged directly into the
network board.
■ A trunk segment cannot exceed 185 meters (607 feet).
■ Up to five trunk segments can be connected through four repeaters.
A repeater counts as a node on the network.
■ The entire network trunk cannot exceed 925 meters (3,035 feet).
■ The minimum cable distance between stations must be 0.5 meters (1.5
feet).
■ Avoid placing the cable on or near any electrical devices that could
cause interference on the line (such as florescent lights or
electric motors).
■ NetWare Lite only supports a total of 25 nodes on the entire
network.
Twisted-Pair Ethernet Cabling
Twisted-Pair Ethernet cabling, also known as 10BaseT, uses twisted-pair
cables (similar to telephone wire) in a star-shaped configuration. Each
node (PC) attaches to a concentrator through a twisted-pair cable using
RJ-45 connectors (similar to a telephone jack). Some network boards,
specifically designed for twisted-pair use, include an RJ-45 jack instead
of a BNC connector. However, standard Ethernet boards require an
external device attached to the DIX connector to use this type of
cabling.
Use the following rules for twisted-pair Ethernet cabling:
■ Maximum segment length (unshielded): 100 meters (328 feet)
■ Maximum number of trunk segments: 1,024
■ Maximum number of repeaters: 4
■ Avoid placing the cable on or near any electrical devices that could
cause interference on the line (such as florescent lights or
electric motors).
■ NetWare Lite only supports a total of 25 nodes on the entire
network.
ARCnet Network
ACRnet is a token-passing star bus network that connects each node to an
active or passive hub through coaxial cable. The cable can also connect
one active hub to another hub. These hubs act as signal splitters.
Active hubs also act as signal amplifiers.
ARCnet Cabling (Coax)
ARCnet cabling uses RG-62/U, 93-ohm coaxial cable in a star
configuration. Each node (PC) is connected to an active or passive hub
with one end of the cable plugged directly into the BNC connector on the
network board and the other end plugged into the BNC connector on the
hub. If only two nodes are on the network, the cable can directly
connect the two machines. If more than two nodes are on the network, an
active or passive hub must be used.
Use the following rules for ACRnet cabling:
■ ARCnet cable is RG-62/U, 93-ohm coaxial cable; no other type of
cable should be used. The cable should be prepared by the factory
or a trained professional because homemade cables can create
problems on the network.
■ Unused nodes of a passive hub must be terminated using a 93-ohm
terminator. Unused active hub nodes need not be terminated.
■ A passive hub cannot be connected to another passive hub.
■ Passive hubs can only connect a node and an active hub, never two
active hubs.
■ Make sure that the node address of the network board in each PC is
unique. This only applies if the node address is configurable.
■ Maximum cable distances depend on what you are connecting, as shown
in the following chart:
┌──────────────┬──────────────┬──────────────────┐
│ FROM │ TO │ MAXIMUM DISTANCE │
├──────────────┼──────────────┼──────────────────┤
│ Network Node │ Network Node │ 2,000 feet │
│ Network Node │ Active Hub │ 2,000 feet │
│ Network Node │ Passive Hub │ 100 feet │
│ Active Hub │ Active Hub │ 2,000 feet │
│ Active Hub │ Passive Hub │ 100 feet │
└──────────────┴──────────────┴──────────────────┘
■ The cable length distance between the farthest two nodes in the
network cannot exceed 20,000 feet. This is the maximum distance a
signal can travel on the cable in the allotted time of 31
microseconds.
■ Avoid placing the cable on or near any electrical devices that could
cause interference on the line (such as florescent lights or
electric motors).
■ NetWare Lite only supports a total of 25 nodes on the entire
network.
Note: Some ARCnet boards can be connected using a bus configuration
similar to thin Ethernet. For this type of board, contact your
dealer for information regarding the configuration rules and
specifications.
Token-Ring Network
Token-Ring is a token-passing network. Each node (PC) attaches to a
device called a multistation access unit (MAU or MSAU) that sends the
token from one node to the next node in line. A token-ring network can
use either a small movable cabling system or a large nonmovable cabling
system. This document will discuss the small movable cabling system.
Token-Ring Cabling
Token-Ring cabling uses IBM type 6 cable in a ring configuration. Each
node must attach directly to a MAU. Each MAU can connect to another MAU
through a patch cable to form a ring. If the total number of nodes on
the network is less than or equal to eight (the number of connections on
the MAU), only one MAU is needed.
Adapter cables and patch cables are the two types of cables used in a
Token-Ring network. Adapter cables are 8-foot IBM type 6 cables. Use an
adapter cable to connect nodes directly to a MAU or to a patch cable that
is connected to a MAU. Patch cables are also IBM type 6 cables and come
in four lengths: 8, 30, 75, and 150 feet. A patch cable can extend the
cable's distance past the 8-foot adapter cable distance to connect MAUs.
Use the following rules for Token-Ring cabling:
■ Maximum number of nodes: 96
■ Maximum number of MAUs: 12
■ Maximum patch cable distance between a MAU and a node (not including
8-foot adapter cable): 150 feet
■ Maximum patch cable distance between two MAUs: 150 feet
■ Maximum patch cable distance connecting all MAUs: 400 feet
■ Connect nodes to the ports on the MAU labeled 1 to 8.
■ Connect all MAUs with patch cables using the ports labeled RI (Ring
In) and RO (Ring Out). The RO port of the last MAU connects to the
RI port of the first MAU, creating a ring.
■ Before connecting cables, initialize each port you will use by
plugging in the Setup Aid and waiting for the click. Then remove
the Setup Aid.
■ Avoid placing the cable on or near any electrical devices that could
cause interference on the line (such as florescent lights or
electric motors).
■ NetWare Lite only supports a total of 25 nodes on the entire
network.
SOLUTION
NA