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TITLE: Cabling Specifications
DOCUMENT ID#: FYI.P.6064
DATE: 04Dec92
PRODUCT: NetWare Lite
PRODUCT VERSION: All versions
SUPERSEDES: FYI.P.6013
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: 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, which is a single length of cable (trunk segment) with a terminating resistor on each end. Each node (PC) attaches to the cable via a T-Connector which attaches to the BNC connector on the network card.
Follow the rules below for thin Ethernet cabling.
The network card 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, 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 via a grounding terminator, which must be connected to a true ground.
The network card is connected to the trunk segment via a T-Connector. The cable can never be plugged directly into the network card.
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).
Minimum cable distance between stations is 0.5 meters (1.5 feet).
Avoid placing the cable on or near any electrical devices that could cause interference on the line. (i.e. florescent lights, electric motors, etc.)
NetWare Lite only supports a total of 25 nodes on the entire network.
Twisted-Pair Ethernet Cabling
Twisted-Pair Ethernet cabling, also known as 10BASE-T, uses twisted-pair cables (similar to telephone wire) in a star-shaped configuration. Each node (PC) attaches to a concentrator via a twisted-pair cable using RJ-45 connectors (similar to a telephone jack). Some network cards, specifically designed for twisted-pair use, include an RJ-45 jack instead of a BNC connector. However, standard ethernet cards require an external device attached to the DIX connector to use this type of cabling.
Follow the rules below 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. (i.e. florescent lights, electric motors, etc.)
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, via 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 card 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.
Follow the rules below 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, 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 card 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 alloted time of 31 microseconds.
Avoid placing the cable on or near any electrical devices that could cause interference on the line. (i.e. florescent lights, electric motors, etc.)
NetWare Lite only supports a total of 25 nodes on the entire network.
Note: Some arcnet cards have the ability to be connected using a bus configuration similar to thin Ethernet. For this type of card, 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 connected to another MAU, via 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.
Two types of cables are used in a Token-Ring network: adapter cables and patch cables. 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 which 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 cables distance past the 8-foot adapter cable distance to connect MAUs.
Follow the rules below 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 he 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. (i.e. florescent lights, electric motors, etc.)
NetWare Lite only supports a total of 25 nodes on the entire network.
