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Fast ethernet – 3Com Switches/Hub User Manual

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Fast Ethernet

Fast Ethernet is based on the Ethernet
standard yet runs at 10 times the speed
(100 Mbps). It is now one of the most
popular high-speed technologies because
of its cost effectiveness, stability, and
compatibility with existing Ethernet
LAN environments. Fast Ethernet
switching allows dedicated performance
between two devices.

The total length of cable (A+B+C
below) between two workstations
and a nonrepeater piece of equipment
(such as a switch) must not exceed
205 m (672 ft). Each cable (A, B, or C)
must not exceed 100 m (328 ft).

3Com recommends using Category 5
cables and that the cable (B) between
the Fast Ethernet hub is not longer
than 5 m (16.4 ft). This allows the
maximum hub-to-workstation cable
length (A or C) of 100 m (328 ft) to be
used, as shown.

O F F I C E C O N N E C T

®

S W I T C H E S A N D H U B S

Example:

100 Mbps link

A

B

C

Dual Speed

Hub 8

Hub

Switch

100 Mbps

hub

Hub

Work

station

Work

station

5 m

(16.4 ft)

100 m

(328 ft)

100 m

(328 ft)

Work

station

Work

station

These rules do not
apply to Fast
Ethernet switches.
You can connect
as many
OfficeConnect
switches together
as your business
requires.

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