Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
10.
Repeat steps 4-9 for the other end of the cable. Recut the end of the cable if neces-
sary before stripping it.
11.
Label each cable with the following information:
• Wiring standard
• Length
• End with crossover (if any)
• ________ (a blank) for computer ID
The cables should be labeled at both ends to make matching the cable with the correct
computer easyandtofacilitate troubleshooting atthehub.Check withyourcable supplier
for suitable labeling stock or tags you can attach to each cable.
Cable Distance Limitations
The people who design computer systems love to find ways to circumvent limitations.
Manufacturers of Ethernet products have made possible the building of networks in star,
branch,andtreedesignsthatovercomethebasiclimitationsalreadymentioned.(Formore
information, see the “
Wired Network Topologies
” section later in this chapter.) Strictly
speaking, you can have thousands of computers on a complex Ethernet network.
LANs are local because the network adapters and other hardware components typically
can't send LAN messages more than a few hundred feet.
Table 17.6
lists the distance lim-
itations of various types of LAN cable. In addition to the limitations shown in the table,
keep the following points in mind:
• You can't connect more than 30 computers on a single Thinnet Ethernet segment.
• You can't connect more than 100 computers on a Thicknet Ethernet segment.
• You can't connect more than 72 computers on a UTP Token-Ring cable.
