Accton Technology Fast EtherHub-8s User manual

Fast EtherHub-8s
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Installation Manual
Fast EtherHub-8s
Smart Fast Ethernet Hub
with 8 100BASE-TX Ports

Copyright © 1997 by Accton Technology Corporation. All rights reserved.
No part of this document may be copied or reproduced in any form or by any means without the
prior written consent of Accton Technology Corporation.
Accton makes no warranties with respect to this documentation and disclaims any implied
warranties of merchantability, quality, or fitness for any particular purpose. The information in this
document is subject to change without notice. Accton reserves the right to make revisions to this
publication without obligation to notify any person or entity of any such changes.
International Headquarters
No. 1 Creation Road III,
Science-based Industrial Park
Hsinchu 300, Taiwan, R.O.C.
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
BBS: 886-3-5770-654
Internet: [e-mail]
USA Headquarters
1962 Zanker Road
San Jose, CA 95112
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
BBS: 408-452-8828
FAST FAX: [phone]
Accton, EtherHub and SmartWatch are trademarks or registered trademarks of Accton Technology
Corporation. Other trademarks or brand names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies.
EH3042S-TX
150497-101
E0797-R04

Package Contents i
Package Contents
Carefully unpack the contents of the package and verify them against the
checklist given below.
Package Checklist
æFast EtherHub-8s (Model No. EH3042S-TX)
æAC power cord (optional)
æFour rubber foot pads
æInstallation manual
æWarranty registration card
Please inform your dealer immediately should there be any wrong, missing, or
damaged parts.
If possible, retain the carton, including the original packing materials. Use
them again to repack the unit in case there is a need to return it for repair.
To qualify for product updates and product warranty registration, fill in the
Owner Registration Card and return it to Accton Technology Corporation.

Quick Installation iii
Quick Installation
The Fast EtherHub-8s contains 8 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet ports. The smart
design built into the front display panel provides a friendly interface that
simplifies installation and network troubleshooting. If you are already familiar
with basic network operations, you should be able to install this hub as
described below:
1. Unpack the Fast EtherHub-8s.
2. Find a location close to the network devices you need to connect, and within
easy reach of an electrical outlet.
3. Mount the hub on a desktop or any other flat surface. If you are installing
multiple hubs, you can stack them on top of each other (after attaching the
foot pads).
4. Connect any devices that use a standard network interface to the RJ-45
(MDI-X) station ports (e.g., a workstation, server, bridge or router). Use
100WCategory 5 STP or UTP cable to connect to the hub, and be sure the
length of any twisted-pair connection does not exceed 100 meters (328 feet).
Refer to Chapter 3 for sample configurations.
5. To cascade to another hub or switch, run straight-through twisted-pair cable
from the (8MDI) daisy-chain port on this hub to any (MDI-X) station port on
the other device (or vice versa). Refer to Figure 3.2.
If necessary, you can also cascade between two station ports using crossover
cable. However, be sure not to exceed the maximum length between end
nodes as described in Chapter 2.

Fast EtherHub-8s User’s Guide
iv Quick Installation
6. This hub can serve as a stand-alone repeater for small networks, can be
cascaded with compatible devices (e.g., Fast Ethernet hub or switch), or can
be connected to a network interconnection device (e.g., Fast Ethernet bridge
or router).
7. Verify network communications by ensuring that -
•you have made all the necessary connections
•you can access any connected resources
•the hub’s indicators are functioning properly
If you encounter any problems in installing the Fast EtherHub, refer to Chapter 2
for a detailed description of installation procedures, Chapter 3 for sample
configurations, or Appendix A for help in troubleshooting.
Note: Refer to Chapter 2 for a more detailed description of calculating the maximum cable
length permitted between two end nodes for Fast Ethernet.

About this Guide v
About this Guide
This guide is designed for the experienced network installer. It describes how
to install and operate Accton’s Fast EtherHub-8s. After reading this manual,
you should be able to use the front display panel and configure options to
manage all your network connections.
This manual covers the following topics:
Chapter 1 - Product Overview
Brief description of Fast Ethernet, followed by a description of this hub and a
summary of its important features and specifications.
Chapter 2 - Installing the System
Installing a Fast EtherHub and making basic network connections.
Chapter 3 - Configuring the Network
Shows sample network configurations for a local area network.
Chapter 4 - Hardware Reference
Detailed description of indicator panel and ports.
Appendices -
Troubleshooting, cable assignments, and product specifications.

Contents
vii
Chapter 1: Product Overview.................................................1-1
Introduction to Fast Ethernet.....................................................................................1-1
Accton’s Fast EtherHub-8s........................................................................................1-1
Basic Features ...........................................................................................................1-2
Chapter 2: Installing the System............................................2-1
Pre-Installation Requirements ...................................................................................2-1
Connecting the Hub System......................................................................................2-2
Making a Connection via an MDI-X Station Port ................................................2-2
Making a Connection via the MDI Daisy-Chain Port...........................................2-3
Distance Limit for Fast Ethernet Cabling.............................................................2-3
Providing Power to the EtherHub..............................................................................2-4
Verifying Port Status.................................................................................................2-4
Verifying System Operation......................................................................................2-5
Chapter 3: Configuring the Network......................................3-1
Stand-Alone...............................................................................................................3-1
Connecting Multiple Hubs ........................................................................................3-2
Using the RJ-45 Daisy-Chain Port........................................................................3-2
Guidelines for Configuring Multiple Hubs...........................................................3-3
Chapter 4: Hardware Reference.............................................4-1
Front Panel ...............................................................................................................4-1
Indicators..............................................................................................................4-1
Power Status ...................................................................................................4-2
Statistical Display for System Performance....................................................4-3
Port Status Display..........................................................................................4-4
RJ-45 Ethernet Ports.............................................................................................4-5
Rear Panel ...............................................................................................................4-6
Power Socket........................................................................................................4-6

Fast EtherHub-8s User’s Guide
viii Contents
Appendix A: Troubleshooting................................................A-1
Diagnosing Hub Indicators........................................................................................A-1
System Diagnostics ...................................................................................................A-2
Power and Cooling Problems...............................................................................A-2
Installation............................................................................................................A-2
Physical Configuration .........................................................................................A-3
Hub Integrity ........................................................................................................A-3
Appendix B: Port and Cable Assignments.............................B-1
RJ-45 Port ...............................................................................................................B-1
Appendix C: Specifications....................................................C-1
Product Specifications...............................................................................................C-1
Appendix D: Regulatory Standards Compliance..................D-1
EMI Certification ......................................................................................................D-1
FCC Class B.........................................................................................................D-1
Voluntary Control Council for Interference ........................................................D-2
European Community Immunity Requirements....................................................D-2
CE Mark Declaration of Conformance ................................................................D-3
Safety Compliance.....................................................................................................D-4
Underwriters Laboratories Inc..............................................................................D-4
Sicherheitshinweise ..............................................................................................D-5
Appendix E: Product Support Services ................................E-1
Product Registration..................................................................................................E-1
Problem Report .........................................................................................................E-1
Hardware Repair Service...........................................................................................E-1
Bulletin Board Service (BBS)...................................................................................E-2
Interactive Fast Fax (U.S.A. Office)..........................................................................E-2
Technical Support .....................................................................................................E-3

Fast EtherHub-8s User’s Guide
Contents ix
Limited Warranty.......................................................................................................E-4
Customer Remedies..............................................................................................E-4
Return Process......................................................................................................E-5
Accton Offices...........................................................................................................E-6
Ordering Information ................................................................................................E-6
Glossary
Index
List of Figures
Figure 3.1 Stand-Alone Configuration ....................................................................3-1
Figure 3.2 Multiple Hub Configuration Using the Daisy-Chain Port......................3-2
Figure 3.3 Cabling Limits for Multiple Hub Configuration.....................................3-4
Figure 4.1 Front Panel.............................................................................................4-1
Figure 4.2 Indicators ...............................................................................................4-2
Figure 4.3 Rear Panel..............................................................................................4-6
Figure B-1 RJ-45 Connector (on the Hub Side).......................................................B-1
List of Tables
Table B-1 RJ-45 Pin Assignments............................................................................B-1

Product Overview 1-1
Chapter 1: Product Overview
Introduction to Fast Ethernet
Standard 10 Mbps Ethernet has served well for past generations of 286 and
386 machines performing simple file transfers. However, with the inevitable
growth in corporate network size and the introduction of fully-functional 32-bit
PC architectures, and operating systems running complex applications, 10 Mbps
Ethernet has become a serious bottleneck.
With the recent flood of choices for upgrading media bandwidth, 100 Mbps
Fast Ethernet has become the most popular because of its low cost, compatibility
with existing Ethernet applications, and the fact that it can run on top of an
installed base of twisted-pair cabling. Fast Ethernet can be easily integrated
into an existing 10 Mbps Ethernet environment with no need for protocol
translation or changes to network software.
Accton’s Fast EtherHub-8s
The Fast EtherHub-8s includes 8 100BASE-TX Ethernet ports. It provides a
friendly design that simplifies installation and network troubleshooting. The
SmartWatchTM indicator panel includes Utilization and Collision rate LEDs, as
well as Partition, Link and Traffic LEDs to ease network management.
The Fast EtherHub-8s can be used to relieve common network congestion,
regardless of whether it is caused by too many stations contending for limited
bandwidth or by a server that is supporting too many users. It can significantly
improve access both to key servers and to the network backbone. This hub not
only delivers a vast improvement in network response time, but helps you
maintain outstanding performance as your user community continues to grow.

Fast EtherHub-8s User’s Guide
1-2 Product Overview
Basic Features
•Transmits data at 100 Mbps for demanding applications
•Conforms to the IEEE 802.3u repeater specification for 100BASE-TX
•Provides 8 RJ-45 100BASE-TX station ports (using MDI-X wiring)
•Port 8 can serve as an MDI-X station port (for connection to network devices
such as workstations or servers) or as an MDI daisy-chain port (for
connection to network devices such as hubs or switches), eliminating the
need for crossover cables
•Supports 100ΩCategory 5 shielded or unshielded cable (STP or UTP)
•Friendly design that monitors network utilization, collisions, link and port
partition status
•LED indicator panel includes Utilization and Collision rate indicators for
reporting hub activity and facilitating problem diagnosis
•Automatically partitions bad ports to protect the network system
•Automatic polarity detection and correction permits automatic adjustment
for wiring errors
•Plug-and-play operation
The Fast EtherHub-8s also supports the following basic system safeguards:
•This hub features automatic partitioning and reconnection, jabber lockup
protection, and automatic polarity detection for network cabling.
•With automatic partitioning and reconnection, any port is automatically
isolated if excessive collisions occur on it. When the condition is corrected,
the port is automatically reconnected.

Fast EtherHub-8s User’s Guide
Product Overview 1-3
•With the jabber lock-up function, the hub automatically stops transmission
of abnormal Ethernet frames that may cause data loss for all network users.
(Jabber refers to abnormal Ethernet frames which are much too long and
may come from a malfunctioning Ethernet card.)
•With automatic polarity detection, the hub recognizes and adjusts for
attached cable assemblies which may be wired with incorrect polarity on the
receive pair.

Installing the System 2-1
Chapter 2: Installing the System
This chapter provides information on installing the Fast EtherHub-8s, estab-
lishing network connections, and configuring the system. You may install this
hub on any level surface (e.g., a table or shelf) or in a standard EIA equipment
rack. However, please take note of the following minimum site requirements
before you begin.
Pre-Installation Requirements
Before you start actual hardware installation, make sure you can provide the
right operating environment, including power requirements, sufficient physical
space, and proximity to other network devices that are to be connected. Verify
the following installation requirements:
•Power requirements: 100 to 240 VAC (±10%) at 50 to 60 Hz (±3Hz). The
hub’s power supply automatically adjusts to the input voltage level.
•The EtherHub should be located in a cool dry place, with at least 10 cm (4
in.) of space at the front and back for ventilation.
•Place the hub out of direct sunlight, and away from heat sources or areas
with a high amount of electromagnetic interference.
•Check if network cables and connectors needed for installation are available.
•Find a suitable location at the center of the devices you want to link, and
near a power outlet

Fast EtherHub-8s User’s Guide
2-2 Installing the System
Connecting the Hub System
The EtherHub-8s has 8 RJ-45 station ports and 1 RJ-45 daisy-chain port. The
station ports allow you to make connections to devices such as a workstation,
server, bridge or router. You can also cascade to another compatible hub or
switch by connecting an MDI port on one device (e.g., Port 8MDI on this hub)
to an MDI-X port on the other device. Or you can cascade from an MDI port
on another device to any MDI-X port on this hub. See Figure 3.2.
Making a Connection via an MDI-X Station Port
You can connect an RJ-45 station port on the hub to any device that uses a
standard network interface such as a workstation or server, or also to a network
interconnection device such as a bridge or router (depending on the port type
implemented).
1. Prepare the network devices you wish to network. Make sure you have
installed suitable 100BASE-TX network interface cards for making a
connection to any of the hub’s station ports. You also need to prepare
straight-through shielded or unshielded twisted-pair cables with RJ-45 plugs
at both ends. Use 100WCategory 5 cable for all connections.
2. Connect one end of the cable to the RJ-45 port of the network interface card,
and the other end to any available (MDI-X) station port on the hub. When
inserting an RJ-45 plug, be sure the tab on the plug clicks into position to
ensure that it is properly seated. Using the hub in a stand-alone configuration,
you can network up to 8 nodes.
IDo not plug a phone jack connector into the RJ-45 port. This may damage the hub.
Use only twisted-pair cables with RJ-45 connectors that conform with FCC standards.
Notes: 1. When connecting to station Port 8MDI, do not use Port 8MDI-X.
2. Make sure each twisted-pair cable does not exceed 100 meters (328 feet).

Fast EtherHub-8s User’s Guide
Installing the System 2-3
Making a Connection via the MDI Daisy-Chain Port
1. To make a direct connection to another compatible repeater or switch, use the
8MDI daisy-chain port. When connecting to this port, remember not to use
Port 8MDI.
2. Prepare straight-through shielded or unshielded twisted-pair cables with
RJ-45 plugs at both ends. Use 100WCategory 5 cable for all connections.
Connect one end of the cable to Port 8MDI on this hub, and the other end to a
standard MDI-X station port on the other device. When inserting an RJ-45
plug, be sure the tab on the plug clicks into position to ensure that it is
properly seated.
Notes: 1. When connecting to Port 8MDI, do not use Port 8MDI-X.
2. Make sure the length of twisted-pair cable does not exceed 100 meters (328 feet).
3. To connect to another hub or switch, you may also run straight-through
twisted-pair cabling from a station port on this hub to a crossover port on
another device. However, if you must connect to another device via station
ports at both ends of the cable, use crossover cabling.
Distance Limit for Fast Ethernet Cabling
All end-node devices (e.g., workstations or servers) must be within 100 meters
(328 feet) of the connected hub when using twisted-pair cabling. However,
when linking one or more Fast Ethernet repeaters together (i.e., in the same
collision domain), the overall length of cable used between any two nodes
should not exceed the limits outlined in the IEEE 802.3u standard. In simple
terms, the maximum length of cabling that can be run from end-node to end-
node is
367m ≥S(repeater equivalent length) + S(length of CAT-5 twisted-pair cable)
This 100BASE-TX Class II Repeater has an inherent repeater delay of 80 bit
time or 72 meters (236 feet) of twisted-pair cable. Taking a daisy chain of two
hubs connected via twisted-pair cabling for an example, the maximum length

Fast EtherHub-8s User’s Guide
2-4 Installing the System
from node to node is 367m - (2 x 72m) = 223m (732 ft). Therefore, if both
node A and B are linked to separate repeaters in a two hub system, each using
100 meters (328 feet) of cable to connect to their respective hub, then the inter-
hub cabling will be limited to 23 meters (75 feet), i.e., 223m - 2x100m = 23m,
as illustrated in Figure 3-2.
Providing Power to the EtherHub
1. Power on the hub by plugging the power cord into the power socket at the
rear of the EtherHub, and the other end into a power outlet.
2. Check the LED marked Power on the front panel to see if it is on. The unit
will automatically select the setting that matches the connected input voltage.
Therefore, no additional adjustments are necessary when connecting it to
any input voltage within the range marked on the rear panel.
FThe unit supports a “hot remove” feature which permits you to connect/
disconnect cables without powering off the hub and without disrupting the
operation of attached devices.
Verifying Port Status
Check each connection by viewing the port status indicators listed below. (For
a more detailed description of these indicators, refer to Chapter 4.)
Link Indicates that the port has established a valid network connection.
Traffic Indicates traffic traversing the port.
Partition Indicates that the port has been isolated from the hub when pre-
defined collision threshold has been reached.
If the Link status indicator is not functioning properly, or you experience any
other difficulties in setting up the hub, refer to Appendix A.

Fast EtherHub-8s User’s Guide
Installing the System 2-5
Verifying System Operation
Verify that all attached devices have a valid connection. The hub monitors
link status for each port. If any device is properly connected to the hub and
transmitting a link beat signal, the Link indicator lights up for the corresponding
port. If the Link indicator fails to light up when you connect a device to the
hub, check the following items -
•Be sure the twisted-pair cable is properly attached to the connected device
and the hub. Verify that the RJ-45 plug snaps into place when attached.
•See if the twisted-pair cable is functioning properly by using it for another
port and attached device that already displays valid indications when
connected to the network.
•Check the length of the twisted-pair connection to be sure it does not exceed
100 meters (328 feet).
•Test the adapter for an attached workstation by trying it in another computer
that has been successfully connected to the network.
If you still can’t resolve the problem, please refer to Troubleshooting in Appendix A.

Configuring the Network 3-1
Chapter 3: Configuring the Network
The Fast EtherHub-8s allows great flexibility in configuring your network. You
can use it in a stand-alone or multiple hub configuration. Some of the common
applications for this Fast EtherHub are described in this chapter.
Stand-Alone
This hub can be used in a simple stand-alone configuration as illustrated below.
In compliance with IEEE 802.3u standards, the maximum cable distance
between the hub and any workstation is 100 meters (328 feet) for twisted-pair
cable.
Figure 3.1 Stand-Alone Configuration

Fast EtherHub-8s User’s Guide
3-2 Configuring the Network
Connecting Multiple Hubs
Using the RJ-45 Daisy-Chain Port
You can easily connect to another hub via the MDI daisy-chain port. Figure 3.2
shows a sample configuration.
Figure 3.2 Multiple Hub Configuration Using the Daisy-Chain Port