Black Box 10BASE-T MiniHub User manual

CUSTOMER
SUPPORT
INFORMATION
Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX
FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [email protected]
SEPTEMBER 1995
LE2601A
10BASE-T MiniHub
RX
LINK
PORT
10BASE-T MiniHub
1234
AUI
PWR
5678
UP LINK

3
FCC STATEMENT
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
AND
INDUSTRY CANADA
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy
and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication.
It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of
Part 15 of FCC rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection
against such interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial
environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause interference, in which case the user at his own expense will be required
to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from
digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of IndustryCanada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.
TRADEMARKS
UL®is a registered trademark of Underwriters Laboratories, Incorporated.
Velcro®is a registered trademark of Velcro USA, Inc.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be the property
of the trademark owners.

4
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
NORMAS OFICIALES MEXICANAS (NOM)
ELECTRICAL SAFETY STATEMENT
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes
de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones
de operación deben ser respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo,
cerca de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca,
etc..
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales
que sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como
sea recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más
allá a lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio
deberá ser referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama,
sofá, alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se
debe colocar en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por
los orificios de ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de
calor como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos
(incluyendo amplificadores) que producen calor.

5
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo
del tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en
el aparato.
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la
polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que
no sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen
del aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos
de las lineas de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo
no sea usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos
no sean derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro
del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio
en su desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

6
10BASE-T MINIHUB
Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications.....................................................................................................7
2. Introduction ......................................................................................................8
2.1 Inspecting the Package and Product.....................................................8
2.2 Description..............................................................................................8
2.3 Features and Benefits ...........................................................................10
3. Installation.......................................................................................................12
3.1 Table-Top or Shelf Mounting..............................................................12
3.2 Wall (or Vertical Surface) Mounting ..................................................12
3.3 Twisted Pair Segment Connection ......................................................15
3.4 Up-Link Option on Port #8 (Up-Link Switch) ...................................16
4. Operation ........................................................................................................17
5. Troubleshooting..............................................................................................18
5.1 Before Calling for Assistance ...............................................................18
5.2 When Calling for Assistance ................................................................18
5.3 Return Material Authorization (RMA) Procedure.............................19
5.4 Shipping and Packaging Information.................................................19

CHAPTER 1: Specifications
7
1. Specifications
Maximum Ethernet Segment
Lengths — UTP (Unshielded
10BASE-T): 328 ft. (100 m);
STP (Shielded 10BASE-T):
492 ft. (150 m)
Operating Environment — Ambient
Temperature: 32 to 122°F
(0 to 50°C);
Storage Temperature: -4 to 140°F
(-20 to 60°C)
Power — Powered from AUI
interface of Ethernet device
connected to AUI on hub
Size — 0.8"H x 5.0"W x 4.4"D
(1.9 x 12.7 x 11.2 cm)
Weight — 1 lb. (0.45 kg)
Standards — Ethernet V2.0, IEEE
802.3: 10BASE-T
(the Hub is a physical-layer
standard Ethernet product and
operates independently of all
software)
Connectors — (7) RJ-45 female:
(6) station ports, (1) switch-
selectable uplink/station port,
(1) DB15 male AUI port
Indicators — (17) LEDs: (8) LINK,
(8) RX, (1) PWR
Switches — (1) uplink switch on side
of unit
Performance — Data Rate: 10 Mbps,
Partitioning: Enforced after 32
consecutive collisions;
Reconnect: Occurs after 512
bits error-free transmission

8
10BASE-T MINIHUB
2. Introduction
2.2 Description
The 10BASE-T MiniHub is an 8-port
10BASE-T workplace hub in a very
compact package. It is powered from
the AUI of an Ethernet device, not
an AC supply, although an optional
one is available. It is simple to install
and use in an office or lab environ-
ment, requiring no special rack
cabinets or wiring-closet apparatus.
The MiniHub is a standard physical-
layer Ethernet product and operates
independently of all software.
The 10BASE-T MiniHub is also
well-suited for small-to-medium sized
office or lab environments (up to 9
persons) that need an independent
Ethernet network. Small indepen-
dent networks built using the Hub
are easily expanded by cascading
hubs of equal or greater capacity.
See Section 3.4 for more about the
Up-Link switched-port feature.
The 10BASE-T MiniHub’s small
size makes it very useful for
demonstration situations in confer-
ence rooms and in exhibitions where
a temporary network or network
expansion is needed. The 10BASE-T
MiniHub takes up minimal space
and requires no AC power, and is
rugged enough to be carried in a
coat pocket.
2.1 Inspecting the Package
and Product
Examine the shipping container for
obvious damage before installing
this product; notify the carrier of any
damage that you believe occurred
during shipment or delivery. Inspect
the contents of this package for any
signs of damage and make sure that
the items listed below are included:
• 10BASE-T MiniHub
• (1) pair of mounting ears
• (1) Velcro®tape section,
approximately 3 inches long
• This User’s Guide
Remove the 10BASE-T MiniHub
from the shipping container. Be sure
to keep the shipping container in
case you need to ship the unit at a
later date.
If any items are missing or
damaged, contact your supplier.

CHAPTER 2: Introduction
9
The 10BASE-T MiniHub fits easily
into the workplace environment. It
ican be mounted on a tabletop or
shelf, or, with the included Velcro®
strip, on a wall surface, or on the
back or side of a desk or cabinet. All
of the wiring connectors are in the
same place, so that wiring space is
neat and minimal.
The 10BASE-T MiniHub includes
Link and RX LEDs for each RJ-45
port, and one LED for power,
located in the upper right corner.
Since each LED is near the port it
monitors, it is easy to associate the
status LED for each of the ports with
the appropriate port.
10BASE-T
12V #AUI
10BASE-T MiniHub
PWR
AUI PORT
UP LINK
124
1RX
LINK
PORT 3
568
7
Fig. 2-1. Top View—10BASE-T MiniHub.

10
10BASE-T MINIHUB
• LEDs simplify network
installation and maintenance—
The 10BASE-T MiniHub is
equipped with a full comple-
ment of LEDs to provide status
about basic network activity.
Eight Link LEDs offer a very
simple way for operational
connections to be verified at the
end of each 10BASE-T segment.
• Low-cost, standalone 10BASE-T
connectivity—Operating in a
standalone environment as a
self-sufficient device, the
10BASE-T MiniHub offers a very
low cost method of providing
small workgroups access to a
variety of Ethernet networking
services such as file sharing,
email, printer sharing, and other
computer information.
The 10BASE-T MiniHub is used as
a standalone unit to network a local
personal multi-user system such as
shown in Figure 2-2.
2.3 Features and Benefits
• Interconnect to an existing
Ethernet network—The 10BASE-
T MiniHub provides an Up-Link
switch for port #8 to be used to
connect it into an existing
Ethernet environment (such as
the central hub for the building
or area) via 10BASE-T wiring.
• Interoperable with other
Ethernet devices—The 10BASE-
T MiniHub is completely
interoperable with other
Ethernet-compliant network
devices. Each is fully compliant
with IEEE 802.3 specifications
for 10 Mbps CSMA/CD oper-
ation. This allows the Hub to be
integrated within any standard
Ethernet network and to operate
with all standard software.
• Installation versatility—The
10BASE-T MiniHub is simple
and easy to install in almost any
office or lab location. The tiny
package is very unobtrusive.
• Robust Network Operations—
The 10BASE-T MiniHub uses the
“star” network topology and has
automatic per-port partitioning
and reconnection. A fault on
one segment is isolated from
the rest of the network, avoiding
most network downtime.

11
CHAPTER 2: Introduction
Fig. 2-2. Hub Used in a Standalone Network.
10BASE-T
12V #AUI
10BASE-T MiniHub
PWR
AUI PORT
UP LINK
124
1RX
LINK
PORT 3
568
7
PC
PCs
Laser Writer
User
Port
AUI connection
Up to 8 RJ-45 user ports are
available where only 10BASE-T
wiring is used, and full-length
Ethernet segments are supported
on all 8 segments. In this
application, the “Up-Link” switch is
in the straight-through or = position,
so that port #8 on the front of the
unit is a user port (not an up-link to
another hub).

12
10BASE-T MINIHUB
3.2 Wall (or Vertical Surface)
Mounting
A piece of Velcro mounting tape is
supplied with the unit, and may be
used to mount a MiniHub in a
vertical position. Stick one side of
the Velcro on the bottom of the
MiniHub between the rubber feet.
Stick the other side of the Velcro
to the desired vertical mounting
location. This permits the compact
hub to be mounted on a wall
surface, on the side of a server unit
cabinet, on the back of a desk, or in
other similar convenient locations in
the workplace where the associated
cables are out of the way.
Installation of a 10BASE-T MiniHub
is a very simple procedure. First,
locate the Ethernet device that will
provide power to the Hub through
its AUI port), and connect a
transceiver cable (LCN210 or
LCN200) between that device and
the Hub. When power is applied the
green “PWR” LED will light.
3.1 Table-Top or Shelf Mounting
The 10BASE-T MiniHub is easily
mounted on a table-top or shelf, and
has four rubber feet to provide
stability and keep it from scratching
finished surfaces. A piece of Velcro
may be used to add additional
stability if desired. When properly
installed, the LED status indicators
will be in plain view and easy to read.
Plug in two or more Ethernet cable
segments, and your network is in
operation.
The rugged steel case of the
10BASE-T MiniHub will protect it
from accidental damage in an office
or lab setting. Keep an open area
around the unit so that convection
cooling can occur while the unit is
in operation.
3. Installation

CHAPTER InstallationCHAPTER 3: Installation
13
Fig. 3-1. 10BASE-T MiniHub, Velcro Mounting.
As an alternative to Velcro
mounting, small brackets for
mounting with screws may be
used. The metal screws in each
side of the case may be used to
attach the brackets. Use of the
optional brackets permits the Hub
to be mounted in almost any desired
position.
10BASE-T
12V #AUI
10BASE-T MiniHub
PWR
AUI PORT
UP LINK
124
1RX
LINK
PORT 3
568
7

14
10BASE-T MINIHUB
10BASE-T
12V #AUI
10BASE-T MiniHub
PWR
AUI PORT
UP LINK
124
1RX
LINK
PORT 3
568
7
10BASE-T
12V #AUI
10BASE-T MiniHub
PWR
AUI PORT
UP LINK
124
1RX
LINK
PORT 3
568
7
10BASE-T
12V #AUI
10BASE-T MiniHub
PWR
AUI PORT
UP LINK
124
1RX
LINK
PORT 3
568
7
10BASE-T
12V #AUI
10BASE-T MiniHub
PWR
AUI PORT
UP LINK
124
1RX
LINK
PORT 3
568
7
Fig. 3-2. 10BASE-T MiniHub, Optional Bracket Mounting.

CHAPTER 3: Installation
15
3.3 Twisted Pair Segment
Connections
Follow these steps:
1. Using standard 10BASE-T media,
insert the plug on one end of the
network cable into one of the RJ-
45 female ports on the 10BASE-T
MiniHub. Even though the Hub’s
ports are of the shielded type,
they will accept and operate
properly
with either unshielded or
shielded RJ-45 twisted-pair wiring
plugs.
2. Connect the other end of each
network segment to the
applicable workstation or user
device. The “Link” LED will be lit
for each port where the
connection is made on both ends
of the segment, and where the
AC power is on at each end as
well, iin other words, when the
segment circuit is established and
is ready to use.
3. For the port #8 up-link options,
see Section 3.4.
Fig. 3-3. Twisted-Pair Segment Connections.
10BASE-T
12V #AUI
10BASE-T MiniHub
PWR
AUI PORT
UP LINK
124
1RX
LINK
PORT 3
568
7

16
10BASE-T MINIHUB
10BASE-T
12V #AUI
10BASE-T MiniHub
PWR
AUI PORT
UP LINK
124
1RX
LINK
PORT 3
568
7
3.4 Up-Link Option on Port #8,
Up-Link Switch
For RJ-45 port #8 only, the Up-Link
crossover switch on the right side of
the MiniHub is used to select either
a normal 10BASE-T wiring segment
connection to a user device (switch
in the “=” position) or a special
network up-link 10BASE-T wiring
segment connection to another hub
or concentrator (switch in the “X”
position). A special crossover cable
for up-links is not needed with the
MiniHub because of the built-in up-
link switch feature.
Fig. 3-4. Up-Link Option on Port #5.
U P -L INK O PTION U SED FOR C ASCADING
Hubs may be cascaded in order to
expand networks. For example, a
MiniHub may be cascaded via its
port #8 up-link into any port of
another MiniHub. Since each
MiniHub provides full repeater
functionality, cascaded units can
operate together even though there
may be a full segment of distance
between them. Based on the “four-
repeater rule” defined by Ethernet
standards, there may be a maximum
of four units in any one chain
between any two users.

17
CHAPTER 4: Operation
4. Operation
• Partitioning and re-connection—
The 10BASE-T MiniHub will
automatically partition any port
where 32 consecutive collisions
occur or after 6.5 milliseconds of
continuous transmissions.
Network integrity is checked
every 800 milliseconds and
segment re-connection occurs
after one 512-bit packet is
transmitted without an error.
• Preamble regeneration—The
10BASE-T MiniHub will add bits
to the preamble so that the
output packet contains at a
minimum a 64-bit preamble
per the Ethernet standard.
• Collisions—When carrier is
detected simultaneously on
multiple ports, a jam pattern is
generated on each port to create
a collision condition. When a
collision signal from one port
is detected, it generates a jam
pattern to the other ports.
• Fragment extension—The
10BASE-T MiniHub will
automatically add bits to a
received data packet of less than
96 bits (a “fragment”) so that the
minimum output packet to the
other port is 96 bits long.
This section details the various
operational features of the 10BASE-
T MiniHub, including a description
of the LED indicators. The 10BASE-
T MiniHub is fully compliant with
the Ethernet Version 2/IEEE 802.3
repeater specification for CSMA/CD
10 Mbps operation and will function
accordingly.
• Power On (PWR) LED—lights
green to show functional DC
power.
• Link Status (Link) LED—The
10BASE-T MiniHub includes a
Link LED for each port. It
indicates by illuminating in
green that there is proper
connectivity on its 10BASE-T
network segment. The Link LED
will turn off if connectivity is lost
between the ends of the segment
or a loss of power occurs in the
unit at either end.
• Receive Packets (RX) LED—The
RX LEDs, one for each
RJ-45 port, illuminate
intermittently in green to
indicate that data packets are
being received from the
segment. This provides a visual
indication of network activity,
and is also helpful in
troubleshooting.

18
10BASE-T MINIHUB CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting
The 10BASE-T MiniHub is designed
to provide reliability and consistently
high performance in all network
environments. The installation of
the 10BASE-T MiniHub is a simple
procedure (see Chapter 3,
Installation. Operation is very
simple and is described in
Chapter 4, Operation.
If problems develop during
installation or operation, this section
should help to locate, identify, and
correct such problems. Follow the
suggestions listed here before you
contact Technical Support.
However, if you are unsure of any
procedure described in this section,
or if the 10BASE-T MiniHub is not
operating as expected, do not
attempt to repair or alter the unit.
Contact Technical Support for
assistance.
5.1 Before Calling for Assistance
1. If you encounter difficulty when
installing or operating the
10BASE-T MiniHub, refer back
to Chapter 3, Installation and
Chapter 4, Operation. Check to
make sure that the various other
components of the network are
operable.
2. Check the cables and
connectors to make sure that
they have been properly
connected and the cables/wires
have not been crimped or in
some way impaired during
installation.
3. Make sure that the AUI cable is
properly connected to the unit
and to the Ethernet device AUI
port. Use the PWR LEDs to
verify that the unit is receiving
proper power.
4. If the problem is isolated to a
network device other than the
10BASE-T MiniHub, replace the
problem device with a known
good device. Verify whether of
not the problem is corrected. If
not, go to Step 5 below. If the
problem is corrected, the
10BASE-T MiniHub and its
associated cables are functioning
properly.
5. If the problem continues after
completing Step 4 above,
contact Technical Support by
fax or by phone for assistance.
5.2 When Calling for Assistance
Please be prepared to provide the
following information:
1. A complete description of the
problem, including the following
points:
a. The nature and duration of the
problem;
b. Situations in which the problem
occurs;
c. The components involved in the
problem;
d. Any particular application that,
when used, appears to create the
problem;
5. Troubleshooting

19
CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting
2. An accurate list of products
involved, with part numbers and
serial numbers. Include the date
that you purchased each product
from your supplier.
4. A record of changes that have
been made to your network
configuration before the
occurrence of the problem.
Any changes to system
administration procedures
should all be noted in this
record.
5.3 Return Material Authorization
(RMA) Procedure
All returns for repair must be
accompanied by a return material
authorization (RMA) number. To
obtain an RMA number, call Black
Box. When calling, please have the
following information available:
• Name and phone number
of your contact person
• Name of your
company/institution
• Your shipping address
• Product name
• Serial number
• Sales order number
• Date of installation
• Failure symptoms, including a
full description of the problem.
We will carefully test and evaluate
all returned products and will repair
products if possible. However, if the
problem cannot be duplicated by
Black Box, the unit will be returned
as “No problem found.”
5.4 Shipping and Packaging
Information
If you need to ship the unit back
to Black Box, please follow these
instructions:
1. Package the unit carefully. We
recommend that you use the
original container if available.
Units should be wrapped in a
bubble-wrap plastic sheet or bag
for shipping protection. (You
may keep all connectors and
this User’s Guide.)
CAUTION
Do not pack the unit in
styrofoam “popcorn” type
packing material. This material
may cause electrostatic shock
damage to the unit.
2. Clearly mark the Return
Material Authorization (RMA)
number on the outside of the
shipping container.
3. Ship the package prepaid back
to Black Box.

1000 Park Drive • Lawrence, PA 15055-1018 • 724-746-5500 • Fax [phone]
© Copyright 1995. Black Box Corporation. All rights reserved.