Intel Express 100BASE-T4 User manual

Intel Express
100BASE-T4 Stackable Hub
User Guide
656943-002

First edition August1996
Second edition December1996
Copyright © 1996, Intel Corporation. All rights reserved.
Intel Corporation, 5200 NE Elam Young Parkway, Hillsboro OR 97124-6497
Intel Corporation assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in this manual. Nor does Intel make any commitment to
update the information contained herein.
*Other product and corporate names may be trademarks of other companies and are used only for explanation and to the
owners’ benefit, without intent to infringe.
ii

Contents
Quick Start 1
Chapter 1 Overview 3
Features ............................................................................................................................................ 3
PhysicalDescription.......................................................................................................................... 4
Chapter 2 Installing the Express Hub 9
Requirements .................................................................................................................................... 9
Installing a Single Hub .................................................................................................................... 10
Stacking Hubs ................................................................................................................................. 11
Removing a Hub from a Stack ......................................................................................................... 12
Installing Uplink Modules ............................................................................................................... 12
Adding a Network Management Module (NMM) ............................................................................ 13
Chapter 3 Connecting the Devices 15
Connecting Cables to the Hub ......................................................................................................... 15
Checking the LEDs ......................................................................................................................... 16
Unit Numbering Convention ........................................................................................................... 18
Partitioned Ports.............................................................................................................................. 18
Using a Switch to Connect Hubs ..................................................................................................... 19
Connecting to Non-100BASE-T4 devices ........................................................................................ 20
Appendix A Fast Ethernet Topology Rules 23
Physical Layer Media Specifications ............................................................................................... 23
Basic Rules ..................................................................................................................................... 24
Network Topology Extensions......................................................................................................... 26
Appendix B Optional Equipment and Technical Specifications 29
OptionalEquipment ........................................................................................................................ 29
TechnicalSpecifications.................................................................................................................. 31
LimitedWarranty ........................................................................................................................... 36
iii

iv
CONTENTS Intel Express 100BASE-T4 Stackable Hub
Index 37
Customer Support Inside back cover

1
Quick Start
1Install the hub(s).
Maximum stack: Six hubs
Rack requirements: Standard 19-in (48.26 cm), 1.5 EIA rack-mount
space for each hub
Shelf requirements: Support for 10 lbs (4.5 kg) per hub
12.3 lbs (5.6 kg) with uplink module and NMM
2Connect the stack.
Use the cascade cables to connect multiple hubs.
You need to purchase cascade cables separately
from your network services supplier (see
Appendix B for more information).
Do not use UTP cabling to connect hubs.
3Connect the devices.
Connect 100BASE-T4 devices to the hub using four-pair
Category 3, 4, or 5 unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cabling.
Maximum cable distance between a port and an attached
device is 100 meters.
4Plug power cords into each hub, then check LEDs.
•Make sure the Pwr LED is lit for all hubs.
•Make sure the numbered port LEDs are lit for connected devices.
Pwr LED
Port LEDs

Overview
This chapter includes a summary of the Intel Express 100BASE-T4
Stackable Hub’s features and a physical description of the hub and its
components.
Features
Key features of the Intel Express 100BASE-T4 Stackable Hub
•Compatibility with the IEEE 802.3u standard for Fast Ethernet.
•Twelve 100BASE-T4 fixed ports.
•Uplink path to 100BASE-TX or 100BASE-FX devices via optional
uplinkmodules.
•Hub management through the optional Network Management
Module (NMM).
•Support for 4-pair Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP cabling.
3
1

4
CHAPTER 1 Intel Express 100BASE-T4 Stackable Hub
Physical Description
Front panel
The front panel of the Express Stackable Hub provides twelve
100BASE-T4 ports, an LED matrix (see “LED matrix” later in this
chapter for a description of LEDs), a media adapter slot, and an
expansionslot.
RJ-45 100BASE-T4 ports
The twelve 100BASE-T4 ports with fixed RJ-45 connectors allow you
to connect to 100BASE-T4 network devices. You can use 4-pair
Category 3, 4, or 5 unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable.
The maximum cable distance between the port and the attached device
is 100 meters (328 feet), including all patch cables, panels, and
connectors.
The following table lists the pinouts and pin pairings for a
100BASE-T4 hub and a server or workstation.
Workstation or server Hub
RJ-45 port
Media adapter slot
for uplink modules
Expansion slot
forNMM
NOTE
Ifyou includeIntelExpress
100BASE-TXand100BASE-T4
StackableHubs inthesame
stack,makesureyouattach
onlytheappropriatedevices
(TX or T4) to each type of
hub.

5
Overview CHAPTER 1
LED matrix
The LED matrix on the Express Stackable Hub’s front panel allows
you to view the hub’s operational status, collisions, network utilization,
NMM status, and port status.
The following table describes the LEDs on the matrix.
Label Type Color Meaning
Pwr Hub power supply status Green Hub is receiving power.
Off Hub is not receiving power.
Stat Hub status Green Hub has power, has passed the
confidence test, and is operating
normally.
Amber At initial power up, indicates the hub is
running its confidence test. If this LED
lights after the confidence test is
performed, the hub is not operating
normally due to a fan failure, a power
supply failure, or a confidence test
failure.
Off Hub is not receiving power.
RPS Not supported N/A N/A
Col Collision status Amber A collision was detected on the
segment.
Off Collisions are not detected on the
segment.

6
CHAPTER 1 Intel Express 100BASE-T4 Stackable Hub
Label Type Color Meaning
Data % Networkutilization Green Dynamically indicates the percentage of
network utilization for the Ethernet segment
in a hub or a stack of hubs. Operates as a bar
graph. For example, if the ≤1% and 5% Data
LEDs are green, that stack’s segment is
using roughly 5% of the network.
1 Media Uplink module Green An uplink module is installed in the media
Adapter status adapter slot, link status is good, and the port
is not partitioned (disabled).
Amber Link status is good, but port is partitioned.
Off Link status is not detected.
Expansion Expansion slot Green The module in the expansion slot passed the
Slot Stat module status confidence test and is operating normally.
Amber The module in the expansion slot failed.
Off There is no module installed in the
expansionslot.
Stat Managementstatus Green The NMM passed the confidence test and is
operatingnormally.
Amber The NMM failed.
Mstr Managementstatus Green The NMM installed in the hub is the master
NMM for that stack of hubs.
Off The NMM installed in the hub is not the
master NMM for that stack of hubs.
Enbl Managementstatus Green The hub is properly connected to the other
hubs in the stack and is actively managed by
an NMM.
Off The hub is not managed by an NMM.
Port Status Port status Green Link status is good; port is not partitioned.
1 — 12 (hub ports)
13 — 24 (not used) Amber Link status is good; port is partitioned.
Off No link detected.

7
Overview CHAPTER 1
Rear panel
The rear panel of the Express Stackable Hub provides an AC power
receptacle, a redundant power connector (not supported), and two
cascadecableconnectors.
Power receptacle
The AC power receptacle is provided for connecting to an AC power
outlet. The Express Stackable Hub accepts between 100 and 240V AC.
Cascadeconnectors
The Cascade Down and Cascade Up connectors and an Intel cascade
cable allow you to stack and link multiple Express Stackable Hubs to
increase the size of a particular workgroup in your network. The
cascade cable connects to the Cascade Down connector on the top hub
and the Cascade Up connector on the hub below it.
NOTE
AstackofExpressStackable
Hubscan containamaximum
ofsixhubs.
NOTE
Ifyou includeIntelExpress
100BASE-TXand100BASE-T4
StackableHubs inthesame
stack,makesureyouattach
onlytheappropriatedevices
(TX or T4) to each type of
hub.

8
CHAPTER 1 Intel Express 100BASE-T4 Stackable Hub
Media adapter slot
The media adapter slot is located in the upper-left corner of the Express
100BASE-T4 Stackable Hub and accommodates two types of optional
100 Mbps uplink module:
•100BASE-TX uplink module
•100BASE-FX uplink module
Uplink modules allow you to connect to other 100 Mbps network
devices using a different media.
For information about these modules, see “Optional Equipment” in
Appendix B.
Expansion slot
The expansion slot is located in the lower half of the Express
100BASE-T4 Stackable Hub and accommodates an optional Express
Stackable Hub Network Management Module (NMM).
For information about the NMM, see “Optional Equipment” in
Appendix B.
Optional equipment
The Intel 100BASE-T4 Stackable Hub ships with filler panels installed
in the media adapter and expansion slots. Both panels can be removed
toaccommodate optional modules.
NOTE
Port 1 is disabled when the
mediaadapterslot is filled.
NOTE
TheExpress100BASE-T4
StackableHub doesnot
supportthe100BASE-TX
12-portexpansionmodule.

2Installing the
Express Hub
Requirements
Rackinstallation Standard19-in. (48.26 cm.) EIA equipment rack
requirements 1.5 EIA rack-mount spaces available for each
hub
Table and shelf Approximately13.25-in.(33.66cm.)by19.25-in.
installationrequirements (48.90 cm.) area on a level tabletop or shelf
Support for at least 10 lbs. (4.5 kg.) per hub with
fillerpanels installed inexpansion and media
adapterslots
Support for at least 12.3 lbs. (5.6 kg.) per hub
with an NMM and an uplink module installed
Temperature Ambient temperature between 5° C and 40° C
(41° F and 104° F)
No nearby heat sources such as direct sunlight,
warm air exhausts, or heaters
Humidity Between 5% and 85%, noncondensing
Ventilation Minimum 2 in. (5.08 cm.) on all sides for cooling
and adequate airflow in room or wiring closet
Operatingconditions At least 6 ft. (1.83 m.) from nearest source of
electromagneticnoise(suchasa photocopier)
Serviceaccess Minimum 12 in. (30.48 cm.) front and rear for
ACdisconnect, serviceaccess and maintenance
access
Front and rear clearance for cables and wiring
hardware such as punchdown blocks
Wiringhardware Wiring hardware, such as punchdown blocks or
patch panels, in place before installing the hub
Power Adequate power source within 6 ft. (1.83 m.)
9

10
CHAPTER 2 Intel Express 100BASE-T4 Stackable Hub
CAUTION
Don’tconnect thepowercord
to a hub until all hubs are
installed,connectedtogether
throughcascadecables,and
readyforoperation.
Installing a Single Hub
To install the hub in a rack
1Attach the mounting brackets to the sides of the hub.
2Align the mounting holes in the brackets with the holes in the rack.
3Insert two pan-head screws with nylon washers through each
mounting bracket and into the rack.
CAUTION
The powercordis a North
Americantype,UL-listed/
CSA-certifiedpowersupply
cord. Discard this cord if it’s
inappropriatefortheelectrical
systemofyourcountry,and
getthe cordrequiredby your
nationalelectrical codesor
ordinancesandcertifiedfor
useinyour region.
NOTE
Onlyqualifiedtechnicians
shouldinstalland maintain
thisequipment.
4Connect the AC power cord to the hub and then to the wall outlet
or power strip.
To install the hub on a table or shelf
When installing a hub on a table or shelf, place the self-adhesive feet
on the bottom of the hub.

11
Installing the Express Hub CHAPTER 2
Stacking Hubs
You can install a maximum of six hubs in an equipment rack or on a
shelf or a table. Once the hubs are stacked and secured, connect them
using Intel cascade cables. The cascade cable is a unique cable for
Express Stackable Hubs.
If you install an optional Network Management Module (NMM), it
assigns unit numbers starting from the top of the stack. Position the hub
you want to designate number 1 at the top of the stack.
Notes on cascading
A stack of hubs functions as a single repeater or collision domain. The
cascade cables form a cascade bus that carries the following
information to each hub in the stack:
•Stack management information that allows one NMM to manage
every hub in a stack.
•Port statistics that distribute configuration and status information
for each port in the stack to an NMM and network management
system.
•Daisy chain unit number information that provides a sequential
numbering convention for a stack of up to six hubs. For
information about the unit numbering convention, see “Unit
Numbering Convention” in Chapter 3.
•Network data.
NOTE
Ifyou includeIntelExpress
100BASE-TXand100BASE-T4
StackableHubs inthesame
stack,makesureyouattach
onlytheappropriatedevices
(TX or T4) to each type of
hub.
NOTE
UseIntel cascadecablesto
connectExpressStackable
Hubs. Do not use UTP cabling
toconnecthubs.

12
CHAPTER 2 Intel Express 100BASE-T4 Stackable Hub
Installing Uplink Modules
You can install an optional 100BASE-TX or 100BASE-FX uplink
module in the media adapter slot. Install these modules before
connecting power to the hub. If you install these modules when the hub
is powered, the hub may reset, temporarily suspending port
connectivity in the hub.
For more information on installing uplink modules, see the
documentation that ships with the modules.
CAUTION
Checkthatthe screw lockson
thecableconnectorsarefully
tightenedand thecablecon-
nectionis secure.Afaulty
cableconnection coulddis-
rupttheoperationofthe
entirestack.
Removing a Hub from a Stack
To remove the hub from a rack
1Disconnect power to the hub by unplugging the power cable.
2Disconnect the appropriate cascade cables.
3Use a #2 Phillips screwdriver to loosen the screws that secure each
mounting bracket to the rack.
4Remove the screws from the mounting bracket while supporting
the bottom of the hub, then carefully remove the hub from the rack.
To remove the hub from a stack that is mounted on a table
or shelf
Gently lift any hubs stacked on top of the hub you want to remove, then
carefully remove that hub from the stack.
After you’ve removed the hub from the stack, connect the free end of
the cascade cable connected to the Cascade Down connector on the top
hub to the Cascade Up connector on the bottom hub.
CAUTION
Whenyou removeahub from
themiddle ofthestack (any
hublocated betweentwo
operatinghubs)anddon’t
reattachthecascadecables,
yousplittheEthernetsegment
intotwoseparatesegments.
NOTE
When you install an uplink
module in the hub’s media
adapterslot,port 1 isdis-
abled.

13
Installing the Express Hub CHAPTER 2
Adding a Network
Management Module (NMM)
After powering down the hub, install the NMM in the hub at the top of
your stack. When an NMM is installed in the stack, it automatically
numbers the hubs in the stack. After you install the NMM and
reconnect the power cord, the entire stack of hubs resets, and you
temporarily lose port connectivity to each hub.
For more information on installing the NMM, see the Express
Stackable Hub Network Management Module User Guide.

Connecting the
Devices
Connecting Cables to the Hub
Connect devices directly to ports on the Express 100BASE-T4
Stackable Hub or to ports on installed uplink modules. This illustration
shows how to connect a UTP cable to an RJ-45 connector and a fiber
optic cable to an SC connector.
15
3
NOTE
Makesureyournetwork
conformstotheFastEthernet
rulesdescribedin Appendix A.
If your stack combines Intel Express 100BASE-TX and 100BASE-T4
Stackable Hubs, make sure you attach the appropriate device (TX or
T4) to each type of hub. If you attach the wrong type of device to a
hub, that device won’t function properly, and the hub may malfunction.
NOTE
100BASE-T4devicesuse
4-pair Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP
cabling.100BASE-TXdevices
use2-pairCategory 5 UTP
cabling.

16
CHAPTER 3 Intel Express 100BASE-T4 Stackable Hub
You can connect the following 100 Mbps devices to the ports on the
Express Stackable Hub and optional uplink modules:
•Workstations
•Servers
•Printers
•Transceivers
•Switching hubs
•Routers
•Printers
•Print servers
See “Using a switch to connect hubs” later in this chapter for
information about connecting to 100 Mbps switching hubs. For
information about making connections to other 100BASE-T4 devices,
refer to the documentation that shipped with the device.
Checking the LEDs
When you connect the power cord to the Express 100BASE-T4
Stackable Hub, the hub performs a confidence test. During this test, the
hub’s Stat LED lights amber to indicate the test is in progress.
When the confidence test successfully completes, the LEDs on the
hub’s front panel should appear as follows:
•The Pwr LED lights green, indicating the hub is receiving power.
•The Stat LED lights green, indicating the hub passed the
confidence test and is operating normally.

17
Connecting the Devices CHAPTER 3
•The Data % LEDs light green on each hub, indicating the overall
network utilization percentage of the Ethernet segment. Because a
stack of hubs is a single segment, utilization is the same for each
hub in the stack.
•If an optional uplink module is installed in the media adapter slot,
the appropriate cable is connected to the media adapter port, and
the link status is good, the Media Adapter LED lights green. When
this LED is on, port 1 on the hub is disabled.
•If an NMM is installed in the expansion slot, the Enbl LEDs on
each hub in the stack light green, indicating the hub is properly
connected to the other hubs in the stack and is actively managed by
an NMM.
•If an NMM is installed in the expansion slot, the Management
LEDs light as follows:
–The Stat LED lights green, indicating the NMM passed the
confidence test and is operating normally.
–The Mstr LED lights green, indicating the NMM is the master
NMM in the stack.
•A Port Status LED for each port on the hub provides port status.
LED Color Status indications
Hub ports 1–12 Green Link is good, port is not
partitioned(disabled).
Amber Link is good, port is
partitioned.
Off Link is not detected.

18
CHAPTER 3 Intel Express 100BASE-T4 Stackable Hub
Unit Numbering Convention
When Express Hubs are stacked, cascaded, and powered, they are
assigned “unit” numbers that are stored in the hub’s nonvolatile
memory. Hub numbers are assigned according to a hub’s physical
location in the stack. The NMM assigns numbers from the top down—
the hub at the top of the stack is numbered 1, the hub below hub 1 is
numbered 2, and so on.
NOTE
AstackofExpressStackable
Hubscan containamaximum
ofsixhubs.
In a fully equipped stack, hubs are assigned numbers 1 through 6. You
can identify the unit numbers of the hubs in the stack using network
management software such as Intel LANDesk® Network Manager.
As you build your stack to include more hubs, each hub you add is
assigned a unit number according to its position in the stack after the
NMM is reset or the stack is renumbered through network management
software.
Partitioned Ports
When the Express Stackable Hub detects a large number of consecutive
collisions on a port, it automatically disables, or partitions, that port.
These collisions often occur due to excessive traffic or a
malfunctioning port or network adapter. After the problem is corrected,
the port is automatically re-enabled.