Macsense FDH-608/616 User manual

1
User’s Manual
Dynamic Dual Speed Hub
(FDH-608/616)
R
acsense

Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .II
Quick Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .III
Chapter 1 - General Features of a Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
General Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Cost Effective Stackable Hubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Chapter 2 - A Quick Overview of Networking
Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Network Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
What is a hub? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Chapter 3 - What Is Fast Ethernet? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Historical Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Ethernet and Fast Ethernet Standards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Cables Required . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Chapter 4 - How to Configure a Fast Ethernet
Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Cable Length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Uplinking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
Different Network Topologies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Other Ways to Expand a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Chapter 5 - How to Install a Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Before the Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Physical Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Connecting Hubs or Other Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Stacking the Dual-Speed Hub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Removing the Protective Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Checking Port Status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Chapter 6 - Network Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
LED Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Specifications of FDH-608 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Specifications of FDH-616 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
I

Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of this Fast Ethernet Dual-Speed Hub!!
The Fast Ethernet Dual-Speed Hub consists of 8XRJ-45 ports for 10Mbps or
100Mbps Ethernet connection (determined by autosensing). This Dual-Speed hub
contains two internal repeaters - one for 10Mbps and another for 100Mbps traffic.
An internal Ethernet switch, consisting of a 10Mbps and a 100Mbps switching port,
is used to link the repeater buses. Data will be forwarded to the other internal
repeater bus under these three conditions: 1) when traffic has to be passed
between a 10Mbps and a 100Mbps device; 2) if the destination address is not
found in the address table; 3) when broadcast traffic is sent.
This hub is capable of storing the node address and the corresponding seg-
ment of each incoming packet in a routing table. The information on this routing
table helps to identify the traffic and directs fast (100BASE-TX) or slow (10BASE-
traffic to the proper repeater buses. By separating the two repeater buses into dif-
ferent collision domains, the overall collisions that might occur are reduced relative
to the number that might occur if two traffic flows were to coexist in a singular colli-
sion domain.
Migration from 10Mbps Ethernet to 100Mbps Fast Ethernet environment usually
involves total abandonment of 10Mbps equipment and requires replacing upgrad-
ing to 100Mbps equipment. In contrast, Dual-Speed Hubs allow gradual migration
from one speed to another without throwing out 10Mbps network hardware.
This manual will introduce you to the main features of your hub, as well offer as
a brief introduction on networking terminology and topography. Tips for installation
and for everyday management of your network (including troubleshooting) are also
included to help you get started.
II

Quick installation
This hub provides an ideal bridge between 10Mbps and 100Mbps Ethernet net-
works, all for a price thatÕs comparable to a standard Ethernet or Fast Ethernet
hub. Moreover, the smart design built into the 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 by fol-
lowing these steps:
1. Unpack the Fast Ethernet Dual-Speed Hub.
2. Find a location near an electrical outlet.
3. Set the Hub on a stable horizontal surface that is clear of electromag-
netic interference. Make sure to turn the power off of the hub and any
other device that will be connected while installing network components.
4. Connect PCs or other network devices to the RJ-45 ports using
Category 5 UTP (UTP-5), Category 1 STP (STP-1) for 100BASE-TX, or
Category 3, 4, 5 UTP (UTP-3, 4, 5), Category 1 STP (STP-1), or equiva-
lent cables for 10BASE-T. We recommend starting from the highest-
numbered jack. All devices that will be connected to the hub have to be
equipped with Fast Ethernet adapters. The maximum cable length
between any end node in the network and the hub is 100 meters (328
feet) for Fast Ethernet.
5. Turn the power on the Fast Ethernet Dual-Speed Hub and all PCs and
network devices.
6. Verify network communication by observing the LED activities of power,
connection speed, and each individual nodes. The hub will indicate con-
nections of ports by blinking the corresponding port indicator LEDs.
If problems arises while installing this Dual-Speed Hub, please refer to the
ÒInstallation ChapterÓ for more information of installation procedures, the ÒUplink
ChapterÓ for strategies on connecting networking devices together, or ÒTrouble
ShootingÓ for further references.
III

Chapter 1 - General Features of a Dual-Speed Hub
General Features of FDH-608 8-Port Dual-Speed Stackable Hub
Compliant with the IEEE802.3 10Mbps repeater specification (10BASE-T)
Compliant with the IEEE802.3u 100Mbps repeater specification (100BASE-TX)
8-port 10BASE-T for Ethernet connectivity
Supports Category 3, 4, 5 Unshielded Twisted-pair cabling (UTP-3,4,5)
Supports Category 1 Shielded Twisted-pair cabling (STP-1)
8-port 100BASE-TX for Fast Ethernet connectivity
Supports Category 5 Unshielded Twisted-pair cabling (UTP-5)
Supports Category 1 Shielded Twisted-pair cabling (STP-1)
One uplink port on the rear panel for connectivity to another Switch/Repeater hub
Individual port status LEDs for LINK, RX, 10/100, PAR and 10/100 Collision status
LEDs
General Features of FDH-616 16-Port Dual-Speed Stackable Hub
Compliant with the IEEE802.3 10Mbps repeater specification (10BASE-T)
Compliant with the IEEE802.3u 100Mbps repeater specification (100BASE-TX)
16-port 10BASE-T for Ethernet connectivity
Supports Category 3, 4, 5 Unshielded Twisted-pair cabling (UTP-3,4,5)
Supports Category 1 Shielded Twisted-pair cabling (STP-1) 16-port
16-port 100BASE-TX for Fast Ethernet connectivity
Supports Category 5 Unshielded Twisted-pair cabling (UTP-5)
Supports Category 1 Shielded Twisted-pair cabling (STP-1)
One uplink port on the rear panel connectivity to another Switch/Repeater hub
Individual port status LEDs for LINK/ACTIVITY and Collision status LEDs
General Features of a Dual-Speed Hub
1

Front panel
FDH-608
FDH-616
The Dual-Speed hubÕs front panel display features LED (light emitting diode)
indicators
Rear panel
FDH-608
FDH-616
The rear panel of the hub contains the power socket and Ethernet cable con-
nectors. The hub's cable connectors are RJ-45 type cable jacks. RJ-45 stands for
Recommended Jack No. 45, an Electronic Industries Association (EIA) designation.
Each jack serves to connect a cable to the network device.
The jack label 1X is designated as an uplink jack. Uplink jacks are designed
for connections to other network devices.
4
8
3
7
2
6
11X
5
5678
1234
PWR 10M 100M
100M PART 100M PART 100M PART 100M PART
LK RX LK RX LK RX LK RX
100M PART 100M PART 100M PART 100M PART
LK RX LK RX LK RX LK RX
COL
5678
1234
PWR 10M 100M
100M PART 100M PART 100M PART 100M PART
LK RX LK RX LK RX LK RX
100M PART 100M PART 100M PART 100M PART
LK RX LK RX LK RX LK RX
COL
2
Chapter 1 - continued

NOTE: The jack adjacent to 1X must never be used at the same time.
LED indicators allow users to check each port's status and network traffic at a
glance. Extensive LEDs are displayed on the hub to allow easy network manage-
ment.
The power socket accepts AC power of 115~230V at 50~60 Hz.
Cost-Effective Stackable Hubs
These Dual-Speed Stackable Hubs provide the quickest method of upgrading
your network to Fast Ethernet. There's no need to replace an existing network
infrastructure. Just add a Dual-Speed hub to link any new Fast Ethernet devices
into your current network. These Dual-Speed hubs bring you the immediate perfor-
mance advantages of Fast Ethernet at an incremental cost. WhatÕs more, these
stackable hubs break Fast Ethernet's two-hub cascade barrier, allowing you to link
up to three hubs via the built-in stack ports (using any combination of these hub
models).
These Dual-Speed Hubs provide an effective solution for expanding Ethernet
and Fast Ethernet networks at a modest price. Up to three units can be stacked
together, supporting up to 24 (8-Port Fast Ethernet Dual-Speed Hub) or 48 users
(16-Port Fast Ethernet Dual-Speed Hub). To interconnect the 10 Mbps and
100Mbps segments, just add an FDH-608 or FDH-616 unit to the stack. However,
a single Fast Ethernet Dual-Speed Hub stack of only two units can easily meet the
networking needs of most small to medium-sized workgroups. As your workgroups
gradually expand, just add more hubs to your stack, or uplink to another hub or
switch using ordinary straight-through cable.
General Features of a Dual-Speed Hub
3

Chapter 2 - A Quick Overview of Networking Terminology
Network Terminology
A network is comprised of multiple interconnected nodes. A node can be a
computer, a server (that is, a computer dedicated to storing network data or appli-
cations), a shared peripheral (such as a printer or modem) or other networking
devices (such as repeaters or switches, routers, transceivers, etc.).
A Fast Ethernet network operates at a 100Mbps (Megabits per second) transfer
speed, as opposed to Ethernet networks, which operate at speeds of 10Mbps.
To be connected to a Fast Ethernet network, a node must be equipped with a
Fast Ethernet adapter or a network interface card (NIC). A twisted-pair cable con-
nects the node to a hub. Each node is connected to one port on the hub. The port
possesses the abilities of a repeater, a transceiver and an adapter in a Fast
Ethernet network. Ports and cables are connected through a fixed jack.
Multiple segments can be connected by repeaters. All segments connect
together through switches (but not by routers, or bridges) to form a collision
domain.
Collisions occur when two or more nodes accidentally attempt to transmit data
across the network at the same time. This happens more often with increased traf-
fic. Naturally, when you have more packets traveling across the network, the occur-
rence of collisions will increase. Although collisions do not cause any serious
harm, they can affect the speed at which all nodes on the network receive data.
Moreover, collisions prohibit twisted-pair cabling from being fully utilized, since one
of the cableÕs two twisted pairs must resolve collision conflicts instead of transmit-
ting data.
What is a Hub?
In data communications, a hub is a place of convergence where data arrives
from one or more directions and is forwarded out in one or more other directions.
A port is comprised of an input/output circuit and any associated circuit. A jack,
on the other hand, is an external connector linked to a port. According to a hubÕs
design, one or more jacks can be connected to a single port.
Your hub displays different jacks on its external panel. One or more jacks are
connected to one internal port. The uplink jack features two jacks. One of them
acts as a regular port for data transferring while the other (X) serves to uplink the
A Quick Overview of Networking Terminology
5

hub to another hub or switch. By uplinking different hubs or switches together, the
number of nodes in a network can be increased. Expanding a network is neces-
sary when planning to increase the number of computers connected, or when plan-
ning to offer new services, such as printing capabilities or Internet access.
Each port of a Dual-Speed Hub acts as an adapter (to conform to the network
environment), a transceiver (to carry data) and a repeater (to connect different seg-
ments together).
Four standard functions are performed by a Dual-Speed Stackable Hub:
- Repeating any signal that it receives from a connected node to another des-
ignated node by referencing the physical address number in the Address
Table.
- Checking the validity of each signal it receives and discarding invalid signals.
- Checking for collisions on the network and partitioning the collisioned nodes
to prevent further disruption of the network.
- Showing whether each network node is currently connected and idle, trans-
mitting data, or in 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX mode.
However, according to the type of device that is connected to a hub, different
applications are supported. Typical applications performed by a hub are:
- Establishing peer-to-peer relations between workstations.
- Interconnecting users' workstations with a server for a stand-alone client-
server network.
- Interconnecting different users' workstations, servers, or other devices, and
uplinking with another Fast Ethernet Dual-Speed hub to form a larger net-
work.
- Interconnecting different users' workstations or servers, or uplinking the hub
with another network device and providing a connection with another network
expansion device, such as a router, switch or bridge.
A hub thus acts as a central piece in a network topology and configuration. It is
necessary to carefully study its physical placement within the configuration of the
network for maximum efficiency.
6
Chapter 2 - continued

Chapter 3 - What is Fast Ethernet?
Historical Background
Fast Ethernet was developed in the early nineties as an answer to the bottle-
necking problems encountered by older Ethernet networks. Ethernet is a network-
ing technology that was developed in the early seventies.
Ethernet networks carried data signals through thick passive cables at a
10Mbps speed. However, signals were delivered to all nodes in the network at the
same time, which resulted in frequent collisions and a lag in general network per-
formance.
Fast Ethernet, in contrast, transmits data at a rate of 100Mbps. This perfor-
mance boost is needed for users of CAD/CAM applications, videoconferencing,
and the exchange of large files.
Apart from increasing available bandwidth, Fast Ethernet systems also bring
the advantage of using the same network operating system as do Ethernet net-
works. Moreover, it is backwards compatible with Ethernet equipment.
Ethernet and Fast Ethernet Standards
Standards for Ethernet and Fast Ethernet systems are issued by the Institute of
Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). The standard for Ethernet twisted-pair
networks is known as the IEEE802.3 standard, or 10BASE-T.
Its successor, Fast Ethernet, is governed by the IEEE802.3u standard or
100BASE-TX. Your hub complies with the 100BASE-TX standard.
To set up a network with a Fast Ethernet Dual-Speed Hub, all nodes have to be
connected to the hub through 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX compliant adapters (built-in
or plug-in versions) or network interface cards (NIC).
As for the network operating system, any Ethernet-compatible system can be
used as well as NICs' drivers.
Cable Required
Twisted-pair cabling is ordinary copper wire that connects home and (some)
business computers to the network. To reduce crosstalk or electromagnetic induc-
tion between pairs of wires, two insulated copper wires are twisted around each
other. Each signal on twisted-pair wiring requires both wires. For some business
locations, the twisted-pair is enclosed in a shield that functions as a ground. This is
What Is Fast Ethernet?
7

known as a shielded twisted-pair (STP). Ordinary wire to the home is unshield-
ed twisted-pair (UTP).
Use unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) or shielded twisted-pair (STP) cable for
Ethernet and Fast Ethernet networks.
10BASE-T : requires Category 3, 4, 5 unshielded twisted-pair
(UTP-3, 4, 5) or Category 1 shielded twisted-pair (STP-1),
or any equivalent cable to transmit data.
100BASE-TX : requires Category 5 unshielded twisted-pair (UTP-5) or
Category 1 shielded twisted-pair (STP-1), or any equiva-
lent cable to transmit data.
Either UTP-5, STP-1 or equivalent cable must be used with a Fast Ethernet.
Those cables are easy to find as they are widely sold in retail stores and are pre-
installed in many buildings.
Chapter 3 - continued
8

Chapter 4 - How to Configure a Fast Ethernet Network
Cable Length
In a Fast Ethernet network, twisted-pair cables have a length limit. No UTP or
STP cable can be more than 100 meters (328 feet) long. A signal cannot be sent
between two end nodes through more than 200 meters of twisted-pair cable.
In a non-uplinked network, all end nodes are thus connected to a hub through
cables that do not exceed 100 meters (328 feet) in length.
For this reason, a non-uplinked network is said to have a maximum diameter of
200 meters (656 feet), as a signal first sent from one end node to the hub where it
is then re-broadcast to another end node.
When configuring a network, users must pay attention to each cable, ensuring
that no cable exceeds the length limit and that this length is well-managed between
end nodes and the hub.
Uplinking
Uplinking a hub with another network expansion device, such as a router,
switch, bridge, or repeater hub allows users to increase the number of ports on a
network. A 100BASE-TX hub can be uplinked with another 10BASE-TX/100BASE-
TX hub through a twisted-pair cable. This is an easy and inexpensive way to
increase the number of interconnected nodes on a network.
Uplinking hubs, however, adds additional network constraints.
The maximum diameter of an uplinked network must not exceed 205 meters
(672.4 feet). Of course, no cable can exceed 100 meters (328 feet) and the total
length between two end nodes must be no longer than 205 meters. Thus, there
can thus be five meters between the uplinked hubs.
How to Configure a Fast Ethernet Network
9

Apart from the length limit, users have to pay attention to three other special
regulations when uplinking two hubs together:
1. When uplinking two network devices together, one jack on each hub must
be used.
2. The uplink cable used between both hubs must be a straight-through
UTP-5, STP-1 or equivalent twisted-pair cable.
3. If using the uplink jack to uplink with another switch or hub, regular port
adjacent to the uplink port must be left free. If the regular port is being
used, the uplink jack must be left free. Both jacks must not be used at
the same time.
Apart from expanding a network, uplinking hubs together can allow users to
adopt different types of network topologies to manage their needs.
Different Network Topologies
Depending on users' needs, the hub can be used either as a standalone device
or it can used in a multiple-device environment.
- Standalone device
When just one hub is being used in a network, the hub is said to be a stand-
alone hub. The hub can only be connected to users' workstations. In this case, the
network's main function will be to exchange data in peer-to-peer relationships.
If users not only want to exchange data between end nodes, but also want to
give all connected workstations access to a common pool of data, it will be neces-
sary to connect a server to the network. A server is a central workstation that
stores either data, applications or both. It connects to a hub just like any other net-
work workstation.
Other devices can also be connected to a hub to increase the number of ser-
vices available to users. A central printer eliminates the need to connect each
workstation to a dedicated printer. An IP sharing device can allow all network users
to have access to the Internet through only one modem, ISP account and IP
address.
10
Chapter 4 - continued

- Multiple-device environment
Increasing the size of a network through uplinking will allow a greater number
of users to have access to a greater number of services. As explained previously
in this manual, two hubs may be uplinked together. While uplinked, each hub's reg-
ular jack must be kept free whenever its corresponding uplink jack is being used.
For this reason, it is recommended that users start connecting workstations or
other devices from the higher numbered jack so that Jack 1 can be left free. This
method allows users to avoid having to re-configure their network when expanding
the network.
Finally, remember that no more than five meters of UTP-5 or STP-1 cable can
be used to connect two uplinked hubs.
Other Ways to Expand Your Network
Even if the uplink function of the hub can increase the size of a 10BASE-T/
100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet network, users may want to expand further, improve
network capabilities, or integrate other networks. Here is a brief introduction to the
different ways of optimizing a network.
- Dual-Speed hubs: Dual-speed devices allow users to integrate 10BASE-T
devices to a Fast Ethernet network. If you already have an
Ethernet network, a dual speed hub may allow you to pro-
tect previous investments in Ethernet technology while
upgrading to faster 100BASE-TX speeds. Dual-speed
hubs automatically recognize adapters or NICs using
Ethernet or Fast Ethernet systems and are able to adjust
and integrate themselves into the existing network.
- Routers : Routers decide which path a data packet will travel based on the
data's transmission protocol. Routers are thus used to regulate and
organize the traffic in a network.
- Bridges : Bridges are used to connect two networks that have the same
physical characteristics, such as two Ethernet or two Fast Ethernet
networks.
- Gateway : A gateway is a device used to connect networks with different pro-
tocols.
How to Configure a Fast Ethernet Network
11

Chapter 5 - Installing Dual-Speed Hub
Before the Installation
Before installing a hub, users must make sure that they can provide their net-
work with a proper operating environment.
An optimal environment for a network must have these features:
- Power : The hub must be provided with a power voltage ranging from
100 to 230 VAC (with an error margin of 10%) at 50 to 60Hz
(± 3Hz). The hub's power supply will automatically adjust itself
to the power available.
- Humidity : The hub and indeed the entire network should be located in
the driest area possible. Humid places should be avoided, as
humidity can damage the equipment. The non-condensed
degree of humidity in which the hub can operate ranges from
5 to 95 percent.
- Temperature : While the hub can be stored in places with temperatures
ranging from 0ûC to 40ûC (32ûF to 104ûF), it should be operat-
ed only in areas with temperatures ranging from -25ûC to
70ûC (-13ûF to 158ûF). Make sure that the hub is not located
near a heat source.
Installing a Dual-Speed Hub
13

Physical Installation
The physical location of the hub should be carefully planned. When planning
the hub's location, users should pay attention to the following factors:
- Ventilation : When installing the hub, users should make sure there are
open spaces of at least 10 centimeters both in front and behind the hub.
- Light : Like any other electronic device, keep the hub away from direct sun-
light or intense light sources.
- Interference : A Fast Ethernet hub should be kept away from any heat
source or electromagnetic interference to avoid malfunctions.
- Power source : The hub should be installed near a power outlet, preferably
one located in a position that is central to all network end
nodes.
- Hardware : The availability of all connectors and cables required to install
the hub and network should be checked.
- Distance from wall adapter : Direct connection between the wall adapters
and the hub is preferable.
- Airflow : This is crucial. Nothing should press against the hub's left or right
sides. Also, the square ventilation holes located on the hub's sides
must not be blocked in any way. Constant cool air is needed by
the hub to ensure top performance.
Users should also remember that the network diameter of an uplinked Fast
Ethernet network must not exceed 205 meters. For this reason, the path of cables
and the hub's location have to be studied carefully.
14
Chapter 5 - continued

Connecting Hubs or Other Devices
To make a hub-to-hub connection, do the following:
1. Make sure you have the proper cables:
¥ Use UTP-3, 4, 5 (Unshielded Twisted-Pair) cables or better for
10BASE-T connections
¥ Use UTP-5 or STP-1 cables for 100BASE-TX connections.
2. Connect UTP Cable to the uplink port of the Hub, then to a regular port on
the Dual-Speed Stackable Hub (FDH-608 or FDH-616).
The figure below illustrates an example of an expanded network segment.
Installing a Dual-Speed Hub
15
This is an example of uplinking
FDH-608 to FDH-608.
This is an example of uplinking
FDH-616 to FDH-616.

Stacking Dual-Speed Hubs
These Dual-Speed Hubs provide an effective solution for combining Ethernet
and Fast Ethernet networks at a affordable price. Up to three units can be stacked
together, supporting up to either 24 or 48 users. To interconnect the 10 Mbps and
100 Mbps segments, just add an FDH-608 or FDH-616 unit to the stack. For criti-
cal applications, an additional hub that supports the switching function can be
included in the stack for backup purposes. However, a single Fast Ethernet Dual-
Speed Hub stack of only two units can easily meet the networking needs of most
small to medium-sized workgroups. As your workgroups gradually expand, just add
more hubs to your stack, or cascade to another hub or switch using ordinary
straight-through cable.
To make a hub-to-hub connection, do the following:
1. Locate the MII Port on the right side of the hub. After removing the protec-
tive cover, you will see two male socket ports available:
Note : The port that face upward is the Input Port
The port that face sideways is the Output Port
2. Make sure you have the proper cables:
¥ Use the MII Cable bundled with your FDH-608/FDH-616
3. Connect the MII Cable to the Output port of the first hub, then to the Input
port of the second hub (FDH-608 or FDH-616).
16
Chapter 5 - continued

Removing the Protective Cover
This protective cover, on the right side of the hub, is designed to shield the unit
from potentially damaging agents that might cause this unit to malfunction or
behave erratically if the MII port is exposed. However, when a Dual-Speed Fast
Ethernet Hub cascades to another Dual-Speed Fast Ethernet Hub, this protective
cover cannot close properly. Therefore, this cover is designed with a brake-away
part to provide space for the MII cable to pass through.
1. Locate the MII Port on the right side of the hub.
2. Remove the cover from the hub chassis.
3. Fold and brake away the extra part of the cover.
Note: There is a cutter on the protective cover and it will break into two pieces
when forces are applied to the cover.
4. Replace the protective cover back onto the hub chassis.
Installing a Dual-Speed Hub
17

Cable Connections
Once the hub has been correctly mounted as explained before, cables linked to
end nodes can be connected to the ports.
Caution: While connecting cables to the hub, make sure both the hub and the
equipment being connected are turned off.
- Connecting end nodes with a cable : To connect a cable to an end node,
users must first shut off the end node's
power. If the end node is switched on
while connecting it to the hub, a loose
connection might result in opening an
internal contact inside the node, thus
damaging both the adapter and the end
node.
- Connecting a cable to the hub : To connect a cable to the hub, an RJ-45 jack
on the hubÕs rear panel should be selected.
Once the cable is being plugged into the end
node's adapter, it should be plugged into the
hub's selected jack.
The following cable requirements should be remembered before proceeding with
connections:
- Cables must be of a UTP-5 or STP-1 or equivalent cable type in order to be
used in a Fast Ethernet network. Such cables must feature RJ-45 plugs at
both ends, and straight-through wiring.
- In a Fast Ethernet network, cable lengths must not exceed 100 meters (328
feet) between network end nodes and the hub.
- All end nodes connected to a Dual-Speed Stackable Hub must be equipped
with Fast Ethernet adapters complying with the IEEE802.3u standard.
- Cables should be kept as far as possible from any electrical source, motor or
fluorescent light.
When uplinking two hubs together, users must make sure that the uplink ports
of both hubs are free, then one end of the uplink cable has to be plugged into the
18
Chapter 5 - continued