NETGEAR FE104 - Hub User manual

M-FE100NA-1
September 2000
NETGEAR , Inc.
4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054
USA
Phone: 1-888-NETGEAR
E-mail: [email protected]
www.NETGEAR.com
Installation Guide for
the Model FE104 and
Model FE108 Fast
Ethernet Hubs

ii
© 2000 by NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved.
Trademarks
NETGEAR™ is a trademark of NETGEAR, Inc. Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Other
brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is subject to
change without notice. All rights reserved.
Statement of Conditions
In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to
make changes to the products described in this document without notice.
NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit
layout(s) described herein.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Declaration of Conformity Statement
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a ClassA digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when
the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency
energy. If it is not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, it may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which
case users will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference at their own expense.
EN 55 022 Statement
This is to certify that the NETGEAR Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs are shielded against the
generation of radio interference in accordance with the application of Council Directive 89/336/EEC, Article 4a.
Conformity is declared by the application of EN 55 022 Class A (CISPR 22).
Bestätigung des Herstellers/Importeurs
Es wird hiermit bestätigt, daß das NETGEAR Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs gemäß der im
BMPT-AmtsblVfg 243/1991 undVfg 46/1992 aufgeführten Bestimmungen entstört ist. Das vorschriftsmäßige Betreiben
einiger Geräte (z.B. Testsender) kann jedoch gewissen Beschränkungen unterliegen. Lesen Sie dazu bitte die
Anmerkungen in der Betriebsanleitung.
Das Bundesamt für Zulassungen in der Telekommunikation wurde davon unterrichtet, daß dieses Gerät auf den Markt
gebracht wurde und es ist berechtigt, die Serie auf die Erfüllung der Vorschriften hin zu überprüfen.
Warning: This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio
interference, in which case, the user may be required to take appropriate measures.

iii
Voluntary Control Council for Interference (VCCI) Statement
This equipment is in the first category (information equipment to be used in commercial and/or industrial areas) and
conforms to the standards set by the Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Data Processing Equipment and
Electronic Office Machines that are aimed at preventing radio interference in commercial and/or industrial areas.
Consequently, when this equipment is used in a residential area or in an adjacent area thereto, radio interference may be
caused to equipment such as radios and TV receivers.
Customer Support
For assistance with installing and configuring your NETGEAR system or with post-installation questions or problems,
contact your point of purchase representative.
To contact customer support or to purchase additional copies of this document and publications for other NETGEAR
products, you can contact NETGEAR at the following numbers:
Phone:
Australia 1800-787-638 Korea 00308-11-0319
Austria 00800-06384327 Netherlands 0800-023-0981
(00800-0-NETGEAR) New Zealand 00800-1233-4566
Denmark 808-82179 Norway 800-12041
Canada 1-888-NETGEAR Singapore 001-800-1233-4566
Finland 0800-111-036 Sweden 0200-298-298
France 0800-77-17-53 Switzerland 00800-0638-4327
Germany 00800-06384327 (00800-0-NETGEAR)
(00800-0-NETGEAR) United Kingdom 020-7216-0014
Hong Kong 001-800-1233-4566 United States 1-888-NETGEAR
Japan 0120-66-5402 All Other Countries [phone]
World Wide Web
NETGEAR maintains a World Wide Web Home Page that you can access at the universal resource locator (URL)
http://www.NETGEAR.com. A direct connection to the Internet and a Web browser such as Mosaic
or Netscape are required.

iv

Contents v
Contents
Chapter 1
Introduction
Features .........................................................................................................................1-2
Chapter 2
Physical Description
Front Panel .....................................................................................................................2-1
LED Display .............................................................................................................2-2
RJ-45 100BASE-TX Ports ........................................................................................2-3
Normal/Uplink Push Button ......................................................................................2-4
Rear Panel ......................................................................................................................2-5
Chapter 3
Installation
Preparing the Site ...........................................................................................................3-1
Checking Package Contents ..........................................................................................3-2
Installing a NETGEAR 100BASE-TX Hub ......................................................................3-3
Installing the Hub on a Flat Surface .........................................................................3-3
Installing Multiple Hubs ............................................................................................3-4
VerifyingYour Installation ................................................................................................3-6
Chapter 4
Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting the Hub and the Network .....................................................................4-1
Chapter 5
Network Configuration
Configuration Examples .................................................................................................5-1
100BASE-TX Shared Repeater ...............................................................................5-2
Migrating to 100 Mbps Operation .............................................................................5-2
Multiport Switch with Fast Ethernet Backbone .........................................................5-4

vi Contents
Appendix A
Technical Specifications
General Specifications ................................................................................................... A-1
Appendix B
RJ-45 Connector Information
Appendix C
Fast Ethernet and Cabling Guidelines
Fast Ethernet Technology ..............................................................................................C-1
Fast Ethernet Cabling ....................................................................................................C-2
Cable Guidelines .....................................................................................................C-2
Cable Lengths .........................................................................................................C-3
Cable Specifications ................................................................................................C-3
Twisted Pair Cables .................................................................................................C-4
Patch Panels and Cables ........................................................................................C-5
Index

Figures vii
Figures
Figure 2-1. Front panel of the Model FE104 Fast Ethernet Hub ................................2-1
Figure 2-2. Front panel of the Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hub ................................2-2
Figure 2-3. Link/Rx and Part (partition) LEDs on the RJ-45 ports .............................2-4
Figure 2-4. Normal/Uplink push button ......................................................................2-4
Figure 2-5. Rear panel of the Model FE104 hub ........................................................2-5
Figure 2-6. Rear panel of the Model FE108 hub ........................................................2-6
Figure 3-1. Daisy-chaining two Model FE108 hubs ....................................................3-4
Figure 3-2. Connecting multiple hubs .........................................................................3-5
Figure 5-1. Model FE104 and Model FE108 hubs as standalone hubs .....................5-2
Figure 5-2. Using the Model FE104 hub to migrate your network to 100 Mbps .........5-3
Figure 5-3. Multiport switch with Fast Ethernet backbone ..........................................5-4
Figure B-1. RJ-45 connector ...................................................................................... B-1
Figure C-1. Straight-through twisted pair cable .........................................................C-4
Figure C-2. Crossover twisted pair cable ...................................................................C-4
Figure C-3. Category 5 UTP patch cable with male RJ-45 connector at each end ...C-5

viii Figures

Tables ix
Tables
Table 2-1. LED descriptions ......................................................................................2-3
Table 3-1. Operating environment requirements ......................................................3-1
Table 4-1. Troubleshooting ........................................................................................4-1
Table B-1. RJ-45 connector pinouts ......................................................................... B-2
Table C-1. Electrical requirements of Category 5 cable ...........................................C-3

Introduction 1-1
Chapter 1
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR
™
Model FE104 4-port Fast Ethernet Hub or
the NETGEAR Model FE108 8-port Fast Ethernet Hub. Both hubs are IEEE 802.3u-based Class II
repeaters that provide you with a low-cost, high-performance network solution and are designed to
support power workgroups operating at 100 Mbps.
Users who are operating network-intensive applications on powerful workstations require more
bandwidth than the conventional 10BASE-T network. By migrating these users to a 100 Mbps
network, you can increase the bandwidth and improve response times. By installing the Model
FE104 or Model FE108 hub in your network, you can create a power workgroup with many users
who can share access to centralized network devices (such as servers and printers) at 100 Mbps.
This guide describes how to install and use the hubs. It includes physical configuration guidelines
for connecting multiple hubs, connecting Fast Ethernet stations, and making network connections.
This guide is intended for individuals who have the following background and experience:
• Working knowledge of basic Ethernet
• Familiarity with the differences between the 10BASE-T and 100BASE-T specifications

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs
1-2 Introduction
Features
The Model FE104 and Model FE108 hubs have the following key features:
• IEEE 802.3u standard compliance allows interoperation with all 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet
(100 Mbps) products.
• Class II compliance enables network expansion by daisy-chaining two hubs together.
• Easy Plug and Play installation with no software to configure saves time and minimizes the
potential for configuration errors.
• Each hub is equipped with:
— 4 or 8 100BASE-TX ports to provide fast information exchange, resource sharing, and
client or peer-to-peer communication using simple Category 5 unshielded twisted pair
(UTP) wiring.
— RJ-45 ports with built-in LEDs to clearly indicate the status of each port.
— Additional LEDs to provide network traffic status for the hub.
— Normal/Uplink push button to simplify network extension. In the uplink mode, two hubs
can be daisy-chained using simple, straight-through UTP cables.
• Compact, sturdy metal case design enables easy tabletop or under-desk installation.

Physical Description 2-1
Chapter 2
Physical Description
This chapter is divided into sections on the front and rear panel components of the Model FE104
and Model FE108 hubs. Use the key at the bottom of each illustration to identify the associated
component.
Front Panel
The front panel contains the LEDs, RJ-45 100BASE-TX port connectors, and Normal/Uplink push
button. Figure 2-1 shows the front panel of the Model FE104 hub, and Figure 2-2 shows the front
panel of the Model FE108 hub.
Key:
1 = Pwr (power) LED
2 = Col (collision) LED
3 = Utilization % LEDs
4 = RJ-45 ports with Link/Rx and Part (partition) LEDs on each port
5 = Normal/Uplink push button
Figure 2-1. Front panel of the Model FE104 Fast Ethernet Hub
186EA
Normal/Uplink
123 4
100BASE-TX FAST ETHERNET HUB FE104
4 5
100 Mbps
Utilization %
Pwr Col 1 10 20 >30
1
23
F AST
Link/Rx Part

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs
2-2 Physical Description
Key:
1 = Pwr (power) LED
2 = Col (collision) LED
3 = Utilization % LEDs
4 = RJ-45 ports with Link/Rx and Part (partition) LEDs on each port
5 = Normal/Uplink push button
Figure 2-2. Front panel of the Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hub
LED Display
Three LEDs on the front panel of the hub and two on each port connector allow you to identify the
following information:
•Status of the hub power supply
•Collision occurrence on an Ethernet segment in a standalone hub or a stack of hubs
•Data utilization percentage of the Ethernet segment in a standalone hub or a stack of hubs
•Link and receive activity for all ports in the hub
•Partition status for all ports in the hub
185EA
Normal/Uplink
1234
Link/Rx Part
5668
Utilization %
Pwr Col 1 10 20 >30
100BASE-TX FAST ETHERNET HUB FE108
1
2345
100 Mbps
F AST

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs
Physical Description 2-3
Table 2-1 describes each LED on the front panel of the hub.
RJ-45 100BASE-TX Ports
The front panel of the Model FE104 hub provides four RJ-45 100BASE-TX ports, and the Model
FE108 provides eight RJ-45 100BASE-TX ports. These standard RJ-45 connectors accept 2-pair
Category 5 UTP cable or 4-pair Category 5 UTP cable (100BASE-TX networks require only
2-pair wiring). The RJ-45 interface is an 8-pin connector.
An illustration of the RJ-45 connector and a table of pin assignments for the normal (MDI-X)
RJ-45 connector and the uplink (MDI) RJ-45 connector are in Appendix B, “RJ-45 Connector
Information.”Table B-1 provides the pinout information.
Table 2-1. LED descriptions
Label Color Activity Description
Pwr Green On Power is supplied to the hub.
Col Yellow Blinking There is data collision on the network. Note that occasional
collisions are normal.
Link/Rx Green On
Blinking The link between this port and the connecting port is good. There is incoming data on the port.
Part Yellow On The port is being partitioned because of excessive collisions or
jabber conditions.
Utilization % Green On Four LEDs indicate whether the percentage of data utilization
on the hub or stack of hubs is 1%, 10%, 20%, or more than
30%.
Caution: 100 Mbps operation requires the use of Category 5 UTP cable with a 100 Mbps
certified connector. Refer to Appendix C, “Fast Ethernet and Cabling Guidelines,”for
more information on cabling.

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs
2-4 Physical Description
As illustrated in Figure 2-3, two LEDs are positioned at the top corners of each RJ-45 connector.
The left indicator is the Link/Rx (receive) LED, and the right indicator is the Part (partition) LED.
Both LEDs are described in Table 2-1.
Figure 2-3. Link/Rx and Part (partition) LEDs on the RJ-45 ports
Normal/Uplink Push Button
The Normal/Uplink push button on the front panel of the hub, as illustrated in Figure 2-4, allows
you to select uplink (MDI) or normal (MDI-X) wiring for Port 4 on the Model FE104 hub and Port
8 on the Model FE108 hub. Ports 4 and 8 are configured for normal wiring when the push button is
in the out position. When the push button is pressed in, Ports 4 and 8 are configured for uplink
wiring.
Figure 2-4. Normal/Uplink push button
Link/Rx Part
184EA
183EA
Normal/Uplink
Link/Rx Part
1234
MODELFE104
Model FE104 Model FE108
Link/Rx Partition Link/Rx Part
12
345678
Normal/Uplink

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs
Physical Description 2-5
The Normal/Uplink push button eliminates the need to use a crossover cable for daisy-chaining or
cascading. Use the following guidelines to configure Ports 4 and 8 for uplink or normal wiring:
•Configure Ports 4 and 8 for normal wiring if the port is to be connected to an uplink-wired
device, such as a network station or a PC.
•Configure Ports 4 and 8 for uplink wiring if the port is to be connected to a normal-wired
device, such as a 100 Mbps switch or another hub.
The remaining (normal) ports on the hubs cannot be configured for uplink wiring. If you are using
one of these ports to connect to another normal port, you must use an RJ-45 crossover cable to
connect the two ports (refer to Appendix C, “Fast Ethernet and Cabling Guidelines,”for
information on the crossover and straight-through cables).
Rear Panel
As illustrated in Figure 2-5 and Figure 2-6, the rear panel of each hub has a grounding clip and a
DC power receptacle that is provided for connection to the supplied DC power adapter.
Key:
1 = Grounding clip
2 = DC power receptacle
Figure 2-5. Rear panel of the Model FE104 hub
196EA
21
12 Vdc 1.2A
–+

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs
2-6 Physical Description
Key:
1 = Grounding clip
2 = DC power receptacle
Figure 2-6. Rear panel of the Model FE108 hub
182EA
12 Vdc 1.2A
–+
21

Installation 3-1
Chapter 3
Installation
This chapter provides information and procedures for:
•Preparing the site
•Checking package contents
•Installing a NETGEAR 100BASE-T hub
•Verifying your installation
Preparing the Site
Before you begin installing the hub, prepare the installation site. Make sure the operating
environment meets the physical requirements of the equipment as listed in Table 3-1.
Table 3-1. Operating environment requirements
Characteristic Requirements
Temperature Ambient temperature between 0
°
and 40
°
C (32
°
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 inches (5.08 cm) on all sides for cooling.
Adequate airflow in room or wiring closet.
Operating
conditions At least 6 feet (1.83 m) to nearest source of electromagnetic noise (example is a photocopy machine).
Service access Minimum 12 inches (19.68 cm) front and back for service access and maintenance.
Front and back clearance for cables and wiring hardware such as punchdown blocks.
Power Adequate power source within 6 feet (1.83 m).
Wiring hardware Wiring hardware, such as punchdown blocks or patch panels, should be complete before
installing the hub.

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs
3-2 Installation
Checking Package Contents
This package should contain the following items:
•Model FE104 or Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hub
•Rubber pads for tabletop installation
•DC power adapter
•Warranty and Owner Registration Card
•This manual
Call your reseller or customer support in your area if there are any wrong, missing, or damaged
parts. Refer to page iii for the location of customer support in your area.
Keep the carton, including the original packing materials. Use them to repack the hub if you need
to return it for repair.
To qualify for product updates and product warranty registrations, complete the Warranty and
Owner Registration Card within 30 days of purchase and return it to NETGEAR, Inc.