Zoom TribeStar User manual

1 TribeStar Users Guide
Table of Contents
PART I :Even if you hate manuals
You Must Read This 4
Compatibility .................................................................................... 4
Unpacking TribeStar 5
Installation Checklist ........................................................................ 6
Installing TribeStar8 Steps to Success 7
Technical Support 9
Technical Assistance........................................................................ 9
Bulletin Board on AppleLink ............................................................. 9
Contact ............................................................................................ 9
PART II: Introduction to TribeStar
AppleTalk Fundamentals 10
AppleTalk Basics............................................................................ 10
AppleTalk Addressing .................................................................... 10
AppleTalk Zones ............................................................................ 12
MacIP............................................................................................ 12
How TribeStar Works 14
TribeStar as a Bridge ..................................................................... 14
Packet Delivery with TribeStar ....................................................... 14
TribeStar’s Design ......................................................................... 15
PART III: Installing a Network
Planning a New Network 16
Cables for LocalTalk ...................................................................... 16
Cables for Ethernet ........................................................................ 16
ThickNet ........................................................................................ 17
ThinNet .......................................................................................... 17
10BaseT ........................................................................................ 18
Connecting Macs to Ethernet ......................................................... 18
Wiring Plan .................................................................................... 18
Wiring Your New Network 20
Making your own cables................................................................. 21
Testing Your Finished Cables ......................................................... 22
Connect all Devices to Patch Panels ............................................. 23
Plugging an RJ-21 Cable into TribeStar ......................................... 23
Plug in the Ethernet Transceiver .................................................... 24

2 TribeStar Users Guide
PART IV: Configuration
AppleTalk Configuration 25
SwitchMonitor for AppleTalk Configuration..................................... 25
Configuration Parameters .............................................................. 26
Hard-seed/Soft-seed...................................................................... 26
Network Number (Net) ................................................................... 27
Node Number ................................................................................ 27
Zones............................................................................................. 27
Setting Changes to the Hub ........................................................... 28
SwitchMonitor: Managing Your Network 29
Getting Started with SwitchMonitor ................................................ 29
Selecting a TribeStar for Analysis .................................................. 29
SwitchMonitor Screen Summary .................................................... 30
AppleTalk and MacIP Configuration ............................................... 30
The Statistics Screen ..................................................................... 30
The Network Screen ...................................................................... 31
The Diagnostics Screen................................................................. 32
Controlling TribeStar Ports ............................................................. 32
SecurityConfiguration.................................................................... 33
Downloading ROM Image Updates................................................ 33
Optimizing Network Performance .................................................. 33
Saving Statistics Over Time ........................................................... 34
MaintainNetwork Reliabilityw/SwitchMonitor................................. 35
Other SwitchMonitor Functions ...................................................... 35
Configuration Scenarios 36
Networks without any routers ......................................................... 36
Networks w/ Ethernet routers & no LocalTalk routers..................... 37
Networks w/ LocalTalk routers & no Ethernet routers..................... 37
Networks w/ Ethernet routers & LocalTalk routers.......................... 38
Networks with Multiple TribeStars .................................................. 38
PART V: TribeStar IP
Introduction to TCP/IP Protocols 39
TCP/IP Fundamentals.................................................................... 39
TCP/IP and the Internet ................................................................. 40
IP Addressing ................................................................................ 40
IP Subnetting ................................................................................. 42
MacIP Fundamentals 44
The Purpose of MacIP ................................................................... 44
How MacIP Works ......................................................................... 44
Setting MacTCP Configuration Options ......................................... 47

3 TribeStar Users Guide
TribeStar IP Configuration 49
Getting Started............................................................................... 49
IP Routes Parameters.................................................................... 50
IP Interface Parameters ................................................................. 51
MacIP Parameters ......................................................................... 52
Optional MacIP Parameters ........................................................... 54
Configuring MacIP with Multiple TribeStars.................................... 54
IP Configuration Scenarios 55
Configuration Scenario Using KIP Forwarding ............................... 55
Configuration Scenario Using MacIP routing.................................. 55
PART VI: Troubleshooting
Planning for a Rainy Day 57
Resources...................................................................................... 57
The Tao of Troubleshooting ........................................................... 57
Six Commonly Encountered Problems 59
LocalTalk Network Problems.......................................................... 59
Inaccurate Zone or Network Information ........................................ 60
Common Ethernet Connection Problems....................................... 61
Problems Noted in Diagnostics Printouts ....................................... 62
Getting More Information 64
Limited Warranty 65
Index 66

4 TribeStar Users Guide
I. Even if you hate manuals
PART I : Even if you hate manuals…
You Must Read This
TribeStar has been designed for easy installation. However, like any other sophis-
ticated networking equipment, care must be taken when installing TribeStar to
ensure proper network operation.
You may have noticed a registration card in your TribeStar package. Please return
your card immediately. We use this information to provide you with proper
technical support, to inform you of any bug fixes or additional features, and to
send you free firmware and SwitchMonitor upgrades.
Compatibility
All Ethernet devices and routers connected to TribeStar must be compatible
with AppleTalk Phase 2.
The Ethernet network to which TribeStar connects must have a network
number range of a single value (e.g., 61-61). If your TribeStar is not connected
to a network that already has a router, TribeStar automatically assigns the correct
Ethernet network number.
In topologies where TribeStar is connected to routers on its Ethernet side,
you must configure the routers so that the Ethernet network number has a
range of a single value.
TribeStar’s management software, SwitchMonitor™, displays a network map
of devices connected to TribeStar. For this map to display properly, make
sure that non-System-7 Macs have the Responder init in the System Folder.
You must strictly follow the 8-step procedure in the chapter Installing
TribeStar .Otherwise, your network may crash or exhibit random behavior.

5 TribeStar Users Guide
Unpacking TribeStar
Unpacking TribeStar
Thank you for choosing TribeStar, the revolutionary multi-port LocalTalk-to-
Ethernet switching hub. Zoom Telephonics is a leader in value-added equipment
for AppleTalk, offering unique, easy-to-use products to help you optimize the
performance of your networks.
In addition to this user’s guide, the TribeStar package includes:
A power cord.
A wall mounting bracket.
The SwitchMonitor disk, which contains the SwitchMonitor network manage-
ment software.
Note the location and names of the various ports and items on the TribeStar unit
in the following illustration. Knowledge of each of these will be important during
the installation process and when troubleshooting any problems.
Ethernet
Light 50-Pin RJ-21 Connector
LocalTalk
Lights
Red: Port Receiving
Green: Port Transmitting
Amber: See the "Tribestar's Design" Section
Power
Status Light
*
*
Ethernet
AUI
12345678
EN#0040360106F0
y
ExDxlVCoCc
q
RLWQ
MaelP code
Fan Plug On/Off
Switch
Future
Use

6 TribeStar Users Guide
Unpacking TribeStar
Installation Checklist
In addition to the TribeStar package, you should have the following components:
An Ethernet transceiver (e.g., 10BaseT or 10Base2 type) to attach to the
TribeStar’s AUI port. If you bought your transceiver from Zoom, the SQE
should already be set to “ON.” If you bought your transceiver from a third
party, consult their instructions for the proper setting.
If you plan to use 10Base2 Ethernet cables (ThinNet): appropriate lengths of
cable, cable T-connectors and terminators (one for each end of the daisy
chain). See the ThinNet section.
If you plan to use 10BaseT Ethernet cable: a 10BaseT hub and one
10BaseT cable for each Ethernet device. If you connect the TribeStar to only
one Ethernet machine, you do not need a 10BaseT hub, but you must use a
special 10BaseT cable with the send and receive wires reversed in one end.
(See the illustration in the Making Your Own Cables section in Part III .)
A wiring kit consisting of an RJ-21 cable and either a punchdown block or 8-
port patch panel. The wiring kit is used to connect the TribeStar to your
LocalTalk network. These wiring kits are available from most resellers or
directly from Zoom.

7 TribeStar Users Guide
Installing TribeStar
Installing TribeStar—8 Steps to Success
This chapter assumes that your network is wired and ready for installing
TribeStar. This is the case if you are installing a network into a prewired site or are
replacing a LocalSwitch®or a multi-port repeater such as a StarController™.
If you do not have a network installed, please see the chapters Planning a New
Network and Wiring Your New Network.
Before plugging in TribeStar to replace an existing repeater hub, please check
your network wiring for loops within the network, or for terminating resistors that
might have been lost or removed. (A wiring loop occurs when a wire goes out
from the hub and loops back into the hub between ports or within one port.) A
terminating resistor whose wires are twisted until they cross has the same effect
on a network as a loop. Loops or lack of termination can cause high numbers of
errors that will bring your network to a crawl. In addition, if you have a
LocalSwitch, check that the ROM version is up to date. Contact Zoom Technical
Support at [phone] if you are not sure about this.
Your TribeStar comes from the factory pre-configured to adapt itself to your
network (soft-seeded). If you did not get your TribeStar factory direct, you should
make sure that it is soft-seeded. If it is not configured correctly, your network may
crash because of a conflict in network number or zone name. To install
SwitchMonitor, TribeStar’s management software, follow the directions in the
SwitchMonitor: Managing Your Network chapter To configure TribeStar
properly, follow the directions in the AppleTalk Configuration chapter. To config-
ure TribeStar for MacIP, refer to PART V: TribeStar IP.
To install TribeStar, please strictly follow the procedure below.
1. Check that your Ethernet is configured with a network number with the range
of 1. Also, if you have a LocalTalk router, make sure that your EtherTalk is
configured with a single zone name.
2. Shut down all non-router nodes to be connected to TribeStar. If you have
routers, leave your routers on.
3. Connect TribeStar’s AUI to your Ethernet network using the appropriate
transceiver. If you purchased the transceiver from Tribe, the DIP switches
on the transceiver have been set to work with TribeStar. If not, consult their
instructions for the proper setting. Close the latch to secure the transceiver.
(See the illustration in the Ethernet Transceiver section in Part III .)
4. Connect TribeStar to your LocalTalk network. Unplug the 50-pin RJ-21 cable
from the LocalSwitch or StarController, and plug it into your TribeStar. The
cable must point away from the LEDs. (See the illustration in the Wiring
Your New Network chapter in Part III for the cable’s orientation on
TribeStar.)
5. As a StarController has 12 ports and a LocalSwitch 16, you need to redis-
tribute these ports among TribeStar’s 8 ports. The next illustration shows
the port designation on a punchdown block for these three hubs. Note that
TribeStar’s ports correspond to the first 8 ports of the StarController, so you
only need to move ports 9 through 12. This also applies if you have a 12-port
StarController patch panel. When connecting a LocalTalk router or
LocalSwitch to a TribeStar, do not use port one.

8 TribeStar Users Guide
6. Plug the power cord into the back of the TribeStar and then into an electri-
cal outlet. Turn on the power switch located on the back of the TribeStar.
7. Upon start-up, TribeStar undergoes a system self-test. Look for the
correct sequence of LED lighting:
1st all LEDs are amber
2nd LEDs are alternately green-red-green-red, etc.
3rd all LEDs are red
4th all LEDs go blank
5th LEDs flicker as network traffic occurs
8. Start up all devices connected to TribeStar.
not used
not used
7
not used
6
not used
5
not used
4
3
not used
2
not used
1
not used
not used
not used
not used
not used
not used
not used
not used
not used
not used
TribeStar StarController
12
not used
11
not used
10
not used
9
not used
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
not used
15
not used
14
not used
13
not used
not used
not used
8
not used
7
not used
6
not used
5
not used
4
3
not used
2
not used
1
not used
not used
11
not used
10
not used
9
not used
Management
LocalSwitch
RJ-21 cable pins
16,41
15,40
14,39
13,38
12,37
11,36
10,35
9,34
8,33
7,32
6,31
5,30
4,29
3,28
2,27
1,26
24,49
23,47
22,47
21,46
20,45
19,44
18,43
17,42
25,50
Port Designation
not used
1
not used
Enlargement of top of punch block
1
26
2
27
3
28
12 16
8
Installing TribeStar

9 TribeStar Users Guide
Technical Support
Technical Support
Zoom Telephonics is dedicated to providing you with excellent technical support
as well as reliable state-of-the-art products.
Technical Assistance
If you need technical assistance, please have the serial number and the ROM
version of your TribeStar on hand when you call. To locate the serial number,
refer to the illustration in the Unpacking TribeStar chapter. Information such as
the number and types of routers connected to your network, the number of nodes
in your network, their system versions, and the types of servers being used can
help us better understand the dynamics of your network.
You can contact Zoom Technical Support at [phone]. Technical Support
hours are 8:30 AM – 5 PM, Monday through Friday, Eastern Time. You can also
send a fax at [phone].
If you have a sales question, contact Zoom Sales at [phone].
You can also get information on Zoom products and services at our web site. The
address is www.zoomtel.com.
Our address is:
Zoom Telephonics, Inc.
207 South Street, Boston, MA 02111

10 TribeStar Users Guide
PART II: Introduction to TribeStar
AppleTalk Fundamentals
This chapter introduces AppleTalk networking concepts that will help you config-
ure your network with TribeStar. If you are an experienced administrator of
AppleTalk networks, you may skip this chapter. If you are a beginning network
administrator, you should read this chapter before installing TribeStar.
AppleTalk Basics
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of computers connected together in order
to share data or work collaboratively. While the wires that actually connect the
computers are the most visible element, many other elements are required. For
example, the computers must know how to address each other and they must
agree on basic rules for accessing the wire.
When one computer wants to send data to another, it packages the data into
many small pieces called packets and sends them down the wire separately. This
is so that no one device can monopolize the network. It also means that every
packet must contain the destination address and other information important for
packetdelivery.
LocalTalk and Ethernet define a standard for the actual physical wires, or media
that connect the computers, the character of the electrical signals that are trans-
mitted, and the basic rules used to control access to the wire. Built into every
Macintosh and accessed through the printer port, LocalTalk transmits data at the
rate of 230,000 bits per second, or 230 Kbps. Ethernet, by contrast, transmits at
the rate of 10 Mbps (that’s 10 million bits per second).
Invented by Apple Computer in 1983, AppleTalk is a set of software protocols.
Protocols define a framework for communication between computers. Compared
to media, protocols are concerned with higher level issues, such as packet
addressing. Relative to other protocols, AppleTalk is distinguished by its ease of
use.
AppleTalk Addressing
One of the most important features of the AppleTalk protocol suite is the way that
it allows nodes to be addressed. Within a small group of computers, nodes are
identified by a number between 1 and 253, called the node number . This is the
first tier of the AppleTalk address.
A larger AppleTalk internet requires more organization. It needs a second tier for
address information. This is called the Network Number or Network Number
Range. A LocalTalk network always has a single network number allowing for a
theoretical maximum of 253 devices per network. An EtherTalk network is identi-
fied by a network number range, e.g., 50-60 or 100-100, potentially allowing for
many more than 253 devices in one network. An AppleTalk network number can
II. Introduction to TribeStar

11 TribeStar Users Guide
be between 1 and 65,535. The network address is conventionally written such
that the network number and the node number are separated by a decimal point.
For example, if a Macintosh is on network number 61 with node number 112 its
network address is written as 61.112.
Routers organize groups of nodes into one network number or network number
range and forward packets to the destination network. In the next illustration,
follow the packet addressed to 61.112 from the lower figure through the routers to
its destination. Communicating with special packets called Routing Table Mainte-
nance Protocol packets (RTMP), each router builds a list of network numbers that
can be reached from each of its ports. When a router receives a packet destined
for a network located on another port, it forwards the packet. Routers may
connect networks of similar or dissimilar media.
While a router uses the network number portion of the address to forward packets
within an internet, a bridge uses the node portion of the address to forward
packets directly to the proper node within the local network. TribeStar is a bridge.
A bridge enables a network to operate faster and more efficiently by reducing
contention within the network. (See the How TribeStar Works chapter for a more
detailedexplanation.)
AppleTalk Fundamentals

12 TribeStar Users Guide
I am network
address 61.112
NOT here
NOT here
NOT here
Multiport
Repeater
R
Network 61
Send to network
address 61.112
NOT here NOT here
NOT here
Multiport
Repeater
R
Network 72
NOT here
Accept for network
address 61.112
Forward to network
address 61.112
Network 83-97
NOT here
Forward to network
address 61.112
Accept for network
address 61.112
AppleTalk Zones
Apple introduced the zone feature so that users can view network resources more
conveniently. Seen by Mac users in the Chooser, zones are groups created by the
network administrator to make it easier for people to navigate around the network.
Zones are defined by routers or by TribeStars. A small company might have
zones called “Sales,” “Production,” and “Finance”. Members of these functional
groups would be found in the Chooser in the appropriate zone.
The network administrator can create one zone for each network or alternatively,
AppleTalk Fundamentals

13 TribeStar Users Guide
one zone may span many networks. An EtherTalk network can have more than
one zone on one network. LocalTalk, however, can have no more than one zone
on a network and as a consequence, all LocalTalk nodes on a particular TribeStar
must belong to the same zone. On an EtherTalk network with more than one
zone, individual Macs choose the zone to which they will belong when they start
up. Zones are configured through routers or TribeStars.
EN Port
TribeStar
zone B
EN Port
TribeStar
zone A
Mac L1 Mac L2
Printer A
Ethernet Mac - E1 Ethernet Mac - E2 Ethernet Mac - E3
Printer B
Mac L3
zone B zone C zone A
Ethernet Machines, including TribeStars, can be in any one of the zones
defined on the network. Looking in zone A from any Mac’s chooser will
show printer A and Macs L1 and E3 (assuming file sharing is turned on).
Similarly, looking in zone B will show printer B, Macs L2, L3, and E1 and
looking in zone C would show only Mac E2.
On EtherTalk, each network has a default zone. Whenever a node is unsure
about its zone, it places itself in the default zone. The default zone is also speci-
fied by the network manager through the router or TribeStar management soft-
ware.
MacIP
TCP/IP is another popular protocol suite. Developed to network UNIX computers
at research and education sites around the country, TCP/IP is the protocol used
for the Internet, the world’s largest computer network. The growth of the Internet
has fueled the development of many applications, such as electronic mail and
information search and retrieval software.
TCP/IP, however, cannot be carried directly by a LocalTalk network. The MacIP
protocol was developed to remedy this situation. By encapsulating TCP/IP
protocols inside AppleTalk, MacIP allows LocalTalk nodes to access TCP/IP
services such as e-mail, Telnet, or FTP (File Transfer Protocol). This allows
LocalTalk Macs to participate on the Internet like any other machine running TCP/
IP. MacIP is an option on TribeStar. (See PART V: TribeStar IP for further infor-
mation on MacIP.)
AppleTalk Fundamentals

14 TribeStar Users Guide
How TribeStar Works
TribeStar as a Bridge
TribeStar is a multi-port bridge. A bridge performs the filter and forward process
using the node number portion of the network address. While a router delivers
packets across different networks, a bridge delivers packets from node to node of
the same network.
Because TribeStar is a bridge, all of its ports must be on the same network (i.e.,
the network administrator must assign the same network number to its LocalTalk
and Ethernet ports). If TribeStar is connected to a router, the administrator
assigns the network number during the configuration of the router. Then,
TribeStar automatically learns the network number during the start-up process. If
TribeStar is not connected to a router, the administrator need do nothing.
TribeStar uses a factory-preset network number. More details regarding assign-
ment of network numbers are given in the AppleTalk Configuration chapter.
Recall in the AppleTalk Addressing section that the EtherTalk network number
can be a range but the LocalTalk network number must be a single number. For
TribeStar to operate properly, the Ethernet network number must be a range of a
single value. This value will also be the LocalTalk network number. The network
administrator will assign this network number to the TribeStar in the “AT Config”
page of SwitchMonitor.
Packet Delivery with TribeStar
In a TribeStar network, devices (i.e., nodes) are wired into one of TribeStar’s 9
ports using LocalTalk or Ethernet cables. If no routers are present, all nodes are
in the same network. If routers are present, at least two networks are involved,
and packet delivery is more complex.
First, let’s discuss how TribeStar delivers packets within the same network. When
a node transmits, the packet is broadcast to all nodes attached to the same port.
If the packet is destined for another node on the same port, TribeStar ignores the
packet and prevents it from being broadcast to other ports. Meanwhile the packet
has been received by the destination node with the matching network address.
This type of packet traffic is called “local”. (Follow network address 61.49 in the
next illustration.)
Conversely, if the packet is destined for a node on a different port (still within the
same network), TribeStar looks up the destination port in its bridging tables and
forwards the packet to the correct port to be accepted by the appropriate node
there. (Follow network address 61.112 in the next illustration.)
Second, if the TribeStar network is part of an internet joined by routers, a packet
destined for another network is delivered by TribeStar to the port with the router,
which accepts and forwards the packet to its destination network. (Follow network
address 72.53 in the next illustration.)
TribeStar converts LocalTalk packets to EtherTalk packets, and vice versa, when
delivering packets between LocalTalk and Ethernet.
How TribeStar Works

15 TribeStar Users Guide
Send to
61.112
I am
61.112
Network 61
NOT here
NOT here
NOT here
Multiport
Repeater
R
Network 72
NOT here
Accept
for 72.53
Forward
to 72.53
Network 61 - 61
I am
72.53
NOT here
Send to
72.53
EN Port
Server:
NOT here
Send to
61.49
I am
61.49
Local traffic
TribeStar
TribeStars Design
TribeStar is a learning bridge. It automatically builds and maintains bridging tables
(which contain all nodes’ network addresses and port locations) by examining the
packet’s source network address whenever nodes transmit. If a node is inactive
for a prolonged period, its entry in the bridging table is aged and eventually
removed. The entry is immediately restored when the node transmits packets.
The bridging tables are cleared when the power is turned off.
TribeStar accomplishes bridging by means of four Zilog Z8 microprocessors and
one Motorola 68340 microprocessor. Running at 18 MHz and 17 MHz respec-
tively, they are fast enough to handle up to eight simultaneous transmissions
between LocalTalk and Ethernet, or four inter-port transmissions among LocalTalk
ports. Buffers store packets destined for busy ports until the ports clear.
A red port LED means that packets are being transferred from a Macintosh into
TribeStar. A green LED indicates traffic out from TribeStar to a Macintosh. A
flashing amber light probably indicates that packets are being received and sent
in quick succession. A solid amber LED indicates that the port is disabled.
How TribeStar Works

16 TribeStar Users Guide
PART III: Installing a Network
Planning a New Network
If you are putting together a network for the first time, this chapter and the next,
Wiring Your Network , are intended to help you design and wire a new single
room network for your TribeStar. This chapter discusses alternative cables for
LocalTalk and Ethernet, then suggests a wiring plan for your network. The Wiring
Your Network chapter outlines the procedure for actual installation of your
LocalTalk and Ethernet wires that will be connected to TribeStar. The principles
discussed in these chapters can be applied beyond one room, but we recommend
that you consult a qualified network cable installer if you plan to wire a larger area.
After your network is wired, refer to the Installing Your TribeStar chapter to
complete your installation.
Cables for LocalTalk
TribeStar uses standard PhoneNET-type wiring instead of Apple’s shielded
cables. PhoneNET uses one pair of unshielded twisted telephone wires. However,
we recommend that you build your network with two pairs per device, which
enables you to run either PhoneNET or 10BaseT Ethernet. In the future, if you
upgrade the device to Ethernet, you can use the same wires.
If the longest single wiring run between a LocalTalk device and TribeStar is less
than 50 feet, you can use flat silver satin cable with RJ-11 modular plugs on both
ends. This type of cable is intended to be used with a patch panel wiring kit.
Since the wires inside flat cables are not twisted and are susceptible to interfer-
ence from electrical devices such as florescent lighting and electric motors, for
longer distances you should use station cable which contains twisted-pairs inside
a plastic tubing. This cable has solid copper wires intended to be punched down
to a block on one end and connected to a wall jack on the other end.
PhoneNET-type
connector
Cables for Ethernet
TribeStar’s Ethernet port has a built-in AUI connector that accepts transceivers for
ThickNet, ThinNet or 10BaseT cable. Because it is most similar to PhoneNET-
type wiring, we recommend that you use 10BaseT for easy installation.
III. Installing a Network

17 TribeStar Users Guide
Planning a New Network
ThickNet
ThickNet, or 10Base5, uses a coaxial cable with two layers of shielding. Because
of this, ThickNet is 0.37 to 0.41 inches in diameter and difficult to bend without
damaging the internal wires. ThickNet can span 1,500 feet, support up to 100
transceivers, and is most appropriate as the backbone of a large internet.
ThinNet
ThinNet, or 10Base2, is more flexible and less expensive than ThickNet. It can
span 550 feet and support up to 30 transceivers. To connect devices on ThinNet,
transceivers are daisy chained in one continuous bus through BNC T-connectors,
and must be terminated by 50ý resistors at both ends of the chain. When you add
a device in the middle of the bus, the network goes down because you break the
chain. Also consider that adding BNC connectors to ThinNet cable is slower and
more difficult than crimping RJ-11 or RJ-45 modular plugs onto telephone cable.
Copper
Core
Shielding
layer
BNC
T-connector
BNC barrel
connector
INCORRECT
CORRECT
Terminated or to
rest of network Terminated or to
rest of network

18 TribeStar Users Guide
Planning a New Network
10BaseT
10BaseT, or Unshielded-Twisted Pair (UTP) Ethernet, uses 2 twisted pairs of
telephone wires, but unlike PhoneNET, can not be daisy chained in a bus. Gener-
ally, one uses a 10BaseT hub to connect TribeStar to multiple Ethernet
devices. (See the illustration in the Wiring Plan section.) To connect a single
device to TribeStar’s Ethernet side using twisted pair requires a special
10BaseT cable in which the transmit and receive pairs are reversed on one
end. (See the illustration in the Making Your Own Cables section.) The main
advantage of 10BaseT is its similarity to PhoneNET-type cables in handling and
ease of use. You can use the same flat silver satin cable or station cable for both
LocalTalk and Ethernet segments. If you later upgrade a device to Ethernet, your
10BaseT hub can accept the existing cables. You only need to replace the RJ-11
plugs with RJ-45 plugs, and where needed, the wall jacks.
RJ-45 modular connector
2 pairs of
twisted wires
Connecting Macs to Ethernet
Connecting a Mac to Ethernet requires an Ethernet card — either Apple’s built-in
card (available on higher-end Apple machines) or one of various third-party cards.
Apple’s cards require an AAUI to ThinNet or 10BaseT transceiver (often referred
to as “friendly net” transceivers). Third party cards may have built-in transceivers
and connect directly to ThinNet or 10BaseT, or they may require an AUI to
ThinNet/10BaseT transceiver, as does TribeStar.
Wiring Plan
TribeStar’s LocalTalk ports connect to all devices through one 50-pin RJ-21 cable.
This cable, in turn, is connected to either a patch panel or a punchdown block.
(See Cables for LocalTalk section.) In either case, you can connect 4 branches
per port via the patch panel’s 4 modular jacks or the punchdown block’s 4 sets of
clips. This gives you a maximum of 32 LocalTalk branches among 8 ports.
For maximum flexibility, we recommend that you wire one device per branch. Only
if you have more than 32 devices should you daisy chain two or more devices per
branch. While this “home run” wiring plan uses more wire, it also gives you
maximum control over the network. For example:

19 TribeStar Users Guide
Planning a New Network
While troubleshooting, you can gradually connect devices to a port. The
last added device that causes the port to malfunction is probably
defective or is attached to bad wiring.
You can disconnect a malfunctioning branch or device without affecting
any other device on the same port.
You can balance the traffic pattern so that each port handles roughly the
same amount of network activity by moving heavy network users to
under-utilized ports. See the SwitchMonitor: Managing Your Network
chapter for methods of analyzing packet activity levels. Since each user
has one branch, you can easily rearrange the users by moving the
branches around the patch panel or punchdown block.
You can selectively upgrade a device to Ethernet without having to
upgrade all devices daisy chained to its branch.
TribeStar’s Ethernet port, via a transceiver, connects to a 10BaseT hub. A
10BaseT hub allows only one device per port, so you must use the home run
wiring plan. If you use station cable which is punched down to a block, be sure to
purchase a 10BaseT hub that can interface with a punchdown block.
10BaseT
Hub
Patch panel
50-pin
RJ-21
cable
Homerun wiring
Daisy-chain wiring

20 TribeStar Users Guide
Wiring Your New Network
Wiring Your New Network
This chapter outlines the procedures for wiring a new single room network. We
will demonstrate a simple wiring scheme with surface (i.e., external) wiring of level
four unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable for both LocalTalk and 10BaseT
Ethernet. If you plan to wire a larger area, use in-wall wiring, or use station cable,
we recommend that you consult a qualified network cable installer. If you need
more information than described here, an excellent book for you to read is the
MacWorld Networking Handbook by Dave Kosiur and Nancy Jones, published
by IDG Books in San Mateo, California (telephone [phone]).
The following are the procedures for wiring your network. (While we use a patch
panel in our example, the same principles may be applied to a punchdown block):
1. Buy or make and test your LocalTalk and Ethernet network cables.
2. Connect LocalTalk connectors to your LocalTalk devices.
3. Use your network cables to connect devices to the patch panel.
4. Plug the LocalTalk patch panel into TribeStar via the 50-pin RJ-21 cable.
5. Plug the 10BaseT transceiver into TribeStar and connect it to your Ethernet
hub.
6. Power up TribeStar, then turn on all devices according to the Installing
TribeStar chapter.
Ethernet Macintosh
Thinnet Transceiver
LocalTalk
Macintosh
PhoneNET-type
LocalTalk connector
TribeStar
Patch panel
50-pin
RJ-21
cabl
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COMPUTER WORKS
COMPUTER WORKS