Network Rules/Configuration
There are many ways to configure a Local Area Network (LAN.) Usually we do not have the luxury of starting out fresh. Very often a corporate network is in place with legacy (read 'old') hardware that has to remain, be supported and not interfered with. The following depicts the connectivity rules for both the legacy 10 Mbps (Ethernet) and 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet) segments.
10 Mbps Ethernet Segment
| Between any two computers in the same 10 Mbps segment, there may be up to 4 hubs with 5 cables links in series. |
Maximum Cable Length
| Cable Type | Maximum Length |
| Twisted Pair, Categories 3,4,5 | 100 m (328 ft.) |
Note: For any new installations use category 5 or better.
100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Segment
Rule for Class I Hubs
| Between any two computers in the same 100 Mbps segment, there may be only 1 Class I hub with 2 cable links. |
Rule for Class II Hubs
| Between any two computers in t he same 100 Mbps segment, there may be 2 Class II hubs with 3 cable links. |
Maximum 100Base-T Network Diameter
| Qty. - Hub Type | Cat 5 Twisted Pair |
| 1 - Class I | 200 m (656 ft.) |
| 1 - Class II | 200 m (656 ft.) |
| 2 - Class II | 205 m (672 ft.) |
Maximum 100 Base-T Cable Length
| Cable Type | Connecting | Max. Length |
| Cat. 5 Twisted Pair | Any two devices | 100 m (328 ft.) |
| Fiber | Switch to Switch, Server or Workstation - Half duplex | 412 m (1,352 ft.) |
| Fiber | Switch to Switch, Server or Workstation - Full duplex | 2 km (6,5467 ft.) |
