Specifications

DocSTAR Level 2 Service Training Workbook Page 35
Network Cable Naming Conventions
Based on the information presented earlier in this section, the following naming
convention for network cabling should be readily apparent. UTP network cabling is
sometimes referred to as 10BaseT or 100BaseT. This naming convention describes the
maximum transmission speed (in Mbps), the method of transmission, and the physical
cable design. In the example of 10BaseT, the cable can transfer data at speeds up to
10Mbps, using Baseband transmission, and it is Twisted-pair cable. In the case of
thicknet and thinnet cable we see descriptions such as 10Base2 and 10Base5. 10Base2
describes a network cable that can transfer data at speeds up to 10Mbps, using
Baseband transmission, for a distance of approximately 200 meters (as you may recall,
thinnet can carry a signal for 185 meters which is roughly interpreted as 200 meters here).
10Base5 describes a network cable that can transmit data at speeds up to 10Mbps, using
Baseband transmission, for a distance of approximately 500 meters (as you may recall,
thicknet can carry a signal for approximately 500 meters). For a complete cable
comparison chart, see Appendix E.
What is a NIC?
A NIC is a Network Interface Card. A network interface card is the adapter card that
must be added to a PC to allow it to communicate on the network. A network interface
card requires a software driver to be installed on the PC. Network interface cards have to
be chosen very carefully. There are many types of network interface cards with such
options as:
PC bus architecture: ISA, EISA, VESA, Micro-channel, PCI.
Network cable interfaces: BNC, RJ45, AUI or some combination of the three.
Network Speed: usually 10Mbps, 100Mbps, or both.
Duplex capability: Full duplex (send & receive simultaneously) or Half duplex.
Figure 3.7 Intel Pro/100+ Management Adapter (PCI, RJ45, 10/100Mbps, Full Duplex)
Most network interface cards provide link, activity, and in some cases, speed LEDs.
These LEDs are visible around the area of the cable connection port on the back of the
card.
Reference
For more information please refer to the following DocSTAR Service Bulletin:
5063 Intel 10/100 Mbps Network Card