User guide

MR9600-100 User Guide
6 CommPlete Communications Server
• Two Ethernet link indicator LEDs
• Two Ethernet 100M bps indicator LEDs
• 10BASE-T, IEEE 802.3, 100BASE-TX, and IEEE 802.3u compliance
• 100Mbps (100BASE-TX) mode via RJ-45 (Cat 5);
Full or Half Duplex – 100/200Mbps
• 10Mbps (100BASE-TX) via RJ-45 (Cat 3), Full or Half Duplex – 10/20Mbps
• Filtering Rates: 14880 pps for 10Mbps ports and 148800 pps for 100Mbps ports
• Forwarding Rates: 14880 pps for 10Mbps ports and 148800 pps for 100Mbps ports
• Shared memory architecture
• Dynamic buffer allocation allows network load balancing and prevents packet loss due to congestion
• 8K active MAC address entry table per device, with self-learning and table aging
• auto-polarity correction for all twisted-pair ports
• Weight: 500 g (1.1 lbs)
100BASE-TX Technology Overview
100M bps Fast Ethernet is a relatively new standard specified by the IEEE 802.3 LAN committee. It is an
extension of the 10Mbps Ethernet standard with the ability to transmit and receive data at 100Mbps, while
maintaining the CSMA/CD Ethernet protocol. Since 100Mbps Fast Ethernet is compatible with all 10Mbps
Ethernet environments, it provides a straight-forward upgrade without wasting your investment in
hardware, software, and personnel training.
The MR9600-100 provides an easy, affordable, high-performance, seamless, and standards-based
migration path to a 100BASE-TX LAN while preserving your initial investment and use of 10Mbps
Ethernet LANs.
The MR9600-100 complies with IEEE802.3u, 100BASE-TX, IEEE 802.3 and 10BASE-T standards. The
MR9600-100 has five 10Mbps twisted-pair ports and two 100Mbps twisted-pair ports. The MR9600-100
provides a store-and-forward token passing scheme. Filtering and forwarding rates for the MR9600-100
run at wire-speed, reducing latency within and across segments.
Cables and Connectors
The MR9600-100 supports Category 5 unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cables. Cat 5 UTP cable uses the
same RJ-45 connector used with 10BASE-T, wired in the same configuration. Please note that the punch-
down blocks in the wiring closet must also be Category 5 certified. Where these blocks do not meet the
standard, an upgrade is necessary.
Topology
A Fast Ethernet workgroup is configured in a star topology and is built around a maximum of two
repeaters. Each workgroup forms a separate LAN (also known as a “segment” or “collision domain”), and
these workgroups can be easily interconnected through switches, bridges, or routers to form one LAN
large enough to encompass a high-rise building or campus environment. Recent innovations in LAN hub