Specifications

B-7
Switch Ports and Network Cables
Twisted-Pair Cable/Connector Pin-Outs
Switch Ports and Network
Cables
Twisted-Pair Cable/Connector Pin-Outs
The HP Auto-MDIX Feature In the default configuration, “Auto”, the
10/100Base-TX ports on the 10/100-TX and PoE zl Modules used in the 8200 zl
switches all automatically detect the type of port on the connected device and
operate as either an MDI or MDI-X port, whichever is appropriate. So for any
connection, a straight-through twisted-pair cable can be used -- you no longer
have to use crossover cables, although crossover cables can also be used for
any of the connections. The 100/1000-T zl Module supports the IEEE 802.3ab
standard, which includes the “Auto MDI/MDI-X” feature, which operates the
same way.
Note HP Auto-MDIX was developed and shared with the IEEE for the development
of the IEEE 802.3ab standard. HP Auto-MDIX and the IEEE 802.3ab Auto MDI/
MDI-X feature are completely compatible.
If you connect an 8200 zl switch twisted-pair port to another switch or hub,
which typically have MDI-X ports, the 8200 zl switch port automatically
operates as an MDI port. If you connect it to an end node, such as a server or
PC, which typically have MDI ports, the 8200 zl switch port operates as an
MDI-X port. In all cases, you can use standard straight through cables.
If you happen to use a correctly wired crossover cable, though, the switch will
still be able to automatically detect the MDI/MDI-X operation and link
correctly to the connected device.
If the port configuration is changed to any of the fixed configurations
though, for example 100 Mbps/full duplex, the port operates as MDI-X only
and the correct cable type must be used. In general, for connections to MDI
ports, such as end nodes, use a straight-through cable; for connections to MDI-
X ports, such as on hubs and other switches, use a crossover cable.
Other Wiring Rules:
■ All twisted-pair wires used for 10 Mbps, and 100 Mbps operation must be
twisted through the entire length of the cable. The wiring sequence must
conform to EIA/TIA 568-B (not USOC). See the Pin Assignment tables
below the cable illustrations later in this appendix for a listing of the
signals used on each pin.
■ For 1000Base-T connections, all four pairs of wires in the cable must be
available for data transmission. See “Note on 1000Base-T Cable Require-
ments” on page B-1 for more information on 1000Base-T cabling.
■ For 10 Mbps connections to the ports, you can use Category 3, 4, or 5
100-ohm differential unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) or shielded twisted-
pair (STP) cable, as supported by the IEEE 802.3 10Base-T standard.