Specifications

10
Network topology examples
TWO NODES WITH A DIRECT CABLE
CONNECTION
Advantages: very low cost; very high reliability; simple to
implement
Disadvantages: limited to 100 meters (328 feet) total
network size; no expandability; uses non-standard wiring
of RJ-45 connectors on Ethernet crossover cable
The simplest and most direct RAVE network comprises two RAVE units connected by a single crossover cable.
This network has only one segment, so the 100-meter limit applies to the segment and thus to the entire network.
There are no hardware costs other than the RAVE units themselves and the cable for the interconnection. Also,
there are few potential failure points. However, there is no way to connect additional RAVE units without
resorting to adding a hub, and because a crossover cable isn’t yet a common off-the-shelf item, you might have
to wire it yourself.
TWO NODES WITH A 100baseTX HUB
Advantages: greater network size—up to 200 meters (656
feet); high reliability; readily expandable; uses standard
Ethernet patch cables
Disadvantages: higher cost
This network is similar to the previous one, but with a hub in between, breaking up the network into two segments
which can each be up to 100 meters long. Yes, there is the added expense of a hub, and the addition of a critical
active device affects the network reliability situation in a definite but extremely small way. But the network media
can be simple off-the-shelf patch cables, which are much easier to buy ready-made than crossover cables. You
can also easily expand the network by connecting additional nodes to the hub. Astute observers and those who
have read ahead in the manual will notice that this network configuration is really just a star topology with only
two nodes.