Making Network Connections; Connectivity Rules - SMC Networks 6608M INT User Manual

Making Network Connections

Switches are designed to interconnect multiple segments, or
collision domains. Each segment may contain a single server or
workstation, or multiple workstations that are connected to a
hub.

Connectivity Rules

An overview of the rules for both Ethernet and Fast Ethernet
collision domains is provided below.
10 Mbps Ethernet Collision Domain
SMC 5 - 4 - 3 Rule
Between any two PCs or other stations in the same 10 Mbps
collision domain, there may be:
• up to 5 cable segments in series,
• up to 4 repeaters (hubs),
• up to 3 populated cable segments, that is, segments
attached to two or more PCs (coax networks only).*
* The remaining two segments are unpopulated; these are
known as inter-repeater links or IRLs. This distinction between
populated and unpopulated segments is significant for coax
networks only.
Maximum Cable Length
Cable Type
Twisted Pair, Categories 3, 4, 5
I
NSTALLATION
Maximum Length
100 m (328 ft.)
3-9