2 - 2 ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FL Installation and Operation Guide
Understanding the General Rules
This section describes general rules for configuring an Ethernet network
using fiber as the backbone medium. It also provides rules to ensure that
your network configuration conforms to distance limitations imposed by
Ethernet and networking equipment. Use these guidelines for building your
network.
Refer to the sections that follow for specific rules for:
❑ Determining maximum 10BASE-FL fiber link distances
❑ Connecting various horizontal media types (10BASE-FL, 10BASE-T) to
a 10BASE-FL backbone
❑ Examples of recommended fault-tolerant configurations
Basic Network Rules
This section outlines the basic network rules and the 3Com
recommendations for these rules. For additional hardware-specific
information on this module, refer to Appendix A.
Table 2-1 outlines the seven basic rules to keep in mind when you construct
your network.
Table 2-1. Seven Basic Network Rules
Rule Definition Recommendations/Notes
1 If possible, use
10BASE-FB as the
backbone medium.
Use 62.5 micron cable to conform with
the IEEE 10BASE-F and upcoming ANSI
FDDI standards.
Use ST-type connectors.
