3Com 5104M-FB1, 5102M-FBP, 510M-FBP User Manual

®

ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB

Module Installation and

Operation Guide

Document Number 17-00328-5

Printed February 1996

Model Number: 510M-FBP

5102M-FBP
5104M-FB1

3Com Co rporation

118 Turnpike Road

Southborough, MA 01772-1886

U.S.A.

[phone]

FAX [phone]

Federal Communications Commission
Notice

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which
case you must correct the interference at your own expense.

Canadian Emissions Requirements

This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the
Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecte toutes les exigences
du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

VDE Class B Compliance

Hiermit wird bescheinigt, dass der 510M-FBP in Üebereinstimmung
mit den Bestimmungen der Vfg 243/1991 funkentstöert ist.

Der Deutschen Bundespost wurde das Inverkehrbringen dieses
Geraetes angezeigt und die Berechtigung zur Üeberprüefung der
Serie auf Einhaltung der Bestimmungen eingeräeumt.

Einhaltung mit betreffenden Bestimmugen kommt darauf an, dass
geschirmte Ausfuehrungen gebraucht werden. Fuer die
Beschaffung richtiger Ausfuehrungen ist der Betreiber
verantwortlich.

This is to certify that the 510M-FBP is shielded against radio
interference in accordance with the provisions of Vfg 243/1991.

The German Postal Services have been advised that this equipment
is being placed on the market and that they have been given the
right to inspect the series for compliance with regulations.

Compliance with applicable regulations depends on the use of
shielded cables. The user is responsible for procuring the
appropriate cables.

EN55022/CISPR22 Compliance

This equipment conforms to the Class A emissions limits for a
digital device as defined by EN55022 (CISPR22).

VCCI Class 1 Compliance

This equipment is in the 1st Class category (information equipment
to be used in commercial or industrial areas) and conforms to the

standards set by the Voluntary Control Council for Interference by
Information Technology Equipment aimed at preventing radio
interference in commercial or industrial areas.

Consequently, when the equipment is used in a residential area or
in an adjacent area, radio interference may be caused to radio and
TV receivers, and so on.

Read the instructions for correc t handling .

Fiber Cable Classificat ion Notice

Use this equipment only with fiber cable classified by Underwriters
Laboratories as to fire and smoke characteristics in accordance
with Sectio n 770-2(b) and Section 725-2(b) of the National
Electrical Code.

UK General Approval Statement

The ONcore Switching Hub, ONline System Concentrator, and
ONsemble StackSystem Hub are manufactured to the International
Safety Standard EN 60950 and are approved in the UK under the
General Approval Number NS/G/12345/J/100003 for indirect
connection to the public telecomm unication network.

Disclaimer

The information in this document is subject to change without
notice and should not be construed as a commitment by 3Com
Corporation. 3Com Corporation assumes no responsibility for any
errors that may appear in this document.

Copyright State me nt

©

1996 by 3Com Corporation. Printed in U.S.A. All rights reserved.
The information contained herein is the exclusive and confidential
property of 3Com Corporation. No part of this manual may be
disclosed or reproduced in whole or in part without permission
from 3Com Corporation.

Tradema rks and Paten ts

Because of the nature of this material, numerous hardware and
software products are mentioned by name. In most, if not all
cases, these product names are cla imed as trademarks by the
companies that manufacture the products. It is not the intent of
3Com Corporation to claim these names or trademar ks as its own.

3Com, Artel, Boundary Routing, CardBoard, CardFacts, Galactica,
EtherDisk, EtherLink, EtherLink II, EtherLink Plus, LANplex,
LANsentry, LinkBuilder, NETBuilder, NETBuilder II, NetFacts,
ONcore, ONsemble, ORnet, Parallel Tasking, SmartAgent,
StarBridge, TokenLink, TokenLink Plus, TriChannel, and ViewBuilder
are registered trademarks of 3Com Corporation.

3Com Laser Library, 3Com OpenHub, 3TECH, FDDILink, FMS,
G-Man, MultiProbe, NetProbe, OnDeck, ONdemand, ONline,
PowerRing, StackJack, StackSystem, StackWay, Star-Tek,
SwitchCentral, and Transcend are trademarks of 3Com
Corporation.

3ComFacts and Ask3Com are service marks of 3Com Corporation.

ii ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide

The 3Com Multichannel Architecture Communications System is
registered under U.S. Patent Number 5,301,303.

AT&T is a registered trademark of American Telephone and
Telegraph Company.

Banyan and VINES are registered trademarks of Banyan
Systems Inc.

CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe, Inc.
ProComm is a registered trademark of DATASTORM

TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
DATASTORM is a trademark of DATASTORM TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

DEC, DECnet, DELNI, POLYCENTER, VAX, VT100, VT220, and the
Digital logo are trademarks of Digital Equipment Corporation.

Hayes is a registered trademark of Hayes Microcomputer Products.
OpenView is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard Company.
Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
AIX, IBM, and NetView are registered trademarks of International

Business Machines Corporation.
Microsoft and MS-DOS are registered trademar ks of Microsoft

Corp.
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corp.

OSF and OSF/Motif are registered trademarks of Open Software
Foundation, Inc.

V30 is a trademark of NEC Corporation.
NetWare and Novell are registered trademarks of Novell,

Incorporated.
IPX is a trademark of Novell, Incorporated.

Retix is a registered trademark of Retix.
ROUTERXchange is a trademark of Retix.

Solaris, SPARCengine, Sun, Sun Microsystems, and SunSoft are
registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
ONC, OpenWindows, SunNet Manager, and SunOS are trademarks
of Sun Microsystems, Inc.
SPARCstation and SPARCompiler are licensed exclusively to Sun
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OPEN LOOK is a registered trademark of Unix System Laboratories,
Inc.

UNIX is a registered trademark in the United States and other
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3Com registered trademarks are registered in the United States,
and may or may not be registered in other countries. Other brand
and product names may be registered trademarks or trademarks of
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Restricted Rights

Use, duplication, or disclosure by the Government is subject to
restrictions as set forth in subparagraph (c)(1) (ii) of the Rights in
Technical Data and Computer Software clause at
DFARS 252.227-7013.

Printed on recycled paper.

ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide iii

iv ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide

Contents

How to Use This Guide

Audience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiii

Structure of This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv

Docume nt Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xv

Related Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi

3Com Doc uments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvi

Reference Documents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xvii

Chapter 1 — Introduction

10BAS E-FB Modu le Descri ptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-2

10BAS E-FB Comp liance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4

Theory of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-4

Compatibility With Other Ethernet Fiber Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6

Chapter 2 — Designing and Expanding the Network

Understand ing the General Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2

Rules for Configuring a Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2

Equivalent F iber Dist ances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5

Determining Maximum Fiber Link Distances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-6

Calc ulating Ma ximum Link Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7

Determining Link Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-7

Attenuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10

Splicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-10

Opti cal Fiber Loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11

Maximum Link Distance C alculation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-12

Choosing a Network Backbone Cabling Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-14

Star C o nfiguration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15

Serial Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-16

10BAS E-FB Modu le Confi gurati ons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17

Fiber Backbone, Fiber-to-the-Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-17

ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide v

Networ k Distance Calculatio n Examples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-19

Fiber Backbone, Unshielded Twisted Pair to-the-Desk . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-22

Fibe r Backbone, Coaxial Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-24

Fault-Tolerant Configurations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-26

Configuring Ports for Fault Tolerance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-26

Setting Redundancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-27

Implementing Total Backbone Fault Toleranc e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-29

Chapter 3 — Installing and Operating the Module

Precautionary Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-2

Unpacking Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-3

Quick Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

Setting the Dip Switches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-5

Setting Dip Switch S1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7

Setting Dip Switch S2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9

Inst alling t he Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-10

Configuring the Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-13

Enabling Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-14

Selecting a Net work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-15

Enabling Port Redundancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-16

Enab ling Low Lig ht Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-17

Enab ling Optical Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-17

Savi ng Module Co nfigur ation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18

Showing Module Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-18

Monitoring the Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-19

Verifying LED and Network Assignments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-22

Chapter 4 — Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Using the Port Activity LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

Troubleshooting Using the Port Status LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

Technical Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4-7

vi ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide

Appendix A — Specifications

General Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-2

Opti cal Spec ificat ions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3

Transmitter Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-3

Receiver Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4

Supported Fiber Optic Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-4

Fiber Optic Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5

Power Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-5

Environment al Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6

Mechanical Specificatio ns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6

3Com 10BASE-FB Network Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-6

10BASE-FB Cable and Connector Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7

10BAS E-FB Cab les . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-7

10BASE-FB Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8

Connecting F iber Cables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-8

Appendix B — Technical Support

On-line Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-1

Email Technical Sup por t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-2

World Wide Web Sit e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-2

Support from Your Network Supplier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-2

Support from 3Com . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-3

Returning Products for Repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-4

Accessing the 3 Com MIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-4

3Com Tec hnica l Publications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-5

Index

ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide vii

vii i ONline Ethernet 10BASE -FB Modu le Installatio n an d O peration Guide

Figures

Figure 1-1. 10BAS E-FB Modu le Connec tions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-5

Figure 2-1. 1700 Meter Fiber Link With Mechanical Splice . . . . . . . . .2-12

Figure 2-2. 2000 Meter Fiber Link Through Two Patch Panels . . . . . . .2-13

Figure 2-3. Star-Wiring Confi gurati on . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-15

Figure 2-4. Serial Configuration Using 10BASE-FB Modules . . . . . . . . .2-16

Figure 2-5. All-Fiber Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-18

Figure 2-6. Network With 3 Concentrators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-19

Figure 2-7. Network Configured With 8 Concentrators . . . . . . . . . . . .2-20

Figure 2-8. Sample Configuration Distance Calculation . . . . . . . . . . . .2-23

Figure 2-9. Thin Etherne t Segment Co nnected to a n ONline

Figure 2-10. Redundant Fiber Backbone Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-28

Figure 2-11. Total Backbone Fault-Tolerant Configuration . . . . . . . . . . .2-30

Figure 2-12. Fiber Network With 3 Concentrators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-31

Figure 3-1. 10BASE-FB Module Dip Switch Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-6

Figure 3-2. Inst alling t he 10BASE -FB Modul e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-11

Figure 3-3. 10BAS E-FB Modu le Connec tion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-12

Figure 3-4. 10BASE-FB Port-Switching Module Faceplate and

10BAS E-FB Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-24

ONline System Concentrator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-20

ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide ix

x ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide

Tables

Table 1-1. 10BASE-FB Modu le Compatibility. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1-6

Table 2-1. Basic Network Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-2

Table 2-2. Equivalent Fiber Distances of LAN Products . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-5

Table 2-3. ONline 10BASE-FB Module Optical Power Budget:

Normal Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-8

Table 2-4. ONline 10BASE-FB Module Optical Power Budget:

High Power. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9

Table 2-5. 10BASE-FB Opt ical Power Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-9

Table 2-6. Connector and Splice Insertion Loss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11

Table 2-7. Typical Fiber Loss Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2-11

Table2-8. Fiber Equivalent Distances Between Transceivers . . . . . . . .2-21

Table 3-1. Quick Installation Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-4

Table 3-2. Dip Switch S1 Settings for Switches 1 and 2 . . . . . . . . . . . .3-7

Table 3-3. Dip Switch S1 Settings for Switches 3 to 10. . . . . . . . . . . . .3-8

Table 3-4. Dip Switch S2 Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-9

Table 3-5. Interpreting the 10BASE-FB Module LEDs. . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-21

Table 3-6. Network Check Co des. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3-22

Table 4-1. Troubleshooting Using the Port Activity LEDs. . . . . . . . . . . .4-2

Table 4-2. Troubleshooting Using the Port Status LEDs. . . . . . . . . . . . .4-3

ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide xi

This guide is designed to help you understand the features, indicators, and
installation procedures for the:

This guide also contains information on troubleshooting and diagnostics for
operation verification. In addition, a configuration section provides you
with network configuration information.

Audience

How to Use This Guide

❑ 3Com ONline™ Ethernet Port-Switching 10 BASE-FB Mod ules (Model

Numbers 5102M-FBP a nd 5104M-FBP)

❑ 3Com ONline™ Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module (Model Number

5104M-FB1)

This guide contain s instructions for installing the modules and maintaining
normal operation. It is intended for the following people at your site:

❑ Hardware installer
❑ System/Network manager

ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide xiii

Structure of This Guide

This guide contains the following chapters:
Chapter 1, Introduction – Introduces the principal features of the ONline

Ethernet Port-Switching 10BASE-FB Modules and the ONline Ethernet
10BASE-FB Module.

Chapter 2, Designing and Expanding the Network – Contains
configuration information to help you integrate the 10BASE-FB Modules
into your Ethernet network.

Chapt er 3, I n stall ing and Operating the Mod u le – Provides illustrated
procedures for installing the 10BASE-FB Modules into the ONline System
Concentrator and confi guring them for operation. This chapter also
provides a front panel view of the 10BASE-FB Modules showing ports, LEDs,
and dip switches.

Chapter 4, Troubleshooting – Provides help in isolating and correcting
problems that could arise during the installation process and during normal
operation.

Appendi x A, Spec ificat ions – Describes product dimensions, power
requirements, and ot her specifications for the modules.

Appendix B, Technical Support – Lists the various methods fo r
contacting the 3Com technical support organization and for accessing
other product support servi ces.

Index – Contains an alphabetical list of important terms and features
referenced throug hout this guide.

xiv ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide

Document Conve ntions

The following document convention s are used in thi s manuall:

Convention Indicates Example

Courier text User input In the Agent Information Form,

enter MIS in the New Contact
field.

System output After pressing the A pply

button, the sy stem displays
the message
Transmi tt in g da ta .

Bold command
string

Text in angled
brackets

Capitalized text in
plain brackets

Italics Text emphasis,

Path names Before you begin, read the

User-substituted
identifiers

Keyboard entry
by the user

docu me nt title s

readme.txt file located in
/usr/snm/agents.

In the command above,
substitute <rem_name> with
the name of the remote
machine.

Type your password and press
[ENTER].

Ensure that you press the Apply
button after you add the new
search parameters.

ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide xv

Convention Indicates Example

Note: A Note. The

Caution: A Caution. A

Warning: A Warning. A

Related Docu me nts

This section provides information on supporting documentation, including:

❑ 3Com Documents

information is
important

condition may
damage
software or
hardware

condition may
threaten
personal safety

Note: Use STP lobe
cables for yo ur s yste m.

Caution: Do not put
your installation
diskettes on a
magnetic surface.
This may damage the
diskettes.

Warning: Wear eye
protec tion when
performing these
maintenance
procedures.

❑ Reference Documents

3Com Documents

The following docum ents provide additional information on 3Com
products:

17-Slot ONline System Concentrator Installation and Operation
Guide – Explains how to install, operate, and manage the 3Com ONline

17-Slot Syste m Concentrator (Models 5017C-LS and 5017C with load
sharing).

xvi ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide

6-Slot ONline System Concentrator Installation and Operation
Guide – Explains how to install, operate, and manage the 3Com ONline

6-Slot System Concentrator.
ONline Ethernet Management Module Installation and Operation Guide –

Describes h ow to install the ONline Ethernet Management Mo dule in the
ONline System Concentrator and explains the LEDs on the module
faceplate. This guide also provides instructions for connecting a terminal to
the module and describes the management commands necessary to
perform man ag ement tasks on the concentrator and on remote devices.

ONline Management Commands Guide – Provides an a lphabetized
reference resource describing all ONline management commands.

For a complete list of 3Com documents, contact your 3Com representative.

Reference Documents

The following documents supply related background information:

Case, J., Fedor, M., Scoffstall, M., and J. D avin, The Simple Network
Management Protocol, RFC 1157, University of Tennessee at Knoxville,

Performan ce Systems International and the MIT Laboratory for Computer
Science, May 1990.

Rose, M., and K. McCloghrie, Structure and Identification of
Management Informat ion for TCP/IP-based Internets, RFC 1155,

Performance Systems International an d Hughes LAN Systems, May 19 90.

ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide xvii

1

This chapter introduces you to the:

The modules are referred throughout this guide as the 10BASE-FB Modules.
Information in this guide refers to all three 10BASE-FB Modules listed above.
Differences between the m odules are noted where a pplicable.

This chapter contains the following sections:

Introduction

❑ 3Com ONline™ Ethernet Port-Switching 10 BASE-FB Mod ules

(5102M-FBP and 5104M-FBP)

❑ 3Com ONline™ Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module (5104M-FB 1)

❑ 10BASE-FB Module Des criptions
❑ 10BASE-FB Compliance
❑ 10BASE-FB Theory of Operation
❑ Compatibility With Other Ethernet Fiber Products

Introduction 1 - 1

10BASE-FB Module Descriptions

The ONline Ethernet Port-Switching 10BASE-FB Module is a 2- or 4-port,
Ethernet fiber module designed for 3Com ONline System Concentrators.
The ONline Ethernet 10BAS E-FB Module is a 4-port, Ethernet fiber module
also designed for 3Com ONli ne System Concentrato rs.

The ONline Ethernet Port-Switching 10BASE-FB Module (Model Number
5104M-FBP) is functionally identical to the ONline Ethernet 10BA SE-FB
Modul e ( Model Numb er 5104M-F B1 ) except for the Port-Switching
Module's ability to set each port to an independent backplane n etwork in
the concentrator.

The 5104M-FB1 is module-switching only. You can update the 10BASE-FB
Module to a port-switching module by installing the ONline Ethernet
10BASE-FB Upgrade Kit.

The 10BA SE-FB Modules provide:

❑ Fiber backbone connectivity for Ethernet local area networks
❑ Direct fiber to-the-desk connectivity

You can directly connect the 10BASE-FB Modules to any other ONline fiber
module as well as all of the products in the 3Com 10BASE-FB family,
including the:

❑ 3Com 10BASE-FB Star Coupler
❑ 3Com 10BASE-FB Fiber Transceiver
❑ 3Com Fault-Tolerant 10BASE-FB Transceiver

The 10BASE-FB Modules:

❑ Provide up to 4.0 kilometers distance between any two concentrators
❑ Support network diameters up to 4.2 kilometers
❑ Contain built-in link redundancy for fault tolerance

1 - 2 ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide

❑ Include diagnostics for troubleshooting
❑ Provide 1 0 Mbps performance wi th 100 percent collision detectio n

using CSMA/CD

❑ Support 50, 62.5, 85, and 100 µm fiber cable
❑ Are shipped with either ST, SMA, or FC-type connectors

Other benefits of the 10BASE-FB Modules i nclude:

❑ 3Com TriChannel Architecture - The 10BASE-FB Modules operate in

an ONline System Concentrator with all ONline modules, including
Token Ri ng and FDDI.

❑ Slot Independence - You can install modules into any available slot

in the ONline Concentrator. This flexibility eliminates the need to shut
down the network and rearrange the existing configuration of the
concentrator when you install new modules into the concentrator.

❑ “Hot Sw ap” Capability - You can install or remove modules from

the ONline System Concentrator when it is powered up without
affecting the operation of any other modules in the concentrator.

❑ Independent Networks - You can assign each module to any of

three indep endent Ethernet networks.

❑ Management Support - You can manage the module through the

3Com ONdemand™ Network Control System. You may also manage
the 10BASE-FB modules using terminal management through an
ONline network management modul e.

❑ Compliance - The 10BASE-FB Modules comply with the IEEE

10BASE-FB fiber standard to provide interoperability with other
standards-based products.

Introduction 1 - 3

10BASE-FB Compliance

The ONline Ethernet Port-Swi tching 10BAS E-FB Modules an d the ONline
Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module a re fully compliant with the IEEE 10BASE-FB
fiber standard. The IEEE ratification of the 10BASE-FB standard validates
synchronous fiber Ethernet as the choice for backbon e links. Synchronous
technology provides robust transmission for fiber Ethernet backbones.

Compliance with the 10BASE-FB standard allows 3C om fiber modules to be
compatible with:

❑ Industry 10BASE-FB -compliant products
❑ Existing 3 Com 10BASE-FB techno lo gy

3Com 10BASE-FB Modules implement Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 physical l ayer
function ality on a fiber optic med ium. Full in terconnection of all dev ices
that comply with Ethernet V2.0 o r IEEE 802.3 spec ifications are p rov ided,
including:

❑ Minicomputers
❑ Engineering workstations
❑ PC networking servers
❑ Bridges

Theory of Operatio n

The 10BA SE-FB Modules serve mainly as network backbone links. Network
backbone links connect concentrators together. You may also use the
10BASE- FB Modules to connect directly to devices usin g the:

❑ 3Com 5101T-FB Transceiver
❑ 3Com 5102T-FBFT Faul t-Tolerant Tra nsceiver

1 - 4 ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide

Figure 1-1 illustrates a configuration using fiber transceivers and the
10BASE-FB Modules to connect concentrato rs and devices

.

Figure 1-1. 10BASE-FB Module Connections

Introduction 1 - 5

Compatibility With Other Ethernet Fiber Products

The 10BASE-FB Modules are compatible with the 3Com products outlined in
Table 1-1.

Table 1-1. 10BASE-FB Module Compatibility

3Com Product Part Numb er

10BASE-FB Star Coupler 9308S-FB
10BASE-FB Transceiver 5101T-FB
Fault-Tolerant 10BASE-FB Transceiver 5102T-FBFT

From the backplane interface, you can also connect the 10BASE-FB Modules
to other Ethernet modules on the same network.

Caution: The 10BASE-FB Modules are not compatible with the

ONline Ethernet 1 0BASE-FL Module (Model N umber

5104M-FL1). The 4-port10BASE-FL Module faceplate is

simi lar t o the 1 0BAS E-FB M odu les, bu t the two mo dule s

cannot communicate.

1 - 6 ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide

2

Designing and Expanding t he Network

This chapter contains configuration information to help you design your
network . It describes how to configure networks using the ONline S ystem
Concentrator and the ONline 10BASE-FB Modules. I t also provides
examples of network cabling structures and Ethernet network cabling
solutions.

This chapter contains the following sections:

❑ Understanding the General Rules
❑ Determining Maximum Fiber Link Dis tances
❑ Choosing a Network Backbone Cabling Structure
❑ 10BASE-FB Module Configurations
❑ Fault-To lerant Configurations

Note: To ensure proper operation of yo ur network, install all

equipment using only approved cables. Refer to Appendix
A for information on cable requirements.

Designing and Expanding the Network 2 - 1

Understanding the General Rule s

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 maxi mum 10BASE-FB fiber link distances
❑ Connecting various horizontal media types (10BASE-FB, twisted pair)

to a 10BASE-FB backbone

❑ Examples of recommended fault-tolerant configurations

Rules for Configuring a Network

This section outlines the netw ork rules and reco mmendations for building
an Ethernet n etwork. For more hardware-specific information on the
10BASE-FB, refer to Appendix A.

Table 2-1. Basic Netw ork Rules

Rule Definition Recommen dations/No tes

1 Use 10BASE-FB as the

backbone mediu m.

2 Wire the bac kbone in a

star topology to isolate
faults.

2 - 2 ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide

Use 62.5 micron cable to
conform with the IEEE 10BASE-F
and ANSI FDDI standards.

Use ST-type connectors.
Lay extra fiber cables. The extra

cost is small and you will need
them as your network grows.

Table 2-1. Basic Network Rules (Continued)

Rule Definition Recommendations/N otes

2

(con’t)

3 Do not exceed the

4 Certain LAN products

Wire the bac kbone in a
star topology to isolate
faults.

maximum Fiber Ethernet
network diameter of
4200 meters of fiber
cable.

on the netwo rk shrink
the maximum Fiber
Ethernet network
diameter to less than
4200 meters.

The star topology confo rms to
FDDI wiring . Run at least two
fiber stran ds to each backbone
connection.

The 4200 meters is the
maximum distan ce between
any two transceivers on the
network.

The 4200 meters does not
include the transceiver cable
that connects a device with an
external transceiver.
Transceiver cable can extend up
to 50 meters. Thus, total
network diameter can be as
much as 4300 meters (4200 m +
2 * 50 m) between any two
modes.

Each microsecond delay
through a device on the
network shrinks the network
diameter by approximately 200
meters of fiber cable. This
reduction is known as
equivalent distance. Table 2-2
lists the equivalent fiber
distances for 3Com ONline LAN
products.

Designing and Expanding the Network 2 - 3

Table 2-1. Basic Network Rules (Continued)

Rule Definition Recommendations/N otes

5 Assume that one meter

of coaxi al or twisted
pair cable is equal to
one meter of fiber
cable.

6 Verify that the

10BASE-FB link
distances do not
exceed the limits
imposed by the optical
power budge t .

7 When in doubt, use a

bridge.

This is a conservative
equivalence. One meter of fiber
is actually equal to 1.1 meters of
coaxial. For simplicity, assume
one meter.

In general, on 62.5 cable, use
up to 4000 meters
point-to-point using the
10BASE-FB Modules. If you
have poor quality cable or
numberous patch panels, you
may have to sacrifice some
distance.

Some older Ethernet fiber optic
products are less powerful than
ONline 10BASE-FB Module
optics. When connecting to
these pro ducts, remember that
they determine the maximum
point-to-point distance.

If you are not certain you have
exceeded acceptable netw ork
distances, use a bridge to
extend the n etwork.

2 - 4 ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide

Equivalent Fiber Distances

Equivalent fiber distance is the sum of both t he incoming and outgoing
module port signals. Different products, however, have different
equivalent distances. Table 2-2 lists the equivalent fiber distance of 3Com
ONline LAN products.

Table 2-2. Equivalent Fiber Distances of LAN Products

LAN Produc t

ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Modules
(5104M-FB1, 5102M-FBP, 5104M-FBP)

Incoming signal to fiber port 140
Outgoing sign al from fibe r por t 50
ONline Ethern et 10BASE-FL Module (5104M-FL1) 560
Incoming signal to fiber port 330
Outgoing signal from fibe r por t 230
ONline Ethernet 10BASE-T Module (5108M-TP) 585
Incoming si gnal to TP port 420
Outgoing signal from TP p ort 165
ONline Ethernet 50-Pin Module

(5112M-TPL, 5112M-TPPL)
Incoming si gnal to TP port 420

Equivalent Fib er

Distance (meters)

190

585

Outgoing signal from TP p ort 165
ONline Ethernet 24-Port Module (5124M-TPCL,) 585
Incoming si gnal to TP port 420
Outgoing signal from TP port 165

Designing and Expanding the Network 2 - 5

Table 2-2. Equivalent Fiber Distances of LAN Products (Continued)

LAN Produc t

ONline Ethernet Repeater Module (5102M-AUIF) 800
Incoming si gnal to AUI port 600
Outgoing signal from AUI port 200
ONline Ethernet BNC Module (5106M-BNC) 900
Incoming signal to BNC port 450
Outgoing signal from BNC port 450
ONline Ethernet Transceiver Module (5103M-AUIM) 0
3Com 10BASE-FB Star Cou pler (9308S-FB) 180
10BASE-FB S tar Coupler (9314S) 180
IEEE Repeater 800

Equivalent Fib er

Distance (meters)

Determining Maxim um F iber Link Dis tanc e s

This section describes how to calculate the maximum allowable link
distances between two fiber ports. To do this, you must kn ow the
following information:

❑ 10BASE-FB optical power budg et
❑ Fiber cable diameter (for example, 50 micron, 62.5 micron)
❑ Fiber cable light loss/km (for example, 3 dB loss/km)
❑ Number of patch panel connections and link splices

2 - 6 ONline Ethernet 10BASE-FB Module Installation and Operation Guide