NETGEAR FE104, FE108 Installation Manual

Installation Guide for
the Model FE104 and
Model FE108 Fast
Ethernet Hubs

NETGEAR

4500 Great America Parkway
Santa Clara, CA 95054
USA

Phone: 1-888-NETGEAR
E-mail: [e-mail]
www.NETGEAR.com

M-FE100NA-1
September 2000

, Inc.

© 2000 by NETGEAR, Inc. All rights reserved.

Trademarks

NETGEAR™ is a trademark of NETGEAR, Inc. Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Other
brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Information is subject to
change without notice. All rights reserved.

Statement of Conditions

In the interest of improving internal design, operational function, and/or reliability, NETGEAR reserves the right to
make changes to the products described in this document without notice.

NETGEAR does not assume any liability that may occur due to the use or application of the product(s) or circuit
layout(s) described herein.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Declaration of Conformity Statement

Note: 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 frequenc y
energy. If it is not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, it may cause harmful interference to
radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which
case users will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference at their own expense.

EN 55 022 Statement

This is to certify that the NETGEAR Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs are shielded against the
generation of radio interference in accordance with the application of Council Directive 89/336/EEC, Article 4a.
Conformity is declared by the application of EN 55 022 Class A (CISPR 22).

Warning:

interference, in which case, the user may be required to take appropriate measures.

This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause radio

Bestätigung des Herstellers/Importeurs

Es wird hiermit bestätigt, daß das NETGEAR Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs gemäß der im
BMPT -AmtsblVfg 243/1991 und Vfg 46/1992 aufgeführten Bestimmungen entstört ist. Das v orschriftsmäßige Betreiben
einiger Geräte (z.B. Testsender) kann jedoch gewissen Beschränkungen unterliegen. Lesen Sie dazu bitte die
Anmerkungen in der Betriebsanleitung.

Das Bundesamt für Zulassungen in der Telekommunikation wurde davon unterrichtet, daß dieses Gerät auf den Markt
gebracht wurde und es ist berechtigt, die Serie auf die Erfüllung der Vorschriften hin zu überprüfen.

ii

Voluntary Control Council for Interference (VCCI) Statement

This equipment is in the first category (information equipment to be used in commercial and/or industrial areas) and
conforms to the standards set by the Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Data Processing Equipment and
Electronic Office Machines that are aimed at preventing radio interference in commercial and/or industrial areas.

Consequently, when this equipment is used in a residential area or in an adjacent area thereto, radio interference may be
caused to equipment such as radios and TV receivers.

Customer Support

For assistance with installing and configuring your NETGEAR system or with post-installation questions or problems,
contact your point of purchase representative.

To contact customer support or to purchase additional copies of this document and publications for other NETGEAR
products, you can contact NETGEAR at the following numbers:

Phone:

Australia 1800-787-638 Korea 00308-11-0319
Austria 00800-06384327 Netherlands 0800-023-0981

(00800-0-NETGEAR) New Zealand 00800-1233-4566
Denmark 808-82179 Norway 800-12041
Canada 1-888-NETGEAR Singapore 001-800-1233-4566
Finland 0800-111-036 Sweden 0200-298-298
France 0800-77-17-53 Switzerland 00800-0638-4327
Germany 00800-06384327 (00800-0-NETGEAR)

(00800-0-NETGEAR) United Kingdom 020-7216-0014
Hong Kong 001-800-1233-4566 United States 1-888-NETGEAR
Japan 0120-66-5402 All Other Countries [phone]

W orld Wide Web

NETGEAR maintains a World Wide Web Home Page that you can access at the universal resource locator (URL)
http://www.NETGEAR.com. A direct connection to the Internet and a Web browser such as Mosaic
or Netscape are required.

iii

iv

Contents

Chapter 1
Introduction

Features .........................................................................................................................1-2

Chapter 2
Physical Description

Front Panel .....................................................................................................................2-1

LED Display .............................................................................................................2-2

RJ-45 100BASE-TX Ports ........................................................................................2-3

Normal/Uplink Push Button ......................................................................................2-4

Rear Panel ......................................................................................................................2-5

Chapter 3
Installation

Preparing the Site ...........................................................................................................3-1

Checking Package Contents ..........................................................................................3-2

Installing a NETGEAR 100BASE-TX Hub ......................................................................3-3

Installing the Hub on a Flat Surface .........................................................................3-3

Installing Multiple Hubs ............................................................................................3-4

V erifying Y our Installation ................................................................................................3-6

Chapter 4
Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting the Hub and the Network .....................................................................4-1

Chapter 5
Network Configuration

Configuration Examples .................................................................................................5-1

100BASE-TX Shared Repeater ...............................................................................5-2

Migrating to 100 Mbps Operation .............................................................................5-2

Multiport Switch with Fast Ethernet Backbone .........................................................5-4

Contents v

Appendix A
Technical Specifications

General Specifications ................................................................................................... A-1

Appendix B
RJ-45 Connector Information

Appendix C
Fast Ethernet and Cabling Guidelines

Fast Ethernet Technology ..............................................................................................C-1

Fast Ethernet Cabling ....................................................................................................C-2

Cable Guidelines ..................................................................................................... C-2

Cable Lengths ......................................................................................................... C-3

Cable Specifications ................................................................................................C-3

Twisted Pair Cables ................................................................................................. C-4

Patch Panels and Cables ........................................................................................ C-5

Index

vi Contents

Figures

Figure 2-1. Front panel of the Model FE104 Fast Ethernet Hub ................................2-1

Figure 2-2. Front panel of the Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hub ................................2-2

Figure 2-3. Link/Rx and Part (partition) LEDs on the RJ-45 ports .............................2-4

Figure 2-4. Normal/Uplink push button ......................................................................2-4

Figure 2-5. Rear panel of the Model FE104 hub ........................................................2-5

Figure 2-6. Rear panel of the Model FE108 hub ........................................................2-6

Figure 3-1. Daisy-chaining two Model FE108 hubs ....................................................3-4

Figure 3-2. Connecting multiple hubs .........................................................................3-5

Figure 5-1. Model FE104 and Model FE108 hubs as standalone hubs .....................5-2

Figure 5-2. Using the Model FE104 hub to migrate your network to 100 Mbps .........5-3

Figure 5-3. Multiport switch with Fast Ethernet backbone ..........................................5-4

Figure B-1. RJ-45 connector ...................................................................................... B-1

Figure C-1. Straight-through twisted pair cable ......................................................... C-4

Figure C-2. Crossover twisted pair cable ...................................................................C-4

Figure C-3. Category 5 UTP patch cable with male RJ-45 connector at each end ... C-5

Figures vii

viii Figures

Tables

Table 2-1. LED descriptions ......................................................................................2-3

Table 3-1. Operating environment requirements ......................................................3-1

Table 4-1. Troubleshooting ........................................................................................4-1

Table B-1. RJ-45 connector pinouts ......................................................................... B-2

Table C-1. Electrical requirements of Category 5 cable ........................................... C-3

Tables ix

Chapter 1

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR™ Model FE104 4-port Fast Ethernet Hub or
the NETGEAR Model FE108 8-port Fast Ethernet Hub. Both hubs are IEEE 802.3u-based Class II
repeaters that provide you with a low-cost, high-performance network solution and are designed to
support power workgroups operating at 100 Mbps.

Users who are operating network-intensive applications on powerful workstations require more
bandwidth than the conventional 10BASE-T network. By migrating these users to a 100 Mbps
network, you can increase the bandwidth and improve response times. By installing the Model
FE104 or Model FE108 hub in your network, you can create a power workgroup with many users
who can share access to centralized network devices (such as servers and printers) at 100 Mbps.

This guide describes how to install and use the hubs. It includes physical configuration guidelines
for connecting multiple hubs, connecting Fast Ethernet stations, and making network connections.

This guide is intended for individuals who have the following background and experience:

• Working knowledge of basic Ethernet

• Familiarity with the differences between the 10BASE-T and 100BASE-T specifications

Introduction 1-1

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

Features

The Model FE104 and Model FE108 hubs have the following key features:

• IEEE 802.3u standard compliance allows interoperation with all 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet
(100 Mbps) products.

• Class II compliance enables network expansion by daisy-chaining two hubs together.

• Easy Plug and Play installation with no software to configure saves time and minimizes the
potential for configuration errors.

• Each hub is equipped with:
— 4 or 8 100BASE-TX ports to provide fast information exchange, resource sharing, and

client or peer-to-peer communication using simple Category 5 unshielded twisted pair

(UTP) wiring.
— RJ-45 ports with built-in LEDs to clearly indicate the status of each port.
— Additional LEDs to provide network traffic status for the hub.
— Normal/Uplink push button to simplify network extension. In the uplink mode, two hubs

can be daisy-chained using simple, straight-through UTP cables.

• Compact, sturdy metal case design enables easy tabletop or under-desk installation.

1-2 Introduction

Chapter 2

Physical Description

This chapter is divided into sections on the front and rear panel components of the Model FE104
and Model FE108 hubs. Use the key at the bottom of each illustration to identify the associated
component.

Front Panel

The front panel contains the LEDs, RJ-45 100BASE-TX port connectors, and Normal/Uplink push
button. Figure 2-1 shows the front panel of the Model FE104 hub, and Figure 2-2 shows the front
panel of the Model FE108 hub.

1

2

Pwr Col 1 10 20 >30

Key:

1 = Pwr (power) LED
2 = Col (collision) LED
3 = Utilization % LEDs
4 = RJ-45 ports with Link/Rx and Part (partition) LEDs on each port
5 = Normal/Uplink push button

3

100BASE-TX FAST ETHERNET HUB FE104

100 Mbps

Utilization %

F AST

123 4

4 5

Link/Rx Part

Normal/Uplink

186EA

Figure 2-1. Front panel of the Model FE104 Fast Ethernet Hub

Physical Description 2-1

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

1

2

Pwr Col 1 10 20 >30

3

100BASE-TX FAST ETHERNET HUB FE108

Utilization %

100 Mbps

F AST

1234

4

Link/Rx Part

5668

5

Normal/Uplink

185EA

Key:

1 = Pwr (power) LED
2 = Col (collision) LED
3 = Utilization % LEDs
4 = RJ-45 ports with Link/Rx and Part (partition) LEDs on each port
5 = Normal/Uplink push button

Figure 2-2. Front panel of the Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hub

LED Display

Three LEDs on the front panel of the hub and two on each port connector allow you to identify the
following information:

• Status of the hub power supply

• Collision occurrence on an Ethernet segment in a standalone hub or a stack of hubs

• Data utilization percentage of the Ethernet segment in a standalone hub or a stack of hubs

• Link and receive activity for all ports in the hub

• Partition status for all ports in the hub

2-2 Physical Description

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

Table 2-1 describes each LED on the front panel of the hub.

Table 2-1. LED descriptions

Label Color Activity Description

Pwr Green On Power is supplied to the hub.
Col Yellow Blinking There is data collision on the network. Note that occasional

collisions are normal.

Link/Rx Green On

Blinking

Part Yellow On The port is being partitioned because of excessive collisions or

Utilization % Green On Four LEDs indicate whether the percentage of data utilization

The link between this port and the connecting port is good.
There is incoming data on the port.

jabber conditions.

on the hub or stack of hubs is 1%, 10%, 20%, or more than
30%.

RJ-45 100BASE-TX Ports

The front panel of the Model FE104 hub provides four RJ-45 100BASE-TX ports, and the Model
FE108 provides eight RJ-45 100BASE-TX ports. These standard RJ-45 connectors accept 2-pair
Category 5 UTP cable or 4-pair Category 5 UTP cable (100BASE-TX networks require only
2-pair wiring). The RJ-45 interface is an 8-pin connector.

Caution:

certified connector. Refer to Appendix C, “Fast Ethernet and Cabling Guidelines,” for

more information on cabling.

100 Mbps operation requires the use of Category 5 UTP cable with a 100 Mbps

An illustration of the RJ-45 connector and a table of pin assignments for the normal (MDI-X)
RJ-45 connector and the uplink (MDI) RJ-45 connector are in Appendix B, “RJ-45 Connector
Information.” Table B-1 provides the pinout information.

Physical Description 2-3

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

As illustrated in Figure 2-3, two LEDs are positioned at the top corners of each RJ-45 connector.
The left indicator is the Link/Rx (receive) LED, and the right indicator is the P art (partition) LED.
Both LEDs are described in Table 2-1.

Link/Rx Part

184EA

Figure 2-3. Link/Rx and Part (partition) LEDs on the RJ-45 ports

Normal/Uplink Push Button

The Normal/Uplink push button on the front panel of the hub, as illustrated in Figure 2-4, allows
you to select uplink (MDI) or normal (MDI-X) wiring for Port 4 on the Model FE104 hub and Port
8 on the Model FE108 hub. Ports 4 and 8 are configured for normal wiring when the push b utton is
in the out position. When the push button is pressed in, Ports 4 and 8 are configured for uplink
wiring.

MODEL

Link/Rx Part

1234

Normal/Uplink

Model FE104 Model FE108

Figure 2-4. Normal/Uplink push button

FE104

Link/Rx Partition

12

Link/Rx Part

3

45678

Normal/Uplink

183EA

2-4 Physical Description

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

The Normal/Uplink push button eliminates the need to use a crossover cable for daisy-chaining or
cascading. Use the following guidelines to configure Ports 4 and 8 for uplink or normal wiring:

• Configure Ports 4 and 8 for normal wiring if the port is to be connected to an uplink-wired
device, such as a network station or a PC.

• Configure Ports 4 and 8 for uplink wiring if the port is to be connected to a normal-wired
device, such as a 100 Mbps switch or another hub.

The remaining (normal) ports on the hubs cannot be configured for uplink wiring. If you are using
one of these ports to connect to another normal port, you must use an RJ-45 crossover cable to
connect the two ports (refer to Appendix C, “Fast Ethernet and Cabling Guidelines,” for
information on the crossover and straight-through cables).

Rear Panel

As illustrated in Figure 2-5 and Figure 2-6, the rear panel of each hub has a grounding clip and a
DC power receptacle that is provided for connection to the supplied DC power adapter.

Key:

1 = Grounding clip
2 = DC power receptacle

Figure 2-5. Rear panel of the Model FE104 hub

21

12 Vdc 1.2A

– +

196EA

Physical Description 2-5

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

Key:

1 = Grounding clip
2 = DC power receptacle

Figure 2-6. Rear panel of the Model FE108 hub

21

12 Vdc 1.2A

– +

182EA

2-6 Physical Description

This chapter provides information and procedures for:

• Preparing the site

• Checking package contents

• Installing a NETGEAR 100BASE-T hub

• Verifying your installation

Preparing the Site

Chapter 3

Installation

Before you begin installing the hub, prepare the installation site. Make sure the operating
environment meets the physical requirements of the equipment as listed in Table 3-1.

Table 3-1. Operating environment requirements

Characteristic Requirements

Temperature Ambient temperature between 0° and 40° C (32° F and 104° F).

No nearby heat sources such as direct sunlight, warm air exhausts, or heaters.
Humidity Between 5% and 85% noncondensing.
Ventilation Minimum 2 inches (5.08 cm) on all sides for cooling.

Adequate airflow in room or wiring closet.
Operating

conditions
Service access Minimum 12 inches (19.68 cm) front and back for service access and maintenance.

Power Adequate power source within 6 feet (1.83 m).
Wiring hardware Wiring hardware, such as punchdo wn bloc ks or patch panels, should be complete bef ore

At least 6 feet (1.83 m) to nearest source of electromagnetic noise (example is a

photocopy machine).

Front and back clearance for cables and wiring hardware such as punchdown blocks.

installing the hub.

Installation 3-1

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

Checking Package Contents

This package should contain the following items:

• Model FE104 or Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hub

• Rubber pads for tabletop installation

• DC power adapter

• Warranty and Owner Registration Card

• This manual

Call your reseller or customer support in your area if there are any wrong, missing, or damaged
parts. Refer to page iii for the location of customer support in your area.

Keep the carton, including the original packing materials. Use them to repack the hub if you need
to return it for repair.

To qualify for product updates and product warranty registrations, complete the Warranty and
Owner Registration Card within 30 days of purchase and return it to NETGEAR, Inc.

3-2 Installation

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

Installing a NETGEAR 100BASE-TX Hub

This section provides information and instructions for installing the hub on a tabletop or any other
flat surface. For instructions on installing more than one hub, see “Installing Multiple Hubs” later
in this chapter.

There are certain guidelines to follow when installing 100 Mbps networks. The EIA/TIA 568-A
standard recommends the installation of Category 5 UTP cable to handle up to 100 MHz
bandwidth. Use the guidelines outlined in “Cable Guidelines” on page C-2 of Appendix C, “Fast
Ethernet and Cabling Guidelines,” to ensure that your cables perform to specifications.

Installing the Hub on a Flat Surface

To install the hub on a tabletop or another flat surface, follow these steps:

1.

Install self-adhesive pads on the bottom of the hub.

Peel off the protective backing from the rubber pads and apply one at each of the marked
locations on the bottom of the hub.

2.

Set the hub on a table or shelf so that it has at least 2 inches (5 cm) of space on all sides.

3.

Install any additional Fast Ethernet hubs in your stack.

The Model FE104 and Model FE108 hubs are Class II devices. Therefore, when stacking
hubs, connect the devices in daisy-chain style as illustrated in Figure 3-1. When connecting
more than two hubs, refer to “Installing Multiple Hubs.”

4.

Connect the devices to the ports on the hub using Category 5 UTP cable and connectors
to the RJ-45 connectors.

Refer to Appendix C, “Fast Ethernet and Cabling Guidelines,” for wiring rules and guidelines.

5.

Connect the DC power adapter cable when installation of each hub is complete.

Connect the DC power adapter cable to the power receptacle on the hub first and then connect
the power adapter to the wall.

6.

Continue with the steps in “Verifying Your Installation” later in this chapter.

Installation 3-3

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

Installing Multiple Hubs

This section provides you with information about installing multiple hubs. As illustrated in
Figure 3-1, two hubs can be simply daisy-chained together. In Figure 3-2, multiple hubs are
connected to a server through the Model FS104 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet Switch.

After you have installed your hubs using one of the methods shown, connect the power adapter to
the wall, and proceed to “V erifying Y our Installation.”

1

Model FE108 hub

Key:

1 = Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hub (Normal/Uplink push button set in Uplink position)
2 = Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hub (Normal/Uplink push button set in Normal position)
3 = PCs with 100 Mbps connection

Model FE108 hub

3

Figure 3-1. Daisy-chaining two Model FE108 hubs

2

359EA

3-4 Installation

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

2 3 41

Model FS104
switch

Model FE104 hub Model FE108 hub

5 5

7 9

Key:

1 = 100 Mbps connection
2 = Server
3 = FS104 10/100 Mbps switch (Normal/Uplink push button set in Normal position)
4 = 10 Mbps connection
5 = PCs with 100 Mbps connection to Fast Ethernet hub
6 = PCs with 10 Mbps connection to Ethernet hub
7 = Model FE104 Fast Ethernet Hub (Normal/Uplink push button set in Uplink position)
8 = Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hub (Normal/Uplink push button set in Uplink position)
9 = Model EN108 Ethernet hub (Normal/Uplink push button set in Uplink position)

8

Model EN108 hub

Figure 3-2. Connecting multiple hubs

6

199EA

Installation 3-5

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

Verifying Y our Installation

When installation is complete and power has been applied to the hub, the following conditions
should exist:

• The Pwr (power) LED on the front panel is on.

• The Link/Rx LED on each connected port is on.

• The Link/Rx LED on the connected port is blinking when data is being received by that port.

• The Utilization % LED on the front panel is on and shows the percentage of utilization when

data is being received by any port on the hub.

If there are any problems, refer to Chapter 4, “Troubleshooting.”

3-6 Installation

Chapter 4

Troubleshooting

This chapter provides information about troubleshooting the Model FE104 and Model FE108
hubs.

Troubleshooting the Hub and the Network

To troubleshoot the hub and the network, refer to Table 4-1.

Table 4-1. Troubleshooting

Symptom Activity Check

No power at hub Pwr (power) LED off Check the power cord connections and make sure the ends

are properly plugged into the hub and the wall outlet.

Port connection
not functioning

Link/Rx LED off or
intermittent

If the Link/Rx LED is not lit on an active port, check the
attached device and make sure it is switched on and that
there is a proper connection at that end.
If the Link/Rx LED is intermittent, check the port termination
at both the hub and device ends. Check the crimp on the
RJ-45 connectors. In a F ast Ethernet operation, the quality of
the crimp on the connector is important. It is also important
that only Category 5 cable is used and that it is certified for
100 Mbps operation.
Check that the length of the UTP cable from the hub to the
device does not exceed 328 feet (100 m).
Note: Under normal operation, the Link/Rx LED will blink
when data is received on that port.

Troubleshooting 4-1

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

Table 4-1. Troubleshooting (continued)

Symptom Activity Check

Port connection not
functioning

Problems with Port 4
on the Model FE104
hub or with Port 8 on
the Model FE108 hub

Col (collision) LED
blinking

Link/Rx LED off
or intermittent

Link/Rx LED off Check the Normal/Uplink push button on the front panel.

Col LED on Collisions are normal on Ethernet networks and occur when

Make sure that the network adapter card installed in the PC
is in working condition and that the computer and hub are
turned on. Verify that the network adapter card is100 Mbps
capable and that the 100 Mbps LED and Link LEDs are on at
the network adapter card in the PC.
If the Link/Rx LED is not lit after cabling has been installed,
check that the proper cable is installed, and check for
miswired cable pairs or loose connectors. Be sure that there
is power to both the hub and the connected PC.

If you are using a straight-through cable connected to a PC
or other MDI-wired device, make sure the Normal/Uplink
push button is set in the Normal position.
If you are using a straight-through cable connected to a
router or another hub, make sure the Normal/Uplink push
button is set in the Uplink position.
Try the alternate position of the Normal/Uplink push button to
turn the Link/Rx LED on.

two or more computers transmit data on the network
simultaneously. Computers that caused the collision retry
transmission at different intervals until the transmission
succeeds. Excessive collisions can result when multiple hubs
are connected and when many computers are connected on
the network. Incorrect cabling, connectors, and wiring
techniques are other causes for excessive collisions.

4-2 Troubleshooting

Chapter 5

Network Configuration

This chapter provides an overview of the levels of service that are provided by incorporating
NETGEAR Ethernet hubs and switches into your network. Examples are given to illustrate the
function of the hubs and switches in several configurations that provide those different levels of
service to network users.

Combining 10BASE-T, 100BASE-T, and switching technology provides for four distinct le v els of
service:

• 10BASE-T hub provides shared bandwidth of 10 Mbps for the group of active users.

• 10BASE-T switch provides dedicated bandwidth of 10 Mbps for each user.

• 100BASE-TX hub provides shared bandwidth of 100 Mbps for the group of active users.

• 100BASE-TX switch provides dedicated bandwidth of 100 Mbps for each user.
These services can be combined to create customized network configurations.

Note:

that you use all Category 5 cabling so connections can be switched between 10 and 100
Mbps devices. NETGEAR also recommends that you use dual-speed (10/100) Ethernet
adapters in all devices so that they can be attached to any 10 or 100 Mbps hub or switch.

When integrating a 10 Mbps and a 100 Mbps network, NETGEAR recommends

Configuration Examples

The Model FE104 and Model FE108 hubs are designed to provide flexibility in configuring your
network connections. Each hub can be used as a standalone device or can be used with other 100
Mbps repeaters, switching hubs, or other interconnection devices in various configurations. These
configuration examples show the integration of the hub in network environments of all sizes and
types, whether in a network of a few PCs connected to a printer or in a segmented network with
multiple users or workgroups and other networking devices.

Network Configuration 5-1

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

100BASE-TX Shared Repeater

In the configuration for 100BASE-TX shared repeaters, the Model FE104 and Model FE108 hubs
are used in a 100 Mbps network. As illustrated in Figure 5-1, the Model FE104 and Model FE108
hubs can be used in a standalone network with users attached directly to the hub.

21 3

Model FE104 hub

Key:

1 = PCs
2 = 100 Mbps connection
3 = Model FE104 Fast Ethernet Hub or Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hub

(Normal/Uplink push button set in Normal position on both hubs)

4 = Server

4

21 3

Model FE108 hub

4

188EA

Figure 5-1. Model FE104 and Model FE108 hubs as standalone hubs

Migrating to 100 Mbps Operation

One of the more common problems affecting network performance is congestion. In many local
area network (LAN) environments, the primary problem is access to the server. When many users
are connected and accessing one server on a 10 Mbps link, congestion and collisions may occur
more frequently, resulting in low data throughput. As illustrated in Figure 5-2, adding a Model
FE104 or Model FE108 hub allows power users to be grouped together in the 100 Mbps Fast
Ethernet network, isolated from the 10 Mbps network users who need occasional server access. By
adding a NETGEAR Model SW502 Ethernet Switch that has one 10 Mbps port and one 100 Mbps
port, the existing 10 Mbps users can access the server through the 100 Mbps port on the Model
SW502 switch. This configuration forms a mixed-speed network and provides transparent
communication among 10 Mbps users and 100 Mbps users.

5-2 Network Configuration

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

Model EN516 hub

217 3

Model FE104 hub

Model SW502 switch

Model EN516 hub

654

21

Model EN516 hub

8

7

7

8

217EA

Key:

1 = PCs with 100 Mbps connections
2 = 100 Mbps connection
3 = Model FE104 Fast Ethernet Hub (Normal/Uplink push button set in Normal position)
4 = Server
5 = Model SW502 switch (Normal/Uplink push button set in Uplink position on port connected to Model FE104 Fast

Ethernet Hub (Normal/Uplink push button set in Normal position on port connected to Model EN516 Ethernet Hub.)
6 = 10 Mbps connection
7 = Model EN516 Ethernet Hub (Normal/Uplink push button set in Uplink position)
8 = PCs with 10 Mbps connections

Figure 5-2. Using the Model FE104 hub to migrate your network to 100 Mbps

Network Configuration 5-3

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

Multiport Switch with Fast Ethernet Backbone

If the 10 Mbps shared repeater portion of the network experiences congestion, you can use the
Model SW507 Ethernet Switch with six 10 Mbps ports and one 100 Mbps port to segment the
10 Mbps traffic on the hubs. As illustrated in Figure 5-3, adding the switch increases overall
bandwidth and throughput because the traffic from one 10 Mbps segment passes to the other
segment only when addressing a node on one of the other segments.

65421 3

Model FE108 hub

Model SW507 switch

Model EN516 hub Model EN516 hub Model EN516 hub

7 7 7

216EA

Key:

1 = PCs with 100 Mbps connection
2 = 100 Mbps connection
3 = Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hub (Normal/Uplink push button set in Normal position)
4 = Server
5 = Model SW507 switch (Normal/Uplink push button set in Uplink position)
6 = 10 Mbps connection
7 = Model EN516 Ethernet Hubs (Normal/Uplink push button set in Uplink position)

Figure 5-3. Multiport switch with Fast Ethernet backbone

5-4 Network Configuration

Appendix A

Technical Specifications

This appendix provides technical specifications for the NETGEAR Model FE104
and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs.

General Specifications

Network Protocol and Standards Compatibility

IEEE 802.3u 100BASE-TX, Fast Ethernet
IEEE 802.3 CSMA/CD

Data Rate

100 Mbps with 4B/5B encoding and MLT-3 physical interface for 100BASE-TX

Interface

RJ-45 connector for 100BASE-T Ethernet interface

Electrical Specifications

Power consumption: 4 W (Model FE104 hub)

8 W (Model FE108 hub)

Physical Specifications

Dimensions:

Width 6.2 inches (15.8 cm) (Model FE104 hub)

9.27 inches (23.5 cm) (Model FE108 hub)
Height 1.06 inch (2.7 cm)
Depth 4.1 inches (10.3 cm)

Weight: 17.5 ounces (495 g) (Model FE104 hub)

25.8 ounces (730 g) (Model FE108 hub)

Technical Specifications A-1

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

Environmental Specifications

Operating temperature: 0° C to 40° C (32° F to 104° F)
Storage temperature: –25

°

C to 70° C (–13° F to 158° F)
Operating humidity: 80% maximum relative humidity, noncondensing
Storage humidity: 95% maximum relative humidity, noncondensing
Operating altitude: 10,000 ft (3,000 m) maximum
Storage altitude: 10,000 ft (3,000 m) maximum

Electromagnetic Emissions

Meets requirements of:
CE mark, commercial
FCC Part 15, Class A
EN 55 022 (CISPR 22), Class A
VCCI Class I ITE

Electromagnetic Susceptibility

CE mark, commercial
Electrostatic discharge (ESD): IEC 801-2, Level 2/3/4
Radiated electromagnetic field: IEC 801-3, Level 2
Electrical fast transient/burst: IEC 801-4, Level 2
Electrical surge: IEC 801-5, Level 2

Safety Agency Approvals

CE mark, commercial
UL listed (UL 1950)
CSA certified (CSA 22.2 #950)
TUV licensed (EN 60 950)
T-Mark

A-2 Technical Specifications

Appendix B

RJ-45 Connector Information

This appendix provides information about the RJ-45 connectors used for the Model FE104 and
Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs.

The IEC 603-7 8-pin modular connector, commonly called an RJ-45 connector, is used to connect
stations, hubs, and switches through unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable and supports 100 Mbps
data transmission. The RJ-45 connector accepts 2- or 4-pair Category 5 UTP cable.

In a Fast Ethernet network, it is important that all 100BASE-T certified Category 5 cabling use
Category 5 RJ-45 connectors. It is common practice to use Category 5 UTP cable with Category 3
connectors. However, 100 Mbps operation is compromised when the mixed configuration is used.

Figure B-1 illustrates the RJ-45 connector used for port connections on hubs. Table B-1 provides
the pinout information for the normal (MDI-X) RJ-45 connector and for the uplink (MDI) port
(Port 4 on the Model FE104 and Port 8 on the Model FE108) RJ-45 connector.

18

7177

Figure B-1. RJ-45 connector

RJ-45 Connector Information B-1

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

Table B-1. RJ-45 connector pinouts

Pin Normal (MDI-X) Uplink (MDI) *

1 Input Receive Data + Output Transmit Data +
2 Input Receive Data - Output Transmit Data ­3 Output Transmit Data + Input Receive Data +
6 Output Transmit Data - Input Receive Data ­4, 5, 7, 8 Internal termination, not used for data transmission

* Applicable to Port 4 on the Model FE104 hub and Port 8 on the Model FE108 hub, when the Normal/Uplink

push button is in the Uplink position.

B-2 RJ-45 Connector Information

Appendix C

Fast Ethernet and Cabling Guidelines

This appendix discusses the Fast Ethernet technology and the cable specifications and guidelines
for Category 5 UTP cabling.

Fast Ethernet Technology

Fast Ethernet is conventional Ethernet but faster. Fast Ethernet, or 100BASE-TX, operates at
100 Mbps instead of 10 Mbps. The 100BASE-TX technology uses the same frame format and
length as Ethernet and does not require changes to the upper-layer protocols, applications, or
networking software that run on LAN workstations. You can switch and route data from 10 Mbps
to 100 Mbps without protocol translation and its associated delays. Fast Ethernet is based on the
proven CSMA/CD Media Access Control (MAC) Protocol.

The most popular cabling scheme in an Ethernet network today is star-wired topology, where the
hub is in a central wiring closet and individual cables run out to each tabletop device. This
topology is the same topology used by Fast Ethernet, although the maximum allowable network
diameter is smaller because of the increase in packet speed.

Fast Ethernet and Cabling Guidelines C-1

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

Fast Ethernet Cabling

In a Fast Ethernet network, certain rules and regulations must be followed. This section discusses
the following aspects of cabling:

• Cable guidelines

• Cable lengths within a network

• Category 5 specifications

• Crossover and straight-through twisted pair cables

• Patch panels

• Near end crosstalk

Cable Guidelines

Fast Ethernet uses UTP cable, as specified in the IEEE 802.3u standard for 100BASE-T. The
specification recommends Category 5 UTP cable consisting of either 2-pair or 4-pair twisted
insulated copper conductors bound in a single plastic sheath. Category 5 cable is certified up to
100 MHz bandwidth. 100BASE-TX operation uses one pair of wires for transmission and the
other pair for receiving and for collision detection.

When installing Category 5 UTP cabling, use the following guidelines to ensure that your cables
perform to the following specifications:

• Certification. Make sure that your Category 5 UTP cable has completed the Underwriters

Laboratories (UL) or Electronic Testing Laboratories (ETL) certification process.

• Termination method. To minimize crosstalk noise, maintain the twist ratio of the cable up to

the point of termination; untwist at any RJ-45 connector or patch panel should not exceed

0.5 inch (1.5 cm).

C-2 Fast Ethernet and Cabling Guidelines

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

Cable Lengths

Category 5 distributed cable that meets ANSI/EIA/TIA-568-A building wiring standards can be a
maximum of 328 feet (100 m) in length, divided as follows:

• 20 feet (6 m) between the hub and the patch panel (if used)

• 295 feet (90 m) from the wiring closet to the wall outlet

• 10 feet (3 m) from the wall outlet to the desktop device

The patch panel and other connecting hardware must meet the requirements for 100 Mbps
operation (Category 5). Workmanship quality is a must. Only 0.5 inch (1.5 cm) of untwist in the
wire pair is allowed at any termination point.

Cable Specifications

Table C-1 lists the electrical requirements of the Category 5 cable.

Table C-1. Electrical requirements of Category 5 cable

Specification Requirements

Number of pairs Two or Four
Impedance 100 Ω ± 15%
Mutual capacitance at 1 KHz 5.6 nF per 100 m
Maximum attenuation

(dB per 100 m, at 20°C) at 16 MHz: 8.2

at 31 MHz: 11.7
at 100 MHz: 22

NEXT loss (dB minimum) at 16 MHz: 44

at 31 MHz: 39
at 100 MHz: 32

Fast Ethernet and Cabling Guidelines C-3

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

Twisted Pair Cables

For two devices to communicate, the transmitter of each device must be connected to the receiver
of the other device. The crossover function is usually implemented internally as part of the
circuitry in the device. Computers and workstation adapter cards are usually media-dependent
interface ports, called MDI or uplink ports. Most repeaters and switch ports are configured as
media-dependent interfaces with built-in crossover ports, called MDI-X or normal ports. Refer to
the instructions in Chapter 3, “Installation,” for appropriate cable use and connection.

Figure C-1 illustrates straight-through twisted pair cable connections, and Figure C-2 illustrates
crossover twisted pair cable connections.

1

Tx

2

1

3

Rx

6

Key:

1 = Uplink or MDI port
2 = Normal or MDI-X port

1

Rx

2

3

Tx

6

Figure C-1. Straight-through twisted pair cable

1

Rx

2

1

1

Rx

2

2

7181

2

3

Tx

6

Key:

1 = Normal or MDI-X port
2 = Normal or MDI-X port

Figure C-2. Crossover twisted pair cable

C-4 Fast Ethernet and Cabling Guidelines

3

Tx

6

7182

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

Patch Panels and Cables

If you are using patch panels, make sure that they meet the 100B ASE-T requirements. NETGEAR
recommends Category 5 UTP cable for all patch cables and work area cables to ensure that your
UTP patch cable rating meets or exceeds the distribution cable rating.

To wire patch panels, you need two Category 5 UTP cables with an RJ-45 connector at each end,
as shown in Figure C-3.

1

87654321

Key:

1 = RJ-45 connector
2 = Category 5 UTP patch cable

2 1

87654321

5525.1

Figure C-3. Category 5 UTP patch cable with male RJ-45 connector at each end

Note: Flat “silver satin” telephone cable may have the same RJ-45 connector. However,

using telephone cable will result in excessive collisions and cause the attached port to be
partitioned or disconnected from the network.

Fast Ethernet and Cabling Guidelines C-5

Numerics

Index

100BASE-T hub installation 3-3

A

access requirements 3-1

C

cable

Category 5 UTP 5-1, C-2, C-3, C-5
Category 5 UTP, troubleshooting 4-1
crossover 2-5, C-4
guidelines C-3
specifications (table) C-3
straight-through 2-5, 4-2, C-4
termination method C-2
troubleshooting UTP 4-1

Category 5 UTP cable

length guidelines C-3
port connection problems with 4-1
specifications (table) C-3
troubleshooting 4-1
using for 100 Mbps migration 5-1
using with RJ-45 connector 2-3

Col (collision) LED 2-1, 2-2
configuration examples

100BASE-TX shared repeater 5-2
migrating to 100 Mbps 5-2
multiport switch 5-4

small organizations 5-2
crossover cable C-4
customer support iii

E

Ethernet

cabling guidelines C-2
technology C-1

F

features 1-2
front panel

Model FE104 hub 2-1
Model FE108 hub 2-2

H

humidity requirements 3-1

I

installation

100BASE-TX hub 3-3
multiple hubs 3-4
on a flat surface 3-3
verifying 3-6

Index 1

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

L

LEDs

Col (collision) 2-3, 4-2

description (table) 2-3

Link/Rx 2-3, 2-4, 3-6

Link/Rx, troubleshooting 4-2

overview 1-2

Part (partition) 2-3, 2-4

Pwr (power) 2-3, 3-6

table 2-3 2-3

troubleshooting 4-2

Utilization % 2-3, 3-6
Link/Rx LED 2-3, 2-4, 3-6

M

MDI wiring. See normal wiring
MDI-X wiring. See uplink wiring
migration to 100 Mbps 1-1, 5-2
multiple hub installation 3-4

N

network adapter cards, troubleshooting 4-2
normal wiring 2-4, 2-5, 4-2, C-4
Normal/Uplink push button 1-2, 2-1, 2-2, 2-4,

4-2

O

operating conditions 3-1

P

package contents 3-2
Part (partition) LED 2-3, 2-4
patch panel C-3, C-5
Port 4

configuring 2-4
pinout information (table) B-2
troubleshooting 4-2

Port 8

configuring 2-4
pinout information (table) B-2

troubleshooting 4-2
ports, RJ-45 2-1, 2-2, 2-3, 2-4
power requirements 3-1
Pwr (power) LED 2-1, 2-3, 3-6

R

rear panel 2-5
requirements

access 3-1

cabling 2-3, 3-3, C-2

humidity 3-1

operating conditions 3-1

power 3-1

temperature 3-1

ventilation 3-1

wiring 3-1
RJ-45 connector

pinouts (table) B-2

troubleshooting 4-1

using for patch cables C-5
RJ-45 ports 2-3, 2-4

2 Index

Installation Guide for the Model FE104 and Model FE108 Fast Ethernet Hubs

S

site preparation 3-1
straight-through cable 2-5, 4-2

T

technical specifications A-1
temperature requirements 3-1
troubleshooting

COL LED blinking 4-2
Link/Rx LED intermittent 4-1
Link/Rx LED off 4-1, 4-2
network adapter cards 4-2
Normal/Uplink push button 4-2
Port 4 4-2
Port 8 4-2
port connection 4-1, 4-2
Pwr LED off 4-1
RJ-45 connectors 4-1
UTP cable 4-1

U

unshielded twisted pair cable. See UTP cable
uplink wiring 2-4, B-1, C-4
Utilization % LED 2-3, 3-6
UTP cable

Category 5 C-2
troubleshooting 4-1

V

ventilation requirements 3-1
verifying installation 3-6

W

wiring requirements 3-1
W orld Wide Web iii

Index 3