Ethernet Cabling

Rules to cables

The 5/4/3 Rule If you're working in a thick Ethernet environment, you must know it's limits. You need to know the 5/4/3 rule. According to the 5/4/3 rule, the maximum number of segments in a thick or Thin Ethernet environment is five, and these five segments are connected by four repeaters. But not every segment can have computers attached. In fact, only three segments can have computers attached; the remaining two segments can only be used to extend the length of the network. 10BASE-T also follows the 5/4/3 rule, but with slightly different details.

Straight Through versus Cross-Over

In general, the patch cords that you use with your Ethernet connections are "straight-through", which means that pin 1 of the plug on one end is connected to pin 1 of the plug on the other end (for either standard). The only time you cross connections in 10BaseT is when you connect two Ethernet devices directly together without a hub or connect two hubs together. Then you need a "cross-over" patch cable, which crosses the transmit and receive pairs. An easy way remember how to make a cross-over cable is to wire one end with the T-568A standard and the other with the T-568B standard.

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Last modified: November 7, 2011

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