Because it's better to get things right the first time. When you decide to purchase a device to connect to a data network, your first mistake will most likely be ordering the wrong thing. We'll take the time here to cover the buzzwords you will find when ordering network capable equipment for use at UVM on our campus network. You will also find that 90%+ of this information is directly applicable to small network connections you might do at home.
Here at UVM, our primary network technology is called Ethernet. The particular type of Ethernet we use is referred to as 10Base-T. This type of data communications can move data at a theoretical maximum speed of 10 Megabits per second over copper wires that are twisted around one another, and bundled in transmit and receive pairs. The majority of the campus still uses this speed. Some areas have been upgraded to the newer 100Base-T and devices that are capable of using this are often referred to as 10/100Base-T devices.
When ordering equipment, look for designations very similar to 10/100Base-T.
What type of cable to I need to use these devices?The cable type you want to look for is called Category 5 (CAT5) or CAT5e, unshielded, twisted pair, Ethernet, patch cable. The cables you DO NOT WANT are called crossover cables. Standard CAT5 patch cables are sold in various lengths from under 6' to over 50'. Use as short a cable as is necessary to do the job. The older standard CAT3 cable will work for 10 Megabit connections, but to be able to use 100 Megabit when available, you should have CAT5 or better.
A network adapter is a hardware device that plugs into an expansion port on your computer. This device communicates with the data network by sending and receiving the particular type of signal. The network adapter works with your operating system and applications by means of a software driver. This software acts as an interpreter between your operating system, programs and the adapter itself.
Network Adapters, often called Network Cards or NICs, are usually built into modern microcomputers. VERY few computers today require you to purchase a separate adapter and install it. Even notebook computers are nearly universally equipped with a 10/100Base-T Ethernet port.
Should you actually have a machine that requires a network adapter to be ordered separately, you will have a choice of brands, models, and types. Type is the most important since a mistake here will force you to return the item. Notebook computers require what used to be called PCMCIA adapters, and are now known as CardBus or PC Card adapters. They resemble a rather thick credit card in shape/size and are designed for the expansion slots found on notebook computers. Desktop PCs require expansion cards known as PCI adapters.
 This is a typical single slot PC Card. These will work, but they are easily broken. We highly recommend purchasing a double thick card (one that takes both slots if your notebook has two slots, one above the other) shown in the next column over. |
 This is an example
of a PC Card that is two slots thick.
These are usually a modem/Ethernet combination card and are much less likely to brake as there is no "pigtail" connector to snap off the side. |
 Finally, this is an example
of a PCI card for use in a PC.
Few machines still require this as a separate addition. |
The brand of adapter is not nearly as important as it used to be. Some of the big names in network adapters are: 3Com, Intel, Xircom, Farallon, D-Link, Netgear. The primary concern with a brand is how well its support happens to be structured. Quality companies, those that are serious about the business they do, will often have the best support web sites. Driver updates, support, and warrantee of the card are are often a reason to pay a little more for a bigger name. Prices today (early 2002) typically range from $20-$60 for PCI network cards, and from $45 to $200 for PC Card network cards. The discount brands such as D-Link and Netgear are at the low end of those ranges, while Intel, 3Com, and Xircom are all at the mid to upper ranges.
Don't be overly concerned with the "advanced features" that many cards offer. Most of these features are not used, not supported, or not available at all in our campus environment. Some examples of these features are: Remote wakeup ability, other central management features, and link encryption.
Not all devices work to attach a microcomputer to an Ethernet data network. The most common, non PC style device, is a network capable printer. A printer attached directly to a data network is a convenient tool that can be shared by nearly anyone.
 This is an example of a
network device that connects a printer directly to an Ethernet network. This JetDirect External print server is the
standard at UVM. These external and their internal counterparts (shown to the right) currently number in the hundreds here
on campus. |
 This is a JetDirect
internal card. It resembles a PCI card for use in PCs. This can be added to larger Hewlett Packard printers that
use communication card slots called EIO or MIO. |
There are many devices that are also capable of direct attachment to the network. Beyond attaching microcomputers and printers, support for these devices are quite limited. Some examples include: Web cameras, conferencing devices, wireless access points, and network based file storage devices.
Last modified July 07 2005 03:27 PM
