Specifications

Software Configuration
3–31
! Repeater, router, or bridge—Devices that extend the size of a network beyond the limitations of
one segment. These devices not only form a pathway for network signals traveling from one trunk
segment to another; they also regenerate and strengthen network signals.
! Station—Any device that is connected to a network by means of a network interface card (such as the
Little Board/486i).
! Node—Another term for a network station. Each node has its own network interface card.
! Attachment Unit Interface—(AUI) One of the standard interfaces used to connect a node to the net,
often used between a network interface card and a hub or concentrator.
3.13.2 Twisted-Pair Installations
This section discusses the guidelines for twisted-pair installations.
Cables and Connectors
! Connector jack—You can plug a standard RJ45-terminated cable directly to the female RJ45
connector on the Little Board/486i.
! Connector plug—The RJ45 connector plugs, attached to both ends of twisted-pair Ethernet cable
lengths, are used to connect the Little Board/486i to a hub or concentrator.
! Terminators—There are no external termination devices required. Termination is handled
automatically by the hub devices.
Twisted-pair Ethernet cable is 22 or 24 gauge copper wire twisted together in pairs. Ethernet twisted-pair
uses two pairs (four wires), one for transmit, one for receive. It is available from many industry suppliers.
Standard RJ45 connectors are used for all connections in a twisted-pair cable network.
Twisted-pair Ethernet cables must be 100 meters or less between any node and hub or repeater.
3.13.3 AUI Installations
This section discusses the guidelines for installations that use the AUI port for connection to an external
transceiver device.
You can connect the Little Board/486i to a LAN through the standard Adapter Unit Interface (AUI)
connection. The AUI connects to an external device such as a hub or concentrator, or MAU. The AUI
enables you to connect your node to fiber optic, thick net cable, or other Ethernet media via an external
transceiver.
Cables and Connectors
The AUI interface consists of a 10-pin ribbon cable connector. You can attach an optional transition
cable (available from Ampro) consisting of a female 10-pin ribbon cable connector on one end and a
female DB-15 on the other.
3.13.4 Using Network Operating Systems
The most common method of using the Little Board/486i Ethernet LAN interface is by means of a
“network operating system.” In some cases the network operating system is part of the computer’s
operating system. In other cases (as with DOS and Windows 3.1) the network operating system is
provided separately. One example of a network operating system for DOS is Novell’s Netware, which
supports server-client communications. That is to say, a central computer that runs Netware as its
network operating system provides file server and network services to the distributed systems connected
to the LAN. Each node on the network must also have a compatible network operating system installed .