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From: dan@gacvx2.gac.edu
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.lans
Subject: Re: 10BaseT wiring question #4936
Message-ID: <1991Apr24.215859.187@gacvx2.gac.edu>
Date: 25 Apr 91 03:58:59 GMT
Article-I.D.: gacvx2.1991Apr24.215859.187
References: <35817@sequoia.UUCP>
Organization: Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Peter, Minnesota
Lines: 39

In article <35817@sequoia.UUCP>, keith@sequoia.UUCP (Keith Pyle) writes:
> Disclaimer: this just became an issue here, so if this question has been
> answered already, my apologies.
> 
> Is it possible (and/or practical) to have more than one device (workstation,
> PC, etc.) per port using 10BaseT?  We have a number of developers with two
> and sometimes three systems connected to the thinnet in their offices.  We
> are considering relocation and 10BaseT has some desirable qualities, plus
> lower cost than thinnet.  However, if we can't have multiple devices per
> 10BaseT port, it won't likely be practical for us.  Providing multiple ports
> per office isn't likely to be accepted.

It is not possible to run multiple computers off of a 10BaseT port, just by
putting in a TEE or daisy chaining computers.  It is possible to install a
10BaseT to thin net converter that would provide a BNC connector on the wall,
but still allow the use of UTP wiring in the wall.  Another possibility would
be to provide a single UTP connection and configure the rest of the network so
that the repeater budget allows connecting a work group hub to the single
connection and gives 11 ports for connecting 10BaseT equipment.  I use this in
classrooms and have a hub I can loan to faculty needing this.  I might need to
do this in my office as well.  A third possibility would be to use multi media
hub equipment that allows a mixture of 10BaseT, thin net, and AUI connectors
just by installing the appropriate card in the hub.  Then run the appropriate
cable type the offices that need it.  Using a multi-port thin net cart is is
possible to maintain the star configuration of the network, but with out doing
away with daisy chaining.  We install two four pair wires on each wall of an
office in a new construction.  We provide a 20 foot cord to the owner of the
office.  We have also wired buildings and departments with a single daisy
chained thin net.  They work too, but I have found that the majority of the
problems are caused in the spring when it comes time to clean office and both
BNC connectors are disconnected "just a little while" while the desk and other
office contents are being moved is being moved.  I could live with it, but the
other users still get the pot of boiling oil out for me.

-- 
Dan Boehlke                    Internet:  dan@gac.edu
Campus Network Manager         BITNET:    dan@gacvax1.bitnet
Gustavus Adolphus College
St. Peter, MN 56082 USA        Phone:     (507)933-7596