Ethernet is a communication standard that supports very high speed data transmission. Ethernet offers significant speed improvement compared to serial, parallel, and LocalTalk connections. Speed improvement varies greatly depending on network traffic, computer hardware, and other factors.
The PhaserShare Series B Ethernet interface conforms to the IEEE 802.3 and Ethernet II standards. With the printer's built-in Ethernet interface, you can connect the printer directly to an Ethernet network using twisted pair (10BaseT) cables. With the PhaserShare Series B Ethernet card, you can connect the printer directly to an Ethernet network using twisted pair (10BaseT or 100BaseTx) or thin coax (10Base2) cables. Connecting the printer using thick coax (10Base5) requires an adapter; contact your dealer to
obtain adapters, cables, and terminators.
When a PhaserShare Series B Ethernet card is installed, the built-in Ethernet connector is disabled; use the connectors on the card.
When a PhaserShare Series B card is purchased initially with the printer, it is installed at the factory. When a PhaserShare Series B card is purchased later as an upgrade kit, follow the instructions that are shipped with the card.
CAUTION
To avoid damaging the network interface, turn off the printer before making any Ethernet connections.
Ethernet connections and indicators
The printer's built-in Ethernet connector
The printer's built-in Ethernet connector has the following connections and indicators:
-
LINK indicator (Phaser 360 only);
on
indicates a working connection to a hub,
off
indicates no connection to a hub.
-
RCV indicator (green);
blinks
while the network interface is receiving.
-
XMT indicator (yellow);
blinks
while the network interface is transmitting.
-
Twisted pair (10BaseT) connector.
PhaserShare Series B Ethernet card
The PhaserShare Series B Ethernet card has the following connections and indicators:
-
TX indicator (yellow);
blinks
while the network interface is transmitting.
-
RX Link indicator (green);
blinks
while the network interface is receiving.
-
Speed indicator (yellow);
on
indicates 100 Mbps,
off
indicates 10 Mbps.
-
Twisted pair connection indicator;
on
indicates a working connection to a hub,
off
indicates no connection to a hub. If the 10Base2 connector (
6
) is used, this indicator is
off.
-
Twisted pair (10BaseT or 100BaseTx) connector.
-
Thin coax (10Base2) connector.
Ethernet cables and termination
NOTE
To fully comply with EMI specifications, the use of shielded or screened cables may be required. "Shielded" describes IBM-defined cables used with the DB-9 connector. "Screened" describes cables that are electrically similar to Category 4 UTP, but with an added shield or screen.
10BaseT or 100BaseTx (Twisted Pair)
100BaseTx requires Category 5 (100-Ohm UTP) cabling.
The Ethernet standard does not allow a direct 10BaseT connection between a single computer and a single printer. Use 10Base2 (Thin Ethernet) to connect a single computer to a single printer.
CAUTION
Do not use "silver satin" telephone extension cables for 10BaseT networks, either as drop cords or as patch cables in the wiring closet. (Silver satin cables are flat, usually silver or gray, with 28-gauge stranded or tinsel conductors.) Do not use shielded twisted pair cable intended for IBM Token Ring networks or voice-grade (level 1 or 2) unshielded twisted pair cable for wiring runs.
These cables do not meet the requirements for 10BaseT and will lead to unreliable operation.
10Base2 (Thin Ethernet)
Depending on the type of Ethernet cables you use and your network configuration, you may need to use terminators at certain points in the installation. Refer to the manufacturer's documentation for your Ethernet adapters and cables for details.
10Base5 (Thick Ethernet)
Connecting the printer using thick coax (10Base5) requires an adapter; contact your dealer to obtain adapters, cables, and terminators.
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