This page describes ViewStation operation on a standard
Ethernet network. The ViewStation's default Ethernet connection is to a
Twisted-Pair Ethernet. ThinWire and ThickWire connections are also
available with the optional Communications Board.
Selecting
the Ethernet Type
There are three kinds of Ethernet networks:
Twisted-pair, ThinWire, and Thick Wire. These three types of Ethernet
network are most easily distinguished by the connectors they use. These
connectors are RJ45, BNC, and DB15, respectively.
The Twisted-pair Ethernet uses an RJ45 connector and wire
similar to telephone jacks and cables to connect to the network.
ThinWire Ethernet uses a thin, flexible coaxial cable with a T-type BNC
connector for each node connection on the network. It is sometimes
called thinnet or cheapernet. ThickWire Ethernet uses a rigid cable with
nodes that connect to the devices with a thick coaxial cable ending in a
DB15 connector. ThickWire Ethernet frequently uses an intermediate
connecting device called a Medium Access Unit.
The HDS ViewStation has no special requirements for its
connection with any of these Ethernet types, but all networks are
somewhat different so you should consult with your system administrator
to see what is needed for your network connection.
IEEE
802.3 Networks
Some networks (usually with IBM RS6000 systems)
use a different kind of Ethernet, IEEE 802.3, which differs from the
generic "Ethernet" in the arrangement of information in the network
packets. The physical connections are the same on both types of
network. The ViewStation supports both network types, and selects the
appropriate type automatically. Click here for more information about
IEEE 802.3 Networks.
Ethernet Hardware Addresses
The Ethernet hardware address is a number assigned by HDS and is
unique for each ViewStation. This address is needed for BOOTP and RARP
IP addressing. More information is given on the Hardware address page.
Ethernet IP Addressing
The
Ethernet IP address is a number assigned by your system administrator
appropriate for your network. More information is given on the IP
address page.
Twisted Pair Ethernet
Twisted-pair
Ethernet uses an RJ45 connector on the back panel. This is a plastic
telephone-type connector. Make sure it is fully inserted and locked.
(Note that the Twisted-pair interface runs with SQE and Link
Integrity enabled, in compliance with the IEEE 802.3 10BaseT standards.
Some systems do not observe this standard completely. Hubs and routers
for Twisted-pair networks should be set according to the standard. If
you observe delays in echoing characters on the Twisted-pair network,
there may be a problem with your settings. Refer to the page below for a
more complete discussion of this issue.)
Pin assignments for Twisted Pair Ethernet Connector
This page
gives you the pin assignments for the Twisted Pair RJ45 connector.
Link Integrity and SQE for Twisted Pair Ethernet
This page discusses Link Integrity and SQE settings for Twisted Pair
Ethernet.
Thin Wire Ethernet
The HDS ViewStation is set up
to use ThinWire Ethernet in its factory configuration. You can make the
physical connection just by attaching the Ethernet cable to the BNC
connector on the back panel. You must use a T connector to connect the
Ethernet to the ViewStation. If you have only a single Ethernet cable,
you must use a T connector with a terminator on the other side since you
cannot connect it directly to the ViewStation's BNC connector.
Thick Wire Ethernet
ThickWire Ethernet uses the DB15 connector
on the back panel. (The DB15 coaxial cable doesn't usually connect
directly to the ThickWire Ethernet, but attaches to a Medium Access
Unit (MAU), which in turn connects to the thick coaxial cable.)
Network Trailers on Ethernet
This page
discusses Ethernet network trailers and ViewStation settings for them.
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If you need more information than is available here, you can reach
HDS via email at info@hds.com, or
call us at 1.800.HDS.1551 in the USA, or at +610.277.8300 from outside
the US. For questions or problems regarding the HDS WWW page, contact
webmaster@hds.com.
© 1996 by HDS Network Systems
Inc.