Siemens X-400 - Manual (Page 16)

Introduction to Industrial Ethernet Switches
Operating Instructions for SCALANCE X-400 Industrial Ethernet Switches
16 C79000-G8976-C186-03
1.2.2 Star Structure
Functional Description
Star structures can be implemented with the SCALANCE X414-3E. The cascading
depth and total span of a network are limited only by the signal propagation times
of the communication connections.
Properties of a Star Structure
Each SCALANCE X414-3E communicates over a TP or FO cable with a central
switch with which all other switches are also connected within a star structure.
Communication is possible over the optical ports in slots 5, 6, or 7 or over the elec-
trical ports in slots 5 and 9 to 11. With the fault mask, it is possible to monitor the
port states using the signaling contact. In addition to connecting the switches to the
central SCALANCE X414-3E, it is also possible to connect one or more end de-
vices.