NETGEAR ME103 - Manual (Page 95)

Reference Manual for the ME103 802.11b ProSafe Wireless Access Point
Network, Routing, Firewall, and Cabling Basics C-13
August 2003
The ME103 Access Point incorporates Auto Uplink TM technology (also called MDI/MDIX). The
Ethernet port will automatically sense whether the Ethernet cable plugged into the port should
have a normal connection (e.g. connecting to a PC) or an uplink connection (e.g. connecting to a
router, switch, or hub). That port will then configure itself to the correct configuration. This feature
also eliminates the need to worry about crossover cables, as Auto Uplink
TM will accommodate
either type of cable to make the right connection.
Cable Quality
A twisted pair Ethernet network operating at 10 Mbits/second (10BASE-T) will often tolerate low
quality cables, but at 100 Mbits/second (10BASE-Tx) the cable must be rated as Category 5, or
Cat 5 or Cat V, by the Electronic Industry Association (EIA). This rating will be printed on the
cable jacket. A Category 5 cable will meet specified requirements regarding loss and crosstalk. In
addition, there are restrictions on maximum cable length for both 10 and 100 Mbits/second
networks.