D-Link DFE-904 User Guide - Page 12

Ethernet and Fast Ethernet. If collisions become very frequent, the cause might be faulty cabling, network overload, or a malfunctioning device. Important: If too many consecutive transmissions from a device result in collisions, the hub will partition the port the device is connected to- that is, it will block transmissions coming in on that port. When a port is partitioned, its Link/Rx indicator does not light up. The hub will automatically departition the port when it detects that the connected device is operating correctly. Partitioning prevents a malfunctioning device from disrupting the network. Automatic partitioning and departitioning are required features of Ethernet and Fast Ethernet hubs. The term collision domain is often used to describe an Ethernet or Fast Ethernet network. A collision domain is a collection of end nodes whose signals can collide. End nodes connected to the same hub or to uplinked hubs are in the same collision domain; end nodes linked through a bridge, router, or switching hub are in separate collision domains. In this manual, the word network always refers to a collision domain. Side Panels On the DFE-904's right-hand panel are the speed switch and air inlets. The lefthand panel holds the fan outlet. 6