Linksys PCMPC100 User Guide - Page 5

Instant EtherFast® Series Getting to Know the EtherFast 10/100 PC Cards LEDs Link The LED will illuminate when the card is sucessfully connected to a network. Act The Activity LED will flicker when data is being transmit ted or received over the network. 10/100 This LED will be illuminated when the card is operating at 100Mbps; dormant when operating at 10Mbps. The RJ-45 Port The RJ-45 Port is where you will connect your Category 3 or 5 network cabling. Refer to the section on Twisted Pair Cabling for detailed information on network cabling. EtherFast® 10/100 PC Cards Installing the EtherFast 10/100 PC Cards Getting the Right Cable Like most network devices, the EtherFast Card must be connected to a 10BaseT or Fast Ethernet hub with the right kind of twisted-pair network cabling. Although twisted-pair is available in different styles and grades, this installation requires a category 5 network cable with RJ-45 connectors, not exceeding 100 meters (328) feet in length. Cabling can be obtained at most computer stores. If you are using Fast Ethernet, Category 5 (or better) cable must be used. For more information about Fast Ethernet cabling, including information on how to crimp your own cables, go to the Crimping Your Own Network Cables section of the Appendix. Installing the PC Card and Cabling 1. Turn off your PC. 2. If you are installing the standard PC Card, connect the flat end of the media coupler to the EtherFast 10/100 PC Card. It should lock firmly into place. 3. Locate your PC's PCMCIA slot (usually located on the side). Slide the EtherFast 10/100 PC Card into the slot with the triangle on the card facing up. The 128-pin end goes in first. Make sure that the card is seated snugly in place. Note: If the PC Card does not fit all the way into the slot, check your PC's documentation to be sure that your laptop has a PCMCIA slot. 4. Attach one end of a UTP category 5 network cable into the RJ-45 port on the end of the EtherFast Card or media coupler. Then plug the other end of the cable into a Fast Ethernet or 10BaseT network device. The EtherFast 10/100 PC Card will automatically sense the type, polarity, and speed of your network's cabling and adjust itself accordingly. 4 5