Networks Communications Communications Options Minireference Manual Volume 7 Ethernet Devices (Part 3)

This document, "EK-CMIV7-RM-005," is Volume 7, "Ethernet Devices (Part 3)," of the "Communications Options Minireference Manual" published by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), with the latest copyright noted as 1988. It serves as a comprehensive technical reference for the installation, cabling, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of various Ethernet communication devices and network setups.

The manual provides detailed information on:

1. Specific Ethernet Devices:

   • DEUNA UNIBUS Network Adaptor: Covers general description, component lists, device placement, UNIBUS loading, power requirements, detailed installation flow, cabling diagrams, and diagnostics (including ROM-based self-tests, LED interpretations, and troubleshooting procedures for VAX-11 and PDP-11 systems).
   • H4000 and H4005 Ethernet Transceivers: Describes their general function, different versions (including those with removable taps), components, power requirements, cabling, and troubleshooting using dedicated transceiver testers. The H4005 section also includes "heartbeat selection" details.
   • LAN Bridge 100: Explains its role as a packet forwarding filter and LAN Traffic Monitor, detailing configuration options (local and remote bridges, fiber-optic connections), system placement, power specifications, installation flow, cabling, and diagnostic/troubleshooting procedures.
   • MUXserver 100 Remote Terminal Server: Outlines product configurations, hardware and software components, environmental requirements, installation processes, extensive self-test diagnostics (soft and hard error types, status messages, loopback points), and guidance for identifying and resolving common problems, including resetting to factory settings and setting up network maps and printers.
   • TPENET Twisted-Pair Ethernet Adapter: Covers product configuration, hardware components, environmental considerations, detailed cabling guidelines (including MMP and MJ/MMJ connections), self-test diagnostics, and maintenance aids such as wire characterization tests and specialized tools.

2. General Network Infrastructure and Support:

   • Cables: Provides comprehensive diagrams and instructions for various cable types (Baseband Ethernet coaxial, ThinWire Ethernet coaxial, fiber-optic, twisted-pair) and their associated connectors, terminators, and termination procedures (e.g., proper slide-latch configuration, ThinWire Ethernet coaxial cable termination, MMJ connector installation).
   • Special Tools and Test Equipment: Catalogs and describes a wide array of specialized tools and test equipment used for installing, testing, and repairing baseband, broadband, and fiber-optic Ethernet networks and DECconnect systems.
   • Network Troubleshooting: Details methodologies for diagnosing network issues using the Network Interconnect Exerciser (NIE) and the Network Control Program (NCP), including operating instructions, command listings, error messages, and troubleshooting flowcharts.
   • Ethernet Configuration: Presents extensive guidelines and rules for setting up diverse Ethernet topologies, such as standard Ethernet, ThinWire Ethernet, combined standard/ThinWire configurations, extended LANs using various bridges (LAN Bridge 100, Vitalink TransLAN, METROWAVE), and broadband Ethernet configurations, with emphasis on compatibility, cabling distances, and performance limitations.

The manual is intended for technical professionals responsible for the deployment, management, and diagnosis of Digital Equipment Corporation's Ethernet networking solutions.