4
Using the Notebook PC
Connections
The built-in network cannot be installed later as an upgrade. After purchase, net-
work can be installed as an expansion card.
Network Connection
Connect a network cable, with RJ-45 connectors on each end, to the modem/network port on the
Notebook PC and the other end to a hub or switch. For 100 BASE-TX / 1000 BASE-T speeds, your
network cable must be category 5 or better (not category 3) with twisted-pair wiring. If you plan on
running the interface at 100/1000Mbps, it must be connected to a 100 BASE-TX / 1000 BASE-T hub
(not a BASE-T4 hub). For 10Base-T, use category 3, 4, or 5 twisted-pair wiring. 10/100 Mbps Full-
Duplex is supported on this Notebook PC but requires connection to a network switching hub with
"duplex" enabled. The software default is to use the fastest setting so no user-intervention is required.
1000BASE-T (or Gigabit) is only supported on selected models.
Twisted-Pair Cable
The cable used to connect the Ethernet card to a host (generally a Hub or Switch)
is called a straight-through Twisted Pair Ethernet (TPE). The end connectors are
called RJ-45 connectors, which are not compatible with RJ-11 telephone connec-
tors. If connecting two computers together without a hub in between, a crossover
LAN cable is required (Fast-Ethernet model). (Gigabit models support auto-
crossover so a crossover LAN cable is optional.)
Example of the Notebook PC connected to a
Network Hub or Switch for use with the built-in
Ethernet controller.
48
Network Hub or Switch
Network cable
with RJ-4
connectors