Table of Contents

• Introduction

Departmental Tasks

• Hardware Inventory and Transition Task Overview
• Create a Network Inventory List
• Determine Network 21 Connection List
• Determine NIC and Transceiver Needs
• Order and Install Replacement NICs, Transceivers and 10BASE-T Cables

Frequently Asked Questions

• Ethernet Combo Connector NICs: How can a NIC ease downtime at Network 21 cutover?
• Should we use a transceiver or buy an internal NIC?
• Macintosh: Which is best, the AAUI port, an internal NIC, or a SCSI transceiver?
• LocalTalk networks with FastPath or GatorBox: Convert to ethernet or continue with LocalTalk?
• DOS/Windows device driver and packet driver software: What changes are required?

Tables and References

• Network 21 Cutover NIC Table: A table of Network 21 10BASE-T network interface solutions.
• Sample Vendor/Cost Table: Shows sample vendors and costs for Network 21 Cutover 10BASE-T network interface parts.
• A Network 21 Cutover Client Hardware Glossary: Defines technical terms used in this document.

Introduction

You may find that some computers and network devices in your area will require new 10BASE-T hardware to allow them to connect to the new Network 21 infrastructure.

This paper lists the common network devices on the UC Davis campus, along with compatible Network Interface Cards (NICs) or transceivers. [Please note that 100BASE-T cards and connectors are beyond the scope of this paper.] Sample costs and vendors are also provided, but are merely representative: it is each department's responsibility to select the actual NICs, transceivers, and/or vendors to be utilized by the department. These recommendations are intended to cover at least 90% of the existing campus network devices that will be connecting to the Network 21 infrastructure. Exceptions will be identified and handled on a case-by-case basis. Departmental representatives will have the opportunity to work with the Network 21 Cutover Team to resolve any contingencies.

Goals of this Document

• To help ensure that all desktop computers and network devices in an area will be 10BASE-T-ready at Network 21 cutover time.
• To help minimize desktop computer/network device downtime at Network 21 cutover time.
• To promote continued UCDNet connectivity until Network 21 cutover time.

Brief Scenarios

• If your department is already 100% 10BASE-T capable, NIC changes will not be necessary.
• If your department relies heavily on Thinnet, there may be many NICs that require replacement.
• If your department does not yet have a LAN (Local Area Network), a NIC will be required for each computer or printer that will connect to the network.

Departmental Tasks

Hardware Inventory and Transition Task Overview

• Create an inventory list of all desktop computers and network devices in your area.
• Determine Network 21 connection list: Which desktop computers and network devices will be connected to the Network 21 infrastructure during Network 21 cutover?
• Determine NIC and transceiver needs: How many replacement NICs and/or transceivers are required? Which desktop computers and network devices need new 10BASE-T equipment?
• Order and install new NICs, transceivers and/or 10BASE-T cables.

Create a Network Inventory List

Determine Network 21 Connection List

The Network 21 Cutover project will convert current UCDNet connections to the Network 21 infrastructure. Additional workstations not yet on UCDNet will also be connected to the new Network 21 infrastructure at Network 21 cutover.

Ideally, each computer and network device will connect to the new Network 21 infrastructure directly via a Network 21 10BASE-T NAM ( i.e., one Network 21 10BASE-T NAM for each and every computer and network device ). However, due to funding limitations in the department as well as with the Network 21 project, this may not be feasible. For more information on port expansion options ( i.e., allowing multiple computers and network devices to connect to Network 21 via a single 10BASE-T NAM ), please see the Network Expansion recommendations.

Hubs that connect a number of devices to the NAM require their own listing in the DPT device inventory along with the devices to be attached to each hub.

Determine NIC and Transceiver Needs

Review your spreadsheet. Check each network device designated for Network 21 cutover. If it is not 10BASE-T-ready, refer to the Network 21 Cutover NIC Table to determine what new equipment is required.

Note: If you have rooms with fewer Network 21 10BASE-T NAMs than network devices, or do not have funds to purchase new NICs/transceivers for all network devices that you plan to cut over, see the Network Expansion recommendations for possible solutions.

Note: If you have a LocalTalk LAN, please refer to the LocalTalk networks with FastPath or GatorBox: Convert to ethernet or continue with LocalTalk? FAQ.

Order and Install New NICs, Transceivers and/or 10BASE-T Cables

Order the equipment. You can use the vendors and products mentioned in the Sample Vendor/Cost Table or you may select your own vendor and/or products.

Timing: Consider the total cost of NICs and parts that you will order. If your order comes to $1000 or less (including tax and freight), a department DOV typically can be accomplished in a couple of weeks. If your order will be exceed $1000, the order must be sent through the Purchasing department and may take 6 weeks or more.

Volume purchase: If you order 5 or more cards, check for vendor bundle specials.

Install new combo NICs before the actual Network 21 cutover time. Try to have as many NICs as possible installed and tested before the actual Network 21 cutover time.

Keep new NICs, transceivers and 10BASE-T cables on hand for installation at Network 21 cutover time. Double check the number of cables and transceivers against the number of workstations in your area.

Network 21 Cutover Client Hardware Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ: Ethernet Combo Connector NICs: How can a NIC ease downtime at Network 21 cutover?

When a new NIC must be purchased for a desktop computer or network device, a combo connector replacement NIC may be helpful when the desktop computer or network device

• Will be switched from Thinnet or Thicknet wiring to 10BASE-T wiring;
  and
• Already has an internal ethernet NIC ( e.g., PC ISA Bus, Mac NuBus, network printer, UNIX workstation );
  and
• Is already connected to UCDNet;
  and
• Does not have a 10BASE-T (RJ45) connector on its current NIC;
  and
• Is not an acceptable candidate for a transceiver or fan-out device.

• Is already using 10BASE-T LAN wiring (no change needed);
  or
• Won't join the LAN until the Network 21 infrastructure is in place (purchase a plain 10BASE-T NIC);
  or
• Is a Macintosh with an AAUI port, is a slotless Macintosh, or is a Macintosh with a SCSI port. For more information, please read FAQ: Macintosh: Which is best, the AAUI port, an internal NIC, or a SCSI transceiver?

Your decision to buy combo connector NICs may be influenced by the value of lost productivity versus the dollar cost.

For more information, see the Combo Cards: Network Interface Cards with Multiple Connectors recommendations.

FAQ: Should we use a transceiver or buy an internal NIC?

A transceiver can be used to convert one type of I/O port to an ethernet port. You can plug the transceiver into your desktop computer or network device and then plug a 10BASE-T cable into the transceiver.

A transceiver is recommended for:

• A Macintosh with an AAUI port (but no 10BASE-T connector)
• A slotless Macintosh (does not accept an internal NIC)
• A Thinnet/BNC-only internal NIC that is impractical to replace (actually, a microrepeater is used in this case instead of a transceiver)
• An NCD X-terminal with a built-in AUI connector, but no 10BASE-T connector
• Other network device with a built-in AUI connector, but no 10BASE-T connector

• PC with an existing internal NIC that is not 10BASE-T capable (purchase a new 10BASE-T NIC or a new combo connector NIC)
• PC without a NIC (purchase a new 10BASE-T internal NIC)

Replace NIC When Practical

Consideration: A transceiver attaches directly to the NIC - it will require approximately 3 - 4 inches of additional clearance between the NIC and the wall or other equipment.

Consideration: Some transceivers do not clip well to the NIC - they sometimes can be knocked loose.

Consideration: Some very old NICs may not perform well; it may make more sense to replace the card than to use a transceiver. Example: 3Com 3C501, commonly used in PCs several years ago, performs very slowly and does not have RAM for packet buffering. Replace the 3C501 NIC instead of using a transceiver.

Transceiver types for Network 21 Cutover:

• AAUI to 10BASE-T Ethernet (Macintosh):

  The Macintosh Apple Attachment Unit Interface (AAUI) ethernet adapter port is built-in on newer Macs and Powerbooks. The AAUI port is a small D-shaped connector; on the Mac, the port is labeled with an icon that looks similar to this: <...>

  If you have an AAUI port, you will use a transceiver to connect the D-shaped AAUI port to your LAN wiring.

  Use an AAUI to 10BASE-T ethernet adapter to connect an AAUI port to the new Network 21 infrastructure. The transceiver plugs into your Mac AAUI port at one end and a 10BASE-T cable at the other end.

  Note: some recent models of PowerMac come with both an AAUI and an 10BASE-T connector. In this case, use the 10BASE-T connector instead of an AAUI transceiver. (You'll need a 10BASE-T cable in either case.)

• AUI to 10BASE-T Ethernet (PC, UNIX, printers, Macintosh and more):

  AUI to 10BASE-T transceivers are common and inexpensive. If it is impractical/impossible to replace the internal NIC in your device, you can use a transceiver to convert your AUI connector to a 10BASE-T connector.

  Note: Some devices (e.g., Sun Sparc) require a slim-line model transceiver for proper connection.

• BNC to 10BASE-T Ethernet (use rarely):

  Thinnet to 10BASE-T microrepeaters are not inexpensive. It is typically more cost effective to replace the NIC in your device than to use a Thinnet to 10BASE-T microrepeater.

  Many cards with Thinnet connectors also have an AUI connector. If you decide to use a transceiver instead of purchasing a new NIC, use an AUI to 10BASE-T transceiver.

  Note: It is conceivable that a microrepeater could be used to connect an entire Thinnet segment (multiple workstations) to a single 10BASE-T port. However, this is strongly discouraged under the Network 21 policy; please see the "10BASE-T Standard for Desktop Connections to Network 21" section of the Network 21 Cutover Policy document for more details.

• SCSI to 10BASE-T Ethernet (Macintosh):

  Powerbooks and some other Macs often come equipped with a built-in SCSI port. (The SCSI port has a diamond-shaped icon that looks like a diamond with a slot through one corner.)

  Use a SCSI to 10BASE-T ethernet transceiver on Powerbooks without an AAUI port. Use a SCSI to 10BASE-T ethernet transceiver for a Mac that does not have an AAUI port when it is impractical to install an internal NIC.

  When you use a SCSI to 10BASE-T ethernet adapter to connect a SCSI port to the Network 21 infrastructure, the transceiver plugs into your Mac SCSI port at one end and a 10BASE-T cable at the other end.

  Some SCSI to ethernet adapters are powered through the SCSI port; some SCSI to ethernet adapters have a separate power supply that must be plugged into a wall socket or surge suppressor strip.

  Note: Some SCSI to ethernet transceivers allow you to daisy chain your SCSI devices; this means that the SCSI to ethernet transceiver doesn't prevent you from using the SCSI port for other SCSI devices.

FAQ: Macintosh: Which is best, the AAUI port, an internal NIC, or a SCSI transceiver?

Note: Some recent models of PowerMac come with both an AAUI and a 10BASE-T connector. In this case, use the 10BASE-T connector instead of an AAUI transceiver (you'll need a 10BASE-T cable in either case).

If your Macintosh does not have an AAUI port, you may be able to install an internal NIC. Many Macintoshes have NuBus, Comm Slot or other expansion slots that can be used for an internal NIC.

If your Macintosh does not have an AAUI port or an empty slot, you can use a SCSI to ethernet transceiver. If it is impractical to install a NIC in a NuBus slot, you can use a SCSI to ethernet transceiver.

FAQ: LocalTalk networks with FastPath or GatorBox: Convert to Ethernet or continue with LocalTalk?

The FastPath or GatorBox can manage one or more AppleTalk zones. The FastPath or GatorBox performs multiple functions:

• Allows Macs on LocalTalk to get to UCDNet and the Internet
• Allows Macs on ethernet to print to LocalTalk printers
• Allows file sharing between Macs on ethernet and Macs on LocalTalk

• We strongly recommend that all new purchases of Macs and Apple printers include an ethernet port on the printer/Mac.
• We recommend that all Macs and LocalTalk printers be converted to ethernet when appropriate and practical (e.g., it may make more sense wait for the replacement of a Mac SE workstation than to install an ethernet NIC).

For more information, see the AppleTalk/LocalTalk Gateways section of the Network Expansion recommendations.

FAQ: DOS/Windows device driver and packet driver software: What changes are required?

Note: If you use a transceiver instead of replacing the NIC, you do not need to update the software device driver.

For more information, see Configuring Hardware and Software for Network 21 Cutover.

Tables and References

Network 21 Cutover Client Hardware NIC Table

Sample NIC Vendor and Cost Table

For an extensive list of vendors, you may want to browse the Ethernet Page compiled by the University of Texas.

Platform	Device	Manufacturer	Approx Cost
Various	AUI to 10BASE-T transceiver	Allied Telesyn	$ 30
PC	10BASE-T NIC	SMC, Intel, 3Com	$ 90-100
PC	10BASE-T/Thinnet/AUI combo NIC	SMC, Intel, 3Com	$110-130
Macintosh	Mac AAUI to 10BASE-T transceiver	Allied Telesyn, Asante, Dayna, Farallon	$ 40
Macintosh	10BASE-T NIC	Asante, Dayna, Farallon	$ 80-$115
Macintosh	10BASE-T/Thinnet/AUI combo NIC	Asante, Dayna, Farallon	$150-$175
Macintosh	SCSI Ethernet adapter	Asante, Farallon	$300
Powerbook	AAUI to 10BASE-T transceiver	Asante, Dayna, Farallon	$ 40
Powerbook	SCSI Ethernet adapter	Asante, Farallon	$240
LocalTalk only printers	Ethernet Print transceiver	Asante, Dayna, Farallon	$240-300
HP & Laserwriter printers	JetDirect card JetDirect EX	Hewlett Packard	$200-$390

Note: The purchase of "rock bottom bargain basement" NICs is not recommended.

Network 21 Cutover Client Hardware Glossary

10BASE-T cable:

In addition to the NIC, you'll need a 10BASE-T cable to connect to the 10BASE-T NAM (wall jack). These cables come in various lengths (e.g., 10 feet, 25 feet) and cost $10 - $20 each.

A 10BASE-T cable longer than 25 feet is not allowed under the Network 21 infrastructure policy.

10BASE-T connectors:

See 10BASE-T LAN wiring.

10BASE-T LAN wiring:

A type of ethernet network wiring.

• Also called: twisted pair ethernet
• Connector type: RJ45 modular clip
• Connector cables: A 10BASE-T cable connects a 10BASE-T NIC to a NAM, or wall jack. A 10BASE-T cable resembles a regular telephone cable, only the connector is wider and the cable may not be flat. A 10BASE-T NIC has a slot that accepts the wide clip-in connector of the cable. There is a matching clip-in connector for the wall jack.
• Network 21 status: 10BASE-T wiring is the primary method of connection to the Network 21 infrastructure.
• UCDNet status: 10BASE-T wiring is the newest style of UCDNet connections. Most new LANs installed since 1994 use 10BASE-T.

10BASE-T NAM:

See NAM (Network Access Module).

10BASE-T NIC:

A Network Interface Card with a 10BASE-T connector. Can be used to connect a desktop computer or network device to the Network 21 infrastructure.

Many cards have an AUI connector in addition to either a BNC or 10BASE-T connector. Some cards have all three types of connectors.

A NIC with two or more connector types is called a combo connector NIC.

For more information, please read the FAQ: Ethernet Combo Connector NICs: How can a NIC ease downtime at Network 21 cutover?

10BASE-T-ready:

A desktop computer or network device that has the proper NIC or transceiver to allow it to connect to 10BASE-T LAN wiring.

AAUI Ethernet ports, Macintosh:

The Macintosh Apple Attachment Unit Interface ( AAUI ) ethernet adapter port is built in on newer Macs and Powerbooks. The AAUI port is a small D-shaped connector; on the Mac, the port is labeled with an icon that looks similar to this: <...>

If you have an AAUI port, you can use a AAUI to 10BASE-T ethernet adapter to connect your Macintosh to the Network 21 infrastructure. The transceiver plugs into your Mac AAUI port at one end and a 10BASE-T cable at the other end.

Note: some recent models of PowerMac come with both an AAUI and an 10BASE-T connector. In this case, use the 10BASE-T connector instead of an AAUI transceiver ( you'll also need a 10BASE-T cable in either case ).

For more information, please read the FAQ: Macintosh: Which is best, the AAUI port, an internal NIC, or a SCSI transceiver?

AUI connectors for Thicknet:

See Thicknet LAN Wiring.

BNC connectors for Thinnet:

See Thinnet LAN Wiring.

Combo connector NIC:

Can be used to connect a desktop computer or network device to a LAN. Many cards have an AUI connector in addition to either a BNC or 10BASE-T connector. Some cards have all three types of connectors.

A NIC with two or more connector types is called a combo connector NIC.

For more information, please read the FAQ: Ethernet Combo Connector NICs: How can a NIC ease downtime at Network 21 cutover?

Comm slot, Macintosh:

See NuBus slot, Macintosh.

Cutover:

See Network 21 Cutover.

DOS/Windows NIC device drivers and packet drivers:

Network software (e.g., Windows for Workgroups, Novell Netware, Novell LAN Workplace, Trumpet Winsock) uses a device driver (also called a packet driver) to control a NIC. The device driver takes a data packet and then issues the proper commands to tell the NIC to send the packet to the network. When a packet is received by the NIC, the NIC calls the device driver to retrieve the data and deliver it to a software application.

For more information, please read the FAQ: DOS/Windows device driver and packet driver software.

Ethernet:

A LAN data link level protocol. By current standards it is a high speed local area network (LAN). Ethernet uses a broadcast method for data transmission between nodes on a single ethernet LAN segment. 10BASE-T ethernet transfers data at a rate of 10 megabits per second.

FastPath:

A type of LocalTalk to ethernet gateway. Manufactured by Shiva Corp.

For more information, please read the FAQ: LocalTalk networks with FastPath or GatorBox: Convert to Ethernet or continue with LocalTalk?

GatorBox:

A type of LocalTalk to ethernet gateway. Manufactured by Cayman Corp.

For more information, please read the FAQ: LocalTalk networks with FastPath or GatorBox: Convert to Ethernet or continue with LocalTalk?

LAN (Local Area Network):

A group of computers, located in proximity to one another, that are connected together for the purposes of sharing resources.

LocalTalk/Phonet LAN wiring:

A type of AppleTalk network wiring.

• Also called: AppleTalk
• Connector type: RJ11 modular clip (Phonet); DIN (LocalTalk)
• Phonet Connector cables: A PhoneNet connector plugs into the Printer port on your Mac. A regular telephone cable plugs into the other end of the PhoneNet box. The other end of the telephone cable plugs into a LocalTalk NAM wall jack. Note: Do not plug a LocalTalk cable into a 10BASE-T NAM or a regular telephone NAM.
• Network 21 status: Should be phased out, but can be used in conjunction with a FastPath or GatorBox gateway.
• UCDNet status: Very common before AAUI ethernet cards became available in Macs. Internet connections are made via a FastPath or GatorBox gateway device. Still in widespread use.

For more information, please read the FAQ: LocalTalk networks with FastPath or GatorBox: Convert to Ethernet or continue with LocalTalk?

NAM (Network Access Module):

A wall jack used to connect to either the campus telephone system or the campus network.

Note: A NAM can be used for a telephone connection or a network connection, not both.

The NAM function is determined by the type of connector and the type of equipment the wiring connects to in the wiring closet. The NAM number may give some indication of the type of NAM: most NAMs that have a '6' or '7' in the first digit of the NAM number are 10BASE-T NAMs. ( For example, NAM number 79802 is a 10BASE-T NAM. )

Network 21:

The new, fiber optic network that will provide increased capacity and improved features over the current UCDNet campus network.

Construction on the Network 21 project began in Summer 1995 and is projected for completion in October 1997.

Network 21 Cutover:

A process by which network devices connected to the current UCDNet infrastructure will be transitioned to the new Network 21 infrastructure. Cutting over a network device necessitates configuration changes in its software as well as wiring changes in the closet. In some cases the device itself will require wiring changes.

NIC (Network Interface Card):

A network interface card is used to connect your computer to a LAN.

LANs will connect with the Network 21 infrastructure with 10BASE-T LAN wiring. A Network 21-ready NIC must have a 10BASE-T connector. Non-10BASE-T NICs and ports require a transceiver for use with the Network 21 infrastructure.

NuBus slot, Macintosh:

A NuBus slot is an expansion slot in some Macintoshes. It allows you to add optional cards to your Mac.

Many Macintoshes have NuBus, Comm Slot or other expansion slots that can be used for an internal NIC.

If you have an empty slot, you can install a 10BASE-T NIC to connect your Macintosh to the Network 21 infrastructure. ( Of course, you'll also need a 10BASE-T cable to connect your NIC to the 10BASE-T NAM ).

For more information, please read the FAQ: Macintosh: Which is best, the AAUI port, an internal NIC, or a SCSI transceiver?

SCSI Port, Macintosh:

The SCSI port on a Macintosh can be used to connect many different types of devices to your Mac. (The SCSI port has an diamond-shaped icon that looks like a diamond with a slot through one corner.)

If you have a SCSI port, you can use a SCSI to ethernet adapter to connect your Macintosh to the Network 21 infrastructure. The transceiver plugs into your Mac SCSI port at one end and a 10BASE-T cable at the other end.

Note: Some SCSI to ethernet transceivers allow you to daisy chain your SCSI devices; this means that the SCSI to ethernet transceiver doesn't prevent you from using the SCSI port for other SCSI devices.

For more information, please read the FAQ: Macintosh: Which is best, the AAUI port, an internal NIC, or a SCSI transceiver?

Thicknet LAN wiring:

A type of ethernet network wiring.

• Also called: 10BASE5
• Connector type: AUI, D-shaped connector with 15 sockets
• Connector cables: Thicknet cards connect to a multiport device with a thick round cable. The thick round cable has a 'D' shaped connector with 15 pins. An AUI NIC has a 'D' shaped connector with 15 sockets that accepts the cable. There is a matching 'D' connector on the multiport device.
• Network 21 status: Not allowed. This style of wiring is cumbersome.
• UCDNet status: The earliest style of ethernet installed. Still in moderate use today.

Thinnet LAN wiring:

A type of ethernet network wiring.

• Also called: 10BASE2
• Connector type: BNC twist-on connector
  These cards have a round connector that looks similar to the jack on the back of a TV where the connector from the cable company plugs in.
• Connector cables: Computers in a Thinnet LAN are tethered together with skinny black (sometimes white) coaxial cable. A Thinnet NIC accepts a T-shaped connector; the 'T' twists onto the round BNC connector of the NIC. The skinny black (sometimes white) coaxial cable connects to the other two sides of the 'T' connector.
• Network 21 status: Not allowed. This style of wiring is trouble-prone and difficult to troubleshoot.
• UCDNet status: Commonly installed before 10BASE-T became available. Still in widespread use today.

Transceiver:

A transceiver can be used to convert one type of ethernet connector to another. You can plug the transceiver into your desktop computer or network device and then plug a 10BASE-T cable into the transceiver.

Transceiver types for the new Network 21 infrastructure:

• AAUI to 10BASE-T Ethernet (Macintosh)
• AUI to 10BASE-T Ethernet (PC, UNIX, printers, Macintosh and more)
• BNC to 10BASE-T Ethernet (use rarely)
• SCSI to 10BASE-T Ethernet (Macintosh)

For more information, please read these FAQs:

• FAQ: Should we use a transceiver or buy an internal NIC?
• FAQ: Macintosh: Which is best, the AAUI port, an internal NIC, or a SCSI transceiver?

UCDNet:

The campus backbone network. UCDNet interconnects department LANs with the campus area network and the Internet.

Workstation:

A desktop computer connected to a LAN.