Introduction to Data Communications
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Maximum of 5 segments (with 4 repeaters) can be along the path between any 2 network nodes: 3 may be coax segments having a maximum delay of 0.565 uSec and 2 may be link segments having a maximum delay of 0.565 uSec. The 5-4-3 rule will be discussed under Repeaters and its special implications for IEEE 802.3i.

Maximum Transfer Rate

The Maximum Data Transfer Rate for IEEE 802.3i is 10 Mbps (10,000,000 bits per second of data). In actual fact, data transfer is dependant on how many users are fighting for the bus and how fast the user's data can get on the bus.

Physical Star/Logical Bus

IEEE 802.3a is a Physical Star - the cable is physically laid out as star pattern with all twisted pair cables (AUIs) coming from the nodes to a central wiring closet containing the Hub (Multi-Port Repeater / Concentrator)

It is treated as a Logical Bus - electronically and logically it appears as 1 long cable with the network nodes attached to it. A node can be a client, server, workstation or other hub.

Introduction to Data Communications
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