Installation

Installation

Coaxial cable typically is installed in two configurations: daisy-chain (from device to device—Ethernet) and star (ARCnet). Both are shown in Figure 3.7.

The Ethernet cabling shown in the figure is an example of Thinnet, which uses RG-58 type cable. Devices connect to the cable by means of T-connectors. Cables are used to provide connections between T-connectors. One characteristic of this type of cabling is that the ends of the cable run must be terminated by a special connector, called a terminator. The terminator contains a resistor that is matched to the characteristics of the cable. The resistor prevents signals that reach the end of the cable from bouncing back and causing interference.

Coaxial cable is reasonably easy to install because the cable is robust and difficult to damage. In addition, connectors can be installed with inexpensive tools and a bit of practice. The device-to-device cabling approach can be difficult to reconfigure, however, when new devices cannot be installed near an existing cabling path.