Introduction to Networking

Unit 2

Lesson 3 - Bus Topology

10base2

10 Base2 coaxial cable is sometimes referred to as thin Ethernet, Thin-net, or Cheapernet. The number "2" in 10Base2 stands for approximately 200 m (actually 185 m) per segment. 10Base2 is often used in smaller, low-cost installations because it does not require the initial expense of a hub purchase, as does the 10BaseT standard (described in the next section).

10Base2 adapter boards perform all transceiver functions, and therefore no external transceiver is necessary. At the back of the adapter is a twist-on BNC connector, and a T-connector connects the adapter directly to the coaxial cable. 10Base2 cable must be terminated with a 50-ohm terminator at each end of the cable. The 10Base2 Adapter and Cable Diagram illustrates these two components.

10Base2 Adapter and Cable

The 10Base2 Wiring Rules Table describes various 10Base2 parameters to consider when using this cable to wire a system.

10Base2 Wiring Rules

10Base2 Parameter	Value
Maximum data rate	10 Mbps
Maximum repeaters between transceivers	4
Maximum stations per segment	30
Maximum stations	1024
Minimum distance between stations	0.5 meter
Maximum coax segment without a repeater	185 meters
Maximum coax length with repeaters	925 meters

Activities

See the Activities and Extended Activities section in Unit 2 Lesson 3 in your textbook Introduction to Networking to test what you have learned so far.

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