You have two workstations. Each workstation has a 100BASE-T network card. You want to
connect the two workstations directly without the use of a hub or switch. Which cable could you
use?
A.
CAT3 crossover
B.
CAT5 crossover
C.
CAT3 straight
D.
CAT5 straight
Explanation:
Both workstations’ NIC will be physically and electronically the same medium dependent interface
(MDI), therefore, you need a crossover cable to connect the two together. 100BASE-T has a
transmissions speed of up to 100 Mbps. The minimum twisted-pair, copper cable that can support
these speeds is CAT5 cable.Incorrect Answers:
A: Both workstations’ NIC will be physically and electronically the same as a medium dependent
interface (MDI), therefore, you need a crossover cable to connect the two together. 100BASE-T
has a transmissions speed of up to 100 Mbps. However, CAT3 cable is rated at only 16 Mbps. The
minimum cable rating that can support 100Mbps CAT5 cable.
C: Both workstations’ NIC will be physically and electronically the same as a medium dependent
interface (MDI), therefore, you need a crossover cable to connect the two together. 100BASE-T
has a transmissions speed of up to 100 Mbps. However, CAT3 cable is rated at only 16 Mbps. The
minimum cable rating that can support 100Mbps CAT5 cable.
D: Straight cable can connect a workstation on a 100BASE-TX network to hub, router, or switch,
which would have medium dependent interface-crossover (MDI-X) port. However, a crossover
cable is required to connect two client workstations directly as the two workstations will have
similar medium dependent interfaces (MDIs).References:David Groth and Dan Newland, A+
Complete Study Guide (2nd Edition), Sybex, Alameda CA, 2002, pp. 325,327.David Groth and
Toby Skandier, Network+ Study Guide (4th Edition), Sybex, Alameda CA, 2005, pp. 20-21, 23,
144, 290-292, 436-437.