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iCOM
Controls Training and Service Manual
166
Switches perform the same mechanical function, but they also include software
inside that allows communication to operate at faster speeds and allow for multiple
unit communication. Switches are the latest technology, but you are safe to use
either device.
Hubs are available in different
configuration, with 4, 8, 12, 15 or 24 RJ-
45 connections. You can plug in the
RJ45-connector into a hub while the
network is running on the other connected
systems, allowing you to move / add
systems without having to shutdown the network.
As network grow, you may need a second hub:
UNIT IDENTIFICATION OR ADDRESSING
The units are separated and identified through their TCP/IP address. TCP/IP
refers to the protocol or language being used to communicate between the
Environmental Units. The addresses are arranged in 32-bit numbers. To make it
easier to memorize such IP-addresses, they are usually expressed as 4 8-bit
numbers (example: 192.168.10.1), where each of the 4 numbers is within the
range of '0' to '255' (there are restriction on using '0' and '255', avoid using them.)
When setting up a small private network, you are free to use ANY IP-
address, however, when you are connected to a company network, you need
to ask the Network-administrator to assign you an IP-address. And if you are
connected to the Internet, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) will assign an
IP-address to you.
Even if a network is NOT connected to the Internet, it has become custom to use
on private networks a range of IP-addresses, which are reserved for private
networks (that makes it later possible to connect your private network to the
Internet without having to re-configure everything). The reserved IP-address is:
192.168.x.y, where x=same number on all systems and y=different/unique number
on all systems.
See the example above under HUBS AND SWITCHES for an example of this
configuration.
di
g
ital
192.168.168.1
192.168.168.3
Twisted pair - 10baseT - UTP Cable
192.168.168.2