100Base-TX (Fast Ethernet, IEEE 802.3u)

The Standard 100Base-TX is a further development of 10Base-T and belongs to the so-called Fast Ethernet-technologies. It describes how Ethernet networks with a Transmission rate of 100 Mbit/s are operated via copper lines. Here, too, a Star topology used: Each device (e.g. PC, printer) is connected to a central network device such as a switch or hub.

The most important features:

• Cabling:
  100Base-TX uses Category 5 twisted pair cable (Cat5) or better. Although there are eight wires in a network cable (four wire pairs), with 100Base-TX only two wire pairs actively used:
  • A pair for the Send from data
  • A pair for the Receive from data
• Transmission speed:
  maximum 100 Mbit/s (ten times faster than 10Base-T)
• Maximum cable length per connection:
  100 m between end device and switch/hub
• Topology:
  Star-shaped - each terminal device has its own line to the distributor

Thanks to these properties, 100Base-TX is suitable for networks in which higher data rates are required than with 10Base-T, e.g. for file sharing, network printers or Internet access with more bandwidth.

Here is a Clear comparison table for the three standards: