Ethernet Port

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Ethernet Port

The PowerBook G4 computer has a built-in Ethernet port that supports 10Base-T, 100Base-T, and 1000Base-T transfer rates. In operation, the actual speed of the link is auto-negotiated between the computer's PHY device and the network bridge or router to which it is connected.

The connector for the Ethernet port is an RJ-45 connector on the back of the computer. Table 3-3 shows the signals and pin assignments for 10Base-T and 100Base-T operation. Table 3-4 shows the signals and pin assignments for 1000Base-T operation.

Table 3-3 Signals for 10Base-T and 100Base-T operation

Pin	Signal name	Signal definition
1	TXP	Transmit (positive lead)
2	TXN	Transmit (negative lead)
3	RXP	Receive (positive lead)
4	–	Not used
5	–	Not used
6	RXN	Receive (negative lead)
7	–	Not used
8	–	Not used

Table 3-4 Signals for 1000Base-T operation

Pin	Signal name	Signal definition
1	TRD+(0)	Transmit and receive data 0 (positive lead)
2	TRD–(0)	Transmit and receive data 0 (negative lead)
3	TRD+(1)	Transmit and receive data 1 (positive lead)
4	TRD+(2)	Transmit and receive data 2 (positive lead)
5	TRD–(2)	Transmit and receive data 2 (negative lead)
6	TRD–(1)	Transmit and receive data 1 (negative lead)
7	TRD+(3)	Transmit and receive data 3 (positive lead)
8	TRD–(3)	Transmit and receive data 3 (negative lead)

To interconnect two computers for 1000Base-T operation, you must use 4-pair cable (Category 5 or 6).

The Ethernet port on the PowerBook G4 computer supports Auto-MDIX: It switches between MDI (Medium Dependent Interface) and MDI-X operation automatically, so it can be connected to another device by either a straight-through cable or a cross-over cable.

The Ethernet interface in the PowerBook G4 computer conforms to the ISO/IEC 802.3 specification, where applicable, and complies with IEEE specifications 802.3i (10Base-T), 802.3u-1995 (100Base-T), and 802.3ab (1000Base-T).