The cluster node Xserve provides an Ethernet port on the main logic board. Standard slot load Xserve configurations have two Ethernet ports: one on the main logic board and one on a network card. Both Ethernet ports support 10Base-T, 100Base-T, and 1000Base-T transfer rates. In operation, the actual speed of each link is auto-negotiated between the computer’s PHY device and the hub, switch, or router to which it the port is connected. The Gigabit Ethernet card offers Jumbo Frame support. The Ethernet port on the main logic board does not offer Jumbo Frame support.
| Note: When connecting an Xserve computer directly to another computer without using an Ethernet hub, a crossover cable is not required; circuits in the PHY detect the type of connection and switch the signal configuration as required. |
The connectors for the Ethernet ports are RJ-45 connectors on the back of the computer. Table 3-4 shows the signals and pin assignments for 10Base-T and 100Base-T operation. Table 3-5 shows the signals and pin assignments for 1000Base-T operation.
Table 3-4 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 3-5 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 interface in the Xserve 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).