Ok Gentlepeople,
I have been having an ongoing debate regarding the practical meaning of networkings 5,4,3 rule, sometimes called the 5, 4, 3, 2 rule.
Imagine a 10/100B-T network with, for instance a server connected to a backbone switch (call it SW-A) which is in turn connected to another switch (B) which is in turn connected to another switch (C) which connects to end users. Graphically:
Serv—-A—-B—-C—-users
The point of debate comes in with regarding to where users can connect on this network. One viewpoint has it that they may only connect at point C, with additional switch/hubs branching off at points A and B (switch/hubs D,E,F, and G).
|-F |-G
Serv—-A—–B—–C—–users
|__D |__E
The other viewpoint holds that users may also connect at point B.
|-users
|-F |-users
Serv—-A—–B—–C—–users
|__D |__E
Who can speak authoritatively on this issue and explain the why’s and why-nots (or even give an overview of 5-4-3)
Further, I noticed in another question, a response seeming to limit 100MB switch to Switch distance to 3 meters. Is this correct?
