Overview

Putting together an Ethernet network requires making choices about network speed, cable type, and methods of connecting the computers to the network. The options are the same whether the network connects PCs, embedded systems, or a combination. If you re adding an embedded system to an existing network, you need to ensure that your system s speed and cabling are compatible with the network.

In developing a networked embedded system, it s likely that you ll want to connect the system to a PC at some point. A Web browser or other application on a PC can provide a handy way to monitor and control the operation of embedded systems. Even if the final configuration doesn t require PC communications, a PC can be useful for testing device firmware before you add other network computers or an Internet connection.

This chapter begins with a guide to using Ethernet to connect an embedded system to a PC. Following this is a discussion of the options for cable types, network speeds, and methods of interconnecting computers in Ethernet networks.

Quick Start: Connecting to a PC

If you don t yet have an embedded system with an Ethernet interface, learning how to connect a system to a PC may seem to be a little ahead of the game. But understanding something about network configurations and options can be useful in deciding what cable type and speed an embedded system s interface should support.