Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server work with the types of network media described in this document.
Network Access Methods
Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server are designed to work with:
- Ethernet (twisted pair and fiber optic)
- wireless Ethernet (AirPort)
Mac OS X and Mac OS X Server are not designed to work with:
Ethernet networking
Mac OS X provides Ethernet network access when used with the network adapters and transmission media listed below. You should see third-party support materials for information regarding non-Apple network adapters.
Twisted pair Ethernet:
- Built-in Ethernet ports on all Mac OS X 10.1 compatible computers.
- Apple 10/100Base-T Ethernet PCI Card
- Apple 4-Port 10/100 Ethernet PCI Card
These adapters work with the following transmission media:
10Base-T Ethernet twisted pair (Cat 3)
10/100Base-T Ethernet twisted pair (Cat 5)
10/100/1000Base-T Ethernet twisted pair (Cat 5+, Cat 5e, or Cat 6)
Optical Ethernet:
- Apple Gigabit Ethernet PCI Card
This card works with a 1000Base-SX Ethernet fiber optic network. It uses multimode fiber-optic cabling with an SC style connector.
Wireless Ethernet networking
Mac OS X provides 802.11b (AirPort) and 802.11g (AirPort Extreme) networking in the 2.4 GHz band at 11 Mbit/s and 54 Mbits/s, respectively, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS). Apple provides technical support for Apple-branded AirPort products. See third-party support materials for information on compatible third-party wireless products.
Physical data rate based on IEEE 802.11g specification. Actual data throughput will be lower. Range will vary with site conditions. Assumes AirPort Express/Extreme network with 802.11g-enabled computer. Speed and range will be less if an 802.11b product joins the network. Accessing the wireless network requires an AirPort- or AirPort Extreme-enabled computer or other Wi-Fi Certified 802.11a/b/g-enabled computer.