Power Macintosh G3: Connecting to 10Base-2 Network

The Power Macintosh G3 computers have an RJ-45 connector for 10Base-T unshielded twisted pair (UTP) Ethernet cabling.

Here three ways to connect a Power Macintosh G3 computer's 10Base-T Ethernet to an existing coaxial Ethernet network:

• Install a coax-equipped PCI Ethernet card (must have a BNC connector)
• Add a hub with a BNC coax expansion port.
• Use a Media Adapter Transceiver (BNC/RJ-45, or coax/UTP)

The first solution may be the least expensive solution, especially if only a single computer is involved. Some PCI cards are dual-media, featuring both 10Base-T and 10Base-2 (BNC) connectors. Dual-media cards are a good choice if your coax network cabling is migrating to 10Base-T cabling in the future.

The second solution can range in price from that of a card to a more expensive hub, and is especially good if multiple 10Base-T systems are to be connected to an existing 10Base-2 coaxial Ethernet network -- or growth is anticipated.

The third solution was once in widespread use. Media adapter transceivers have faded from popularity as Ethernet has standardized more on twisted pair media. These media adapters can join a single RJ-45 connection to coax, and can to join two entire networks or add a single node to an existing network.