ZDNet Definition for: 10Base-T

An Ethernet standard that transmits at 10 Mbps over twisted wire pairs (telephone wire). 10Base-T is a shared media LAN when used with a hub (all nodes share the 10 Mbps) and 10 Mbps between each pair of nodes when used with a switch. There are rarely new 10Base-T products. Most Ethernet adapters, hubs and switches are 10/100 devices, which support both 10Base-T and 100Base-T, which is 10 times as fast. (see 10/100 adapter).

A Star Configuration
In the 1980s, 10Base-T began to be widely deployed. Using inexpensive and flexible twisted pair "telephone wires," 10Base-T Ethernet ("T" means twisted) was easier to install than previous "thick" and "thin" Ethernets that used coaxial cable. See Ethernet, 10Base-F and switched Ethernet.




\"Twisted Pair\" Ethernet
All stations in a 10Base-T and 100Base-T Ethernet are wired to a central hub or switch using twisted pair wires and RJ-45 connectors.

Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.