3Com Corp has announced first shipments of its Fast EtherLink XL 10/100BASE-T4 PCI network interface card which enables Fast Ethernet connection across category 3, 4, or 5 Unshielded Twisted Pair cable. The Fast EtherLink XL T4 network interface is for use with legacy cable, low quality category 5 cable, or a combination of legacy cable and new cable. This will, according to 3Com, pre- empt cabling problems that may be encountered when the 100 Mbps capability is enabled, so that legacy cable users can reap the benefits of high-performance Fast Ethernet connections easily. The 10/100BASE-T4 Fast EtherLink XL PCI network interface card is available now for around $150 in packs of 20; single units and packs of five are also available.
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