Overview, Manual switches, How many devices?

FEATURES

•Share a peripheral between multiple PCs.

•Great for printer-sharing applications.

•Also perfect for sharing a modem between PCs. Save on expensive line costs.

•No programming or complicated software required.

•Reliable—tested to 25,000 switching cycles.

OVERVIEW

You can save money without compromising quality and reliability. How? Share expensive equipment with one of our rock-solid switches. You’ll save money on extra peripherals, you don’t really need and get a lifetime guarantee to boot.

Say you have four PC users in your office, and they all have to use a printer once in a while. How many printers do you need? Just one—when you connect every user to an ABCDE switch.

It’s just as easy to share a modem. With a flip of the switch, any of the four users can dial out.

Or use two different printers with the same computer. You could have a black-and-white printer for drafts and a color printer for final copies.

Whatever your application, we have a switch for you! ABC switches switch two computers (A and B) to one

peripheral (C), or two peripherals to one computer.

ABCDE switches switch up to four computers (A, B, D, E) to one peripheral (C), or four peripherals to one computer.

X switches switch two computers to two peripherals, so, for example, two computers can share access to two printers.

6 to 1 switches enable six devices using DB25 connections to share one common device.

Note that switches with 25 leads can be used in either serial or parallel applications. For all your options, see page 3.

•Monitor switches have six LEDs: Transmit Data, Receive Data, Request to Send, Clear to Send, Data Set Ready, and Data Terminal Ready.

•Key-operated lockable switches prohibit unauthorized users from switching. They come with a lock and key, so if someone doesn’t have the key, he or she can’t turn the switch. That means your data is protected. Key-operated lockable switches are tested to 25,000-

use cycles to ensure reliability.

Best of all, we guarantee these switches—or their repair or replacement is on us!

Technically Speaking

Manual switches.

Black Box has nonpowered, low-cost manual switches for applications that don’t require memory, buffering, or spooling. How do you choose a switch that’s right for you? Just ask yourself three easy questions:

Which connector style?

Before ordering a switch, find out what connectors are on your existing cables and computer equipment. This ensures that you can connect your new switch.

Female connectors are standard on the switches featured in this document. On some models, male connectors are available; in some cases, there’s an additional charge.

Also, a switch must be able to support the same pinning as your equipment. For example, of the 25 electrical leads in a DB25 connector, only 4 (or 12) of them might be active. Consult the operating manual that came with your computer equipment to determine how many (and which) leads your new switch needs to support.

How many devices?

Figure out the number of devices you’re connecting and how you want to connect them. That determines the specific kind of switch you need. With ABC switches, two users can share one peripheral, or a single user can choose between two devices. ABCDE switches enable four users to share one device or one user to choose from four peripherals. With X switches, two users can share two devices.

How much space do I have?

We feature two switch sizes in this document: Chassis styles A and B. Both share the same width and depth dimensions. If vertical height is a consideration where you’re placing switches, see our specifications on page 3.

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Switch specifications

The Black Box Switch represents a cutting-edge advancement in networking technology, designed to streamline data traffic and enhance performance in both small and large scale environments. This innovative device serves as a central hub, facilitating the management and transmission of information across multiple devices within a local area network (LAN).

One of the main features of the Black Box Switch is its ability to support high-speed data transfer rates, often up to 10 Gbps, making it ideal for demanding applications such as video streaming, gaming, and large file transfers. With support for various networking standards, including Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet, these switches can seamlessly integrate with existing network infrastructure.

In terms of technology, many Black Box Switches incorporate advanced features such as Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching capabilities. Layer 2 switches operate at the data link layer, handling MAC addresses and enabling efficient data packet delivery to specific devices. Layer 3 switches, on the other hand, provide routing functionalities by interpreting IP addresses, which enhances overall network performance by minimizing potential bottlenecks.

The Black Box Switch typically boasts a variety of ports to accommodate numerous connections, ranging from 5 to 48 or more ports, depending on the model. This adaptability allows for the connection of a diverse array of devices, including computers, printers, and servers, enabling a comprehensive network setup. Additionally, many models offer Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, allowing devices like IP cameras and VoIP phones to receive power directly through the network cable, thus eliminating the need for additional power sources.

Management capabilities are another key characteristic of Black Box Switches. Many come equipped with user-friendly web-based interfaces, allowing network administrators to easily monitor traffic, manage bandwidth, and configure settings in real-time. Some models also offer features such as VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) support, which enables the segmentation of network traffic for improved performance and security, and Quality of Service (QoS) settings, which prioritize certain types of data to ensure efficient use of resources.

In conclusion, the Black Box Switch stands out as a versatile networking solution, combining speed, management capabilities, and a robust set of features to support a variety of networking needs. Its advanced technologies and characteristics make it a reliable choice for businesses seeking to optimize their network infrastructure.