10/100Mbps Ports

10/100 Fast Ethernet Switch User’s Guide

∙Connect single users either to provide power users with greater access and thus speed, or multiple users for high bandwidth access to a shared network server.

∙Uplink connections for lower-tier switches.

The 10/100Mbps twisted-pair ports are standard RJ-45 connectors for use with unshielded or shielded twisted-pair (UTP/STP) wiring. These ports are auto-negotiating between 10Mbps and 100Mbps, which means that they detect the speed of devices connected to them and auto-configure to run at that speed. The 10/100Mbps ports also operate in half-duplex mode or full- duplex mode at either speed. In either duplex mode, the twisted-pair ports can operate over 100 meters of Category 5 UTP or STP cable.

Possible uses for the 10/100Mbps switch ports:

∙Add Fast Ethernet segments to an existing 10Mbps LAN.

∙Provide a dedicated Fast Ethernet connection for a shared LAN server in a 10Mbps LAN.

∙Uplink to a higher-tier hub or switch.

Table 1-1: Port and Cable Specifications

Port	Connector	Half/Full	Cable
		Duplex

10Mbps	RJ-45	10/20Mbps	100m, Category 3,4, or
			5 UTP; or STP

10/100Mbps	RJ-45	10/20Mbps	100m, Category 5 UTP
		100/200Mbps	or STP

Overview