Port Descriptions, Twisted Pair Ports | Allied Telesis GS900/8POE

AT-GS900/8POE Gigabit Ethernet Switch Installation Guide

Port Descriptions

Twisted Pair Ports

The following sections describe the types of ports on the AT-GS900/8POE Gigabit Ethernet switch:

“Twisted Pair Ports,” next

“SFP Combo Port” on page 18

The AT-GS900/8POE Gigabit Ethernet switch features eight 10/100/ 1000Base-T twisted pair ports.

The twisted pair ports feature 8-pin RJ-45 connectors. For the port pinouts, refer to “RJ-45 Twisted Pair Port Connectors” on page 51.

The ports are 10Base-T, 100Base-T, and 1000Base-TX compliant and are capable of 10 megabits per second (Mbps), 100 Mbps, and 1000 Mbps speeds. The ports are IEEE 802.3u Auto-Negotiation compliant. With Auto-Negotiation, the switch automatically matches the highest possible common speed between each switch port and each end node. For example, if an end node is capable of only 100 Mbps, the switch sets the port connected to the end node to 100 Mbps.

Each twisted pair port on the switch can operate in either half- or full duplex mode. The twisted pair ports are IEEE 802.3u-compliant and will Auto-Negotiate the duplex mode setting.

Note

In order for the switch to set the duplex mode for each port correctly, the end nodes that you connect to the switch ports should also use Auto-Negotiation. Otherwise, a duplex mode mismatch can occur, affecting network performance.

Each twisted pair port has a maximum operating distance of 100 m (328 feet).

For 10 Mbps operation, Category 3 or better 100 ohm shielded or unshielded twisted pair cabling is required. For 100 or 1000 Mbps operation, Category 5 and Enhanced Category 5 (5E) 100 ohm shielded or unshielded twisted pair cabling is required.

All of the twisted pair ports on the switch are auto-MDI and IEEE 802.3ab- compatible. When a port's speed and duplex mode are set through Auto- Negotiation, the port uses the auto-MDI feature to automatically configure itself as MDI or MDI-X when connected to an end node. Consequently, you can use either a straight-through or crossover twisted pair cable when connecting any network device to a port.

The ports can operate as either standard 10/100/1000Base-T ports or as

GS900/8POE specifications

The Allied Telesis GS900/8POE is a versatile and robust switch designed for small to medium-sized enterprises that require reliable network performance combined with power over Ethernet (PoE) capabilities. As part of the GS900 series, this switch offers a range of features, technologies, and characteristics that cater to modern networking demands.

One of the main features of the GS900/8POE is its eight 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet ports, which enable seamless connectivity for a variety of devices. Each port is equipped with Power over Ethernet capabilities, allowing the switch to deliver up to 15.4 watts of power per port. This is particularly beneficial for powering devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones without the need for additional power sources, minimizing installation costs and clutter.

The GS900/8POE also supports advanced Layer 2 switching capabilities, including VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) support, which enhances network segmentation and security. By allowing administrators to create isolated networks within a larger network, VLANs reduce broadcast traffic and improve overall performance. Additionally, the switch supports Quality of Service (QoS) features, ensuring that time-sensitive applications, such as video streaming and voice communications, receive priority over less critical data.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the GS900/8POE is its fanless design, which makes it ideal for environments where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. This design approach not only enhances the aesthetics of the deployment area but also increases reliability by reducing moving parts that could potentially fail.

Security is also a significant focus in the GS900/8POE's design, with features like MAC address filtering and DHCP snooping to protect against unauthorized access and potential network attacks. These safeguards ensure that network administrators can maintain control over connected devices and mitigate risks associated with security breaches.

In summary, the Allied Telesis GS900/8POE switch is a feature-rich solution that meets the demands of modern networks. Its PoE capabilities, advanced Layer 2 features, fanless operation, and robust security measures make it an excellent choice for businesses looking to expand their network infrastructure while keeping operational efficiency and reliability at the forefront. Whether used in a small office setting or for branch locations, the GS900/8POE provides a compelling balance of performance and functionality.