Maximum Distance
The maximum distance of a twisted pair cable is 100 meters (328 feet). Cable lengths that exceed this limit can result in poor or erratic network performance.
Ports 1X to 7X — MDI-X Configuration
An RJ-45 twisted pair port on a 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps Ethernet network device can be wired as either MDI or MDI-X. Twisted pair ports on personal computers, routers, and bridges are typically wired as MDI. Twisted pair ports on switches and hubs are usually MDI-X.
When connecting two network devices together, you need to use straight- through twisted pair cabling when connecting two dissimilar ports together, such as an MDI port to an MDI-X port. To connect two similar ports together, such as an MDI port to an MDI port, you use a crossover twisted pair cable.
Ports 1X through 7X on the AT-FS709FC are configured as MDI-X. This means that if you are connecting a computer, router, or bridge to one of these ports, you probably need to use a straight-through twisted pair cable.
If you decide to connect another Ethernet switch to one of these ports, or a hub, then you will probably need to use a crossover cable.
Port 8MDI and Port 8MDI-X
There are two Port 8s. One port is configured as MDI and the other as MDI-X. To connect a switch or hub to Port 8, connect it to Port 8MDI. When connecting a workstation or server to Port 8, use Port 8MDI-X.
Note
You can use either Port 8MDI or Port 8MDI-X. You cannot use both ports at the same time.
