Glossary

Instant EtherFast® Series

3.When using Windows NT, set your system’s PNP OS option in the BIOS settings to MANUAL or DISABLE. NT is not a Plug-and-Play OS, and will not usually recognize LAN Cards if they are set to be automatically detected and configured. If you need to configure your PC's BIOS in order to resolve an IRQ or other conflict with the EtherFast card, there are a few possibilities:

No Changes Allowed Your PC may not allow you to change the IRQ value(s) of the PCI slot(s). In this case, you will ONLY be able to use the IRQ and I/O values that have been pre-assigned to each slot. The popular BIOS from Phoenix, for example, does not generally allow you to modify BIOS-assigned IRQ settings.

Jumper Changes You may be able to change the IRQ & I/O values for a given PCI slot by setting jumpers on your PC motherboard. Please refer to your PC's motherboard user guide for specific instructions.

Menu Changes Your PC may allow you to change the IRQ & I/O values for a given PCI slot by accessing the PC's BIOS setup menu. Please refer to your PC's user guide for specific details. The BIOS from companies like AMI and Award are fully customizable from their BIOS menus, for example.

Linux, Open Source, and Beta Operating Systems

Linksys does not provide technical support for Linux, BSD, or other free- ware, Beta, or open source operating systems. Although many Linksys prod- ucts have been proven to perform well under Linux and other freeware OSes, technical support for setup and troubleshooting is not provided. For informa- tion on where to find device drivers and setup instructions for Linux and other freeware OSes, visit the support pages and FAQ files on the Linksys website at www.linksys.com.

Fast Ethernet Switched 10/100 Network In a Box

10BaseT - An Ethernet standard that uses twisted wire pairs.

100BaseTX - IEEE physical layer specification for 100 Mbps over two pairs of Category 5 UTP or STP wire.

Adapter - Printed circuit board that plugs into a PC to add to capabilities or connectivity to a PC. In a networked environment, a network interface card (NIC) is the typical adapter that allows the PC or server to connect to the intranet and/or Internet.

Bit - A binary digit. The value - 0 or 1-used in the binary numbering system. Also, the smallest form of data.

Boot - To cause the computer to start executing instructions. Personal comput- ers contain built-in instructions in a ROM chip that are automatically executed on startup. These instructions search for the operating system, load it and pass control to it.

CAT 3 - ANSI/EIA (American National Standards Institute/Electronic Industries Association) Standard 568 is one of several standards that specify "categories" (the singular is commonly referred to as "CAT") of twisted pair cabling systems (wires, junctions, and connectors) in terms of the data rates that they can sustain. CAT 3 cable has a maximum throughput of 16 Mbps and is usually utilized for 10BaseT networks.

CAT 5 - ANSI/EIA (American National Standards Institute/Electronic Industries Association) Standard 568 is one of several standards that specify "categories" (the singular is commonly referred to as "CAT") of twisted pair cabling systems (wires, junctions, and connectors) in terms of the data rates that they can sustain. CAT 5 cable has a maximum throughput of 100 Mbps and is usually utilized for 100BaseTX networks.

CPU (Central Processing Unit) - The computing part of the computer. Also called the "processor," it is made up of the control unit and ALU.

Ethernet - IEEE standard network protocol that specifies how data is placed on and retrieved from a common transmission medium. Has a transfer rate of 10 Mbps. Forms the underlying transport vehicle used by several upper-level proto- cols, including TCP/IP and XNS.

EZXS55W, FESWSK05 v3 specifications

The Linksys FESWSK05 v3 and the EZXS55W are both notable pieces of networking hardware designed to enhance connectivity in various environments, from small businesses to homes. These Ethernet switches offer crucial features that facilitate efficient data transfer and network management.

The Linksys FESWSK05 v3 is a 5-port Fast Ethernet switch, utilizing a non-blocking architecture that allows for full wire-speed performance. Each port supports 10/100Mbps connections, making it a versatile choice for environments requiring high-speed data transfer. The switch is designed with ease of use in mind; it features a plug-and-play setup, eliminating the need for complex configuration. This makes it suitable for users of all technical levels. Furthermore, it includes auto-sensing technology that detects the speed of connected devices and automatically adjusts to ensure optimal alignment.

The EZXS55W, on the other hand, is a smart switch with features that cater to growing networking demands. It also supports 5 ports, with similar 10/100Mbps capabilities, but offers additional functionalities, such as a built-in web management interface. This allows for advanced features like VLAN support and Quality of Service (QoS). These capabilities enable users to prioritize traffic for bandwidth-sensitive applications such as VoIP and video conferencing, ensuring a stable and reliable connection.

Both models support Auto-MDI/MDI-X functionality, which simplifies installation by automatically detecting and configuring the type of connection. This is particularly useful for network administrators managing multiple connections without the need for crossover cables. Additionally, they are equipped with IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, and 802.3x standards compliance, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.

In terms of physical characteristics, the Linksys switches are compact and designed for desktop or wall-mounted installation, making them suitable for space-constrained environments. Their fanless design ensures silent operation, which is ideal for both home and office settings.

Overall, the Linksys FESWSK05 v3 and EZXS55W are excellent choices for users seeking reliable, efficient, and straightforward networking solutions. With their robust feature set and user-friendly design, they provide the necessary foundation for a well-functioning network, catering to the demands of modern connectivity. Whether for home use or in a small office, these switches deliver performance and reliability that users can count on.