Configuration a, Installing an Ethernet Switch

Instant EtherFast® Series

Configuration A shows one possible way to set up an Ethernet Switch in a Fast Ethernet environment. Note that an Ethernet Switch requires UTP Category 5 network cabling for all its connections, like all Fast Ethernet network hardware.

All of the workstations below can access all resources on the network - 10Mbps users can access the 100Mbps nodes, and vice versa. While allowing the 10Mbps and 100Mbps segments to communicate, an Ethernet Switch opti- mizes data traffic by switching the data packets to their destination through the quickest route possible, which improves performance up to 80% even on the faster 100Mbps network segment.

Configuration A

Figure 2-1

EtherFast® 16-Port and 24-Port 10/100 Ethernet Switches

Installing an Ethernet Switch

Rack Mounting an Ethernet Switch

Each Ethernet Switch is equipped with three mounting holes on each side for rack mounting in a standard rack. After screwing a mounting bracket into each side of an Ethernet Switch, lift the Switch into your rack and secure the brack- ets in place with additional screws (not supplied by Linksys).

Connecting Nodes to an Ethernet Switch

An Ethernet Switch’s front panel has 16 or 24 standard RJ-45 ports, depending upon the model, which can connect to workstations, file servers, print servers, and other network peripherals. Each port automatically detects port speed and can operate in either half or full duplex mode. With duplex detection, you can run speeds of 10Mbps, 20Mbps, 100Mbps, up to a maximum of 200Mbps.

Each cable connected to an Ethernet Switch must be a UTP Category 5 ether- net network cable with RJ-45 tips, and must not exceed 100 meters (328 feet) in length. Ready-to-use network cabling with precrimped ends are available at most computer retail stores.

Connecting PCs

Connect your PCs to an Ethernet Switch’s ports with straight-through UTP Category 5 cabling. Plug the other end of the Cat 5 cable into your PC’s net- work adapter.

Connecting to Other Switches, Hubs, Bridges and Repeaters

Each port on an Ethernet Switch can also be used to uplink to another switch, hub, bridge or repeater, serving as an uplink port. These ports will automati- cally detect what kind of cable is connected, either cross-over or straight- through, and adjust for that cable.

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