Linksys 10/100 Workgroup Switch Manual - EZXS55W & EZXS88W Guide

Instant EtherFast ® Series

Installing Your Switch

Package Contents

Carefully remove your EtherFast 10/100 Workgroup Switch from its packag- ing. Make sure that you have received all of the items listed below. If any items are missing or damaged, contact your Linksys dealer for replacement part(s).

•EtherFast 10/100 Autosensing Workgroup Switch

•AC Power Cable

•User Guide and Registration Card

Connecting Computers to Your Switch

Your Switch’s rear panel has five or eight standard RJ-45 ports, plus a shared uplink port. Each port automatically detects the speed and duplex of the attached cabling to a network card, switch, hub, etc. The ports operate in either full or half duplex, which lets you run at speeds of 200mbps, 100mbps, 20mbps or 10mbps.

Each port on your Switch can connect to workstations, file servers, hubs, repeaters, bridges, routers or other switches. Connections to the switch require Category 5 UTP network cabling with RJ-45 tips, not to exceed 100 meters (328 feet) in length. See page 10 for more details on cabling.

To connect a computer directly to the switch, plug one end of the cable into the switch, then plug the other end of the cable into the computer's network adapter.

Uplinking to Other Switches and Hubs

Switches, hubs, and similar network devices are uplinked to your Switch with straight-through Category 5 cabling. Attach the Category 5 cabling to the uplink port of the network device that you are uplinking to the Switch, and plug the other end of the cable into any standard RJ-45 port on your Switch. Using the uplink port will automatically disable the port directly next to it, since the uplink port is a shared port.

EtherFast 10/100 Autosensing Switches

Powering On the Switch

Plug in the Switch's AC power adapter. Each time your Switch powers up, it will run a Diagnostic/Self-Test. After the test, the Power LED will light up. As connections to the Switch’s LEDs are powered on, each port's correspon- ding Link/Act LED will light up. The remaining LEDs will also light up according to how your data is being transferred, e.g. full or half duplex, 10mbps or 100mbps.

If the Switch experiences excessive data collisions, verify that your network cabling is securely crimped and installed properly.

Reading the Front Panel LEDs

The chart below tells you what the front panel LEDs of the 5 and 8 Port Switches mean. Each Switch has a Power LED on the left side to indicate when the unit is ON.

Front Panel - Etherfast 10/100 Autosensing Workgroup Switch

LED Configuration Chart

LED	LED Status	Network Status
Link/Act	On	Connection is detected

	Flickering	Data is sending/receiving

FD/Col	On	Full duplex transfer mode

	Flickering	Port has data collision error

	Off	Half duplex transfer mode

100	On	100 mbps speed

	Off	10 mbps speed

EZXS88W, EZXS55W 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.