Installing Your Switch

Instant EtherFast® Series

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 Workgroup Switch (EZXS16W shown)

•AC Power Adapter

•User Guide and Registration Card

Connecting Computers to Your Switch

Your Switch’s rear panel has either 5, 8, or 16 standard RJ-45 ports (depend- ing on the model). 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 UTP Category 5 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

EZXS55W v2 & EZXS88W v2 only:

If the Uplink port is in use (connected to another switch, etc.), the 10/100 Workgroup Switch’s port next to the Uplink port must remain empty and unused. As with most switches, the 10/100 Workgroup Switch’s Uplink port and the port adjacent to it are joined together inside the switch, and one can- not be used while the other is in use.

EZXS16W only:

The 10/100 16-Port Switch is equipped with a crossover button (labeled MDI/MDIX) that enables port 16 to be used as the switch’s uplink port. To utilize the port’s uplink capability, the MDI/MDIX button must be depressed. If the button is not depressed, port 16 will function as a normal 10/100 port.

10/100 Workgroup 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 10/100 Workgroup Switches mean. Each Switch has a Power LED on the left side to indicate when the unit is ON.

Front Panel - EtherFast 10/100 Workgroup Switch

(EZXS88W v2 shown)

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

EZXS55W v2, EZXS88W v2, EZXS16W specifications

The Linksys EZXS55W v2, EZXS88W v2, and EZXS16W are versatile networking switches designed for both home and small office environments. These switches provide reliable performance and help expand network connectivity effortlessly.

The Linksys EZXS55W v2 is a 5-port 10/100 Ethernet switch that allows network expansion without complex configuration. It features auto-sensing technology that automatically adjusts to the needs of connected devices, ensuring optimal data transmission. With a compact design, the EZXS55W v2 is ideal for desktops or network closets where space is limited. It supports both full duplex and half duplex transmission modes, delivering speeds up to 200 Mbps when operating in full duplex mode. Furthermore, the plug-and-play feature eliminates the need for additional configuration, enabling users to connect devices instantly.

Moving on to the EZXS88W v2, this 8-port switch is also equipped with 10/100 Mbps Ethernet capabilities. Similar to its smaller counterpart, the EZXS88W v2 supports auto-sensing, allowing for easy integration of devices into the network. This switch is valuable for users who need to connect multiple devices while maintaining a reliable and speedy connection. It offers an efficient way to manage network traffic, preventing packet loss and enhancing overall performance. Like the EZXS55W v2, it is designed for hassle-free setup with its plug-and-play functionality.

Lastly, the Linksys EZXS16W is a robust 16-port switch, making it an excellent choice for growing networks. It provides 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connectivity with auto-sensing capabilities. The EZXS16W’s larger port count enables users to connect multiple devices like computers, printers, and other peripherals, creating a seamlessly integrated network. The switch also features a durable metal housing and a fanless design, which allows for quiet operation while maintaining energy efficiency.

All three models boast a series of features that enhance network reliability, including quality of service (QoS) for prioritizing traffic, leading to smoother performance for applications such as VoIP and video streaming. With their straightforward setup and robust design, the Linksys EZXS55W v2, EZXS88W v2, and EZXS16W offer an effective solution for anyone seeking to enhance their networking capabilities, ensuring a seamless and efficient connectivity experience in any environment.