Linksys EG24M manual Appendix, About Fast Ethernet, About Gigabit Ethernet, Fiber Optic Cabling

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Linksys EtherFast® II Series

Appendix

About Fast Ethernet

As the demand for desktop video, multimedia development, imaging, and other speed-intensive applications continues to rise, the need for high per- formance, fault tolerant LAN technology will become more critical.

Standard Ethernet, which has been the most popular networking technology to date with a maximum data throughput of 10Mbps (Megabits per second), is becoming insufficient to handle the latest video, multimedia, and other speed-intensive client/server LAN applications.

Among the solutions to the problem of network speed, Fast Ethernet has emerged as the most viable and economical. Capable of sending and receiv- ing data at 100Mbps, it is more than fast enough to handle even the most demanding video and other real-time applications.

Although there are a number of different competing Fast Ethernet implemen- tations, 100BaseTX is by far the most popular. Operating on two pairs of Category 5 unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cabling, 100BaseTX supports high speed signaling and is relatively inexpensive. Because it uses four wires for data transmission and the same packet format, packet length, error control, and management information as 10BaseT, 100BaseTX can be made to com- municate with slower 10BaseT equipment when routed through a switch.

This backwards compatibility is one of 100BaseTX's major advantages over other forms of Fast Ethernet; it allows critical, speed-dependent network seg- ments to be upgraded to 100BaseTX speeds as needed without re-wiring, refitting, and retraining an entire site. Networks can now mix both slow and fast network segments for different users or departments. Publishing, R&D, video, multimedia, or accounting departments can enjoy a 100Mbps pace, while other corporate segments can operate at slower and more affordable 10Mbps speeds.

10/100 Managed 24-Port GigaSwitch

About Gigabit Ethernet

Gigabit Ethernet runs at speeds of 1Gbps (Gigabit per second), ten times faster than 100Mbps Fast Ethernet, but it still integrates seamlessly with 100Mbps Fast Ethernet hardware. Users can connect Gigabit Ethernet hard- ware with either fiber optic cabling or copper Category 5 cabling, with fiber optics more suited for network backbones. As the new Gigabit standard grad- ually integrates into existing networks, current computer applications will enjoy faster access time for network data, hardware, and Internet connections.

Fiber Optic Cabling

Fiber optic cabling is made from flexible, optically efficient strands of glass and coated with a layer of rubber tubing, fiber optics use photons of light instead of electrons to send and receive data. Although fiber is physically capable of carrying tetrabits of data per second, the signaling hardware cur- rently on the market can handle no more than a few gigabits of data per sec- ond.

Fiber cables come in different with two main connector types. The most com- monly used fiber optic cable is multi-mode fiber cable (MMF), with a 62.5 micron fiber optic core. Single-mode fiber cabling is somewhat more effi- cient than multi-mode but far more expensive, due to its smaller optic core that helps retain the intensity of traveling light signals. A fiber connection always require two fiber cables: one transmits data, and the other receives it.

Each fiber optic cable is tipped with a connector that fits into a fiber port on a network adapter, hub, or switch. In the U. S., most cables use a square SC connector that slides and locks into place when plugged into a port or con- nected to another cable. In Europe, the round ST connector is more prevalent.

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Contents 10/100 Managed Port GigaSwitch Copyright & Trademarks Table of Contents Introduction Linksys EtherFast 10/100 Managed 24-Port GigaSwitchLEDs Getting to Know the GigaSwitchFull-Duplex Considerations Installing the GigaSwitchPositioning the GigaSwitch Fast Ethernet ConsiderationsInstalling the Gigabit Expansion Modules Rack-Mounting the GigaSwitchPowering On and Resetting the GigaSwitch Uplinking the GigaSwitchSwitch Management Basic Management Activities Configuring the GigaSwitchWeb-Based Configuration and Management Logging On to the GigaSwitchChanging the Location General Management ConfigurationChanging the Administration Password Changing the System NameStatistic Collection Changing the Guest PasswordReturning to the Basic Management Screen LAN Port ConfigurationReboot-on-Error Remote Telnet LoginChanging the Speed and Flow Control Setting the Line SpeedChanging the Flow Control Console Port ConfigurationDisplaying Physical Port Address Enabling or Disabling Modem Control Options Specifying a Modem Setup StringChanging the Console Baud Rate Selecting a Flow Control MethodSpecifying a Slip Address Enabling or Disabling SlipSpecifying a Slip Subnet Mask Advanced Management Activities Switching Database ConfigurationCreating a New Vlan Default VlanVlan Perspective Obtaining a Vlan PerspectiveAdding New Switch Ports Viewing Vlan Activities Deleting a Vlan IDScrolling Through Domains Viewing Vlan SettingsSearching for MAC Addresses Obtaining Additional InformationDeleting Ports Adding PortsMAC Address Perspective IP Multicast Group PerspectivePer Port Vlan Activities Port PerspectiveScrolling Through MAC Addresses Per Port Statistics IP NetworkingARP Table Settings IP & RIP SettingsAdding Static ARP Table Entries Searching for ARP Table Entries Deleting Static ARP Table EntriesRIP Routing TableVlan IcmpDeleting Routing Table Entries Dhcp Gateway SettingsSearching for Routing Table Entries Servers DelayRelays Ping Settings Bridging Static Filtering Spanning Tree Functions Spanning Tree Protocol ConfigurationsSpanning Tree Path Costs Spanning Tree Port StatesSnmp Functions Spanning Tree Port PrioritiesLinksys EtherFast II Series Port Trunking Other ProtocolsPort Mirroring Upgrading Firmware Snmp Agent and MIB-2 RFC1213 Snmp and Rmon ManagementRmon Groups Supported Rmon MIB RFC 1757 and Bridge MIB RFCBridge Groups Supported Fiber Optic Cabling AppendixAbout Fast Ethernet About Gigabit EthernetTwisted-Pair Cabling Crimping Your Own Network Cables Customer Support SpecificationsLinksys Warranty Information EnvironmentalT p / / w w w. l i n k s y s . c o m

EG24M specifications

The Linksys EG24M is a powerful and versatile network switch that caters to the needs of both small and medium-sized businesses. With its robust features and reliable performance, the EG24M has established itself as a go-to choice for enhancing network connectivity in diverse environments.

At the heart of the Linksys EG24M are 24 Ethernet ports, all of which support Gigabit speed. This allows for rapid data transfer rates, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications such as video streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers. All ports are auto-sensing and configure themselves automatically to the speed of connected devices, optimizing performance without the need for manual configurations.

One of the standout features of the EG24M is its support for Power over Ethernet (PoE). This technology enables the switch to deliver electrical power along with data over standard Ethernet cables, eliminating the need for additional power supplies for PoE-enabled devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points. This simplifies installation and reduces clutter, allowing for flexible deployments in various environments.

The Linksys EG24M also incorporates advanced Layer 2 switching capabilities. It supports features such as VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), allowing network segmentation to enhance security and traffic management. This is particularly beneficial in larger networks where different departments or functions require isolated communication channels. Additionally, the switch supports Quality of Service (QoS) features, enabling prioritization of critical network traffic to ensure smooth performance for essential applications.

Security is another key aspect of the Linksys EG24M. It has built-in features to protect the network against unauthorized access, ensuring that sensitive data remains secure. The switch also supports storm control and broadcast control to mitigate network congestion and enhance overall performance.

In terms of design, the EG24M features a compact and robust form factor, which makes it suitable for mounting in standard racks or desktop environments. Its fanless design ensures silent operation, making it ideal for office use where noise can be a distraction.

In conclusion, the Linksys EG24M is an efficient and reliable network switch that combines high-speed connectivity with advanced features like PoE, VLAN support, and enhanced security. Its design and capabilities make it a valuable asset for any business looking to improve its network infrastructure. With Linksys backing its technology, the EG24M is poised to deliver exceptional performance and reliability for diverse networking needs.
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