4.OPTIMIZING CONFIGURATION
4.1Prior to Installation
Before installing the Switch models and connecting network devices, it is important to plan the new network layout. Consider:
wDedicated Bandwidth: File servers and other high-traffic hardware can improve if they have their own direct connection with dedicated 10 or 100Mbps band- width.
wFull-Duplex: Determine which devices would benefit from a Full Duplex connection and check that they support it.
wFast Ethernet: 100Base-TX and 100Base-FX have different rules for cable and distance. Make sure these are followed.
wAuto-Negotiation: Devices with different speeds may be easily swapped when the other end of the cable is fixed to a port with auto-negotiation.
4.2 Half- and Full-Duplex
The Switch supports both Half- and Full-Duplex modes for 10Base-T and 100Base-TX. Half-Duplex mode is the traditional data transfer mode: one station sends data while other devices wait for the first to finish.
Full-Duplex is the simultaneous transmission and receiving of data. It is only possible between two devices with a dedicated link (e.g., switch-to-switch, switch-to-PC). Both of the devices must be capable of, and set to, Full-Duplex.
100Base-TX ports use auto-negotiation to detect and set the line's operating mode.
- 9 -
