SMC Networks SMC8124PL2 manual Making Network Connections, Connecting Network Devices

Chapter 4: Making Network Connections

Connecting Network Devices

The TigerSwitch 10/100/1000 units are designed to interconnect multiple segments (or collision domains). It can be connected to network cards in PCs and servers, as well as to hubs, switches or routers. It may also be connected to devices using optional SFP transceivers.

Twisted-Pair Devices

Each device requires an unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable with RJ-45 connectors at both ends. Use Category 5, 5e or 6 cable for 1000BASE-T connections, Category

5or better for 100BASE-TX connections, and Category 3 or better for 10BASE-T connections.

Power-over-Ethernet Connections

The PoE switch automatically detects an 802.3af-compliant device by its authenticated PoE signature and senses its required load before turning on DC power to the port. This detection mechanism prevents damage to other network equipment that is not 802.3af compliant.

Note: Power-over-Ethernet connections work with all existing Category 3, 4, 5, 5e or 6 network cabling, including patch cables and patch-panels, outlets, and other connecting hardware, without requiring modification.

The switch delivers power to a device using wire pairs in the connecting UTP or STP cable. The switch can provide up to 15.4 W of power continuously on each port. However, taking into account some power loss over the cable run, the amount of power that can be delivered to a terminal device is 12.95 W.

The switch controls the power and data on a port independently. Power can be requested from a device that already has a data link to the switch. Also, the switch can supply power to a device even if the port’s data connection has been disabled. The power on a port is continuously monitored by the switch and it will be turned off as soon as a device connection is removed.

Cabling Guidelines

The RJ-45 ports on the switch support automatic MDI/MDI-X pinout configuration, so you can use standard straight-through twisted-pair cables to connect to any other network device (PCs, servers, switches, routers, or hubs).

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