Enterasys Networks V2H124-24P manual Network Planning, Introduction to Switching

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Chapter 2: Network Planning

Introduction to Switching

A network switch allows simultaneous transmission of multiple packets via non-crossbar switching. This means that it can partition a network more efficiently than bridges or routers. The switch has, therefore, been recognized as one of the most important building blocks for today’s networking technology.

When performance bottlenecks are caused by congestion at the network access point (such as the network card for a high-volume file server), the device experiencing congestion (server, power user, or hub) can be attached directly to a switched port. And, by using full-duplex mode, the bandwidth of the dedicated segment can be doubled to maximize throughput.

When networks are based on repeater (hub) technology, the maximum distance between end stations is limited. For Ethernet, there may be up to four hubs between any pair of stations; for Fast Ethernet, the maximum is two; and for Gigabit Ethernet the maximum is one. This is known as the hop count. However, a switch turns the hop count back to zero. So subdividing the network into smaller and more manageable segments, and linking them to the larger network by means of a switch, removes this limitation.

A switch can be easily configured in any network to significantly boost bandwidth while using conventional cabling and network cards.

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Contents Matrix V-Series V2H124-24P Fast Ethernet Switch Page Page Regulatory Compliance Information Environmental Requirements Safety Compliance Power Cord Set France et Pérou uniquement Vii Declaration of Conformity Enterasys Networks, Inc Firmware License Aggreement Page Page Xii Contents Appendix C Specifications C-1 Glossary Index Tables Figures Figures Overview Switch ArchitectureIntroduction Network Management Options Power-over-Ethernet Capability10/100BASE-T Ports Description of Hardware1000BASE-T/SFP Ports Port and System Status LEDsSystem Status LEDs System Status LEDs Stack Master Button Mode PoE/Link ButtonOptional Stacking Transceiver Power Supply ReceptacleConnectivity Features and BenefitsPerformance ManagementNetwork Planning Introduction to SwitchingCollapsed Backbone Application ExamplesNetwork Aggregation Plan Network Aggregation PlanRemote Connections with Fiber Cable Remote Connections with Fiber CableMaking Vlan Connections Making Vlan ConnectionsApplication Notes Ethernet Cabling Installing the SwitchSelecting a Site Getting Help Equipment ChecklistPackage Contents Rack Mounting MountingOptional Rack-Mounting Equipment Desktop or Shelf Mounting Installing the Switch in a RackInstalling an SFP Transceiver Installing an SFP TransceiverInstalling a Stacking Transceiver Stacking SwitchesConnecting Switches in a Stack Connecting Switches in a StackConnecting to the Console Port Connecting to a Power SourceDTE Port Wiring Map for Serial CableInstalling the Switch Power-over-Ethernet Connections Connecting Network DevicesMaking Network Connections Twisted-Pair DevicesCabling Guidelines Connecting to PCs, Servers, Hubs and SwitchesNetwork Wiring Connections Network Wiring ConnectionsMaking Fiber Port Connections Fiber Optic DevicesMbps Gigabit Ethernet Collision Domain Connectivity Rules1000BASE-T Cable Requirements Mbps Ethernet Collision Domain Cable Labeling and Connection RecordsMbps Fast Ethernet Collision Domain Power and Cooling Problems Appendix a TroubleshootingDiagnosing Switch Indicators Stack Troubleshooting InstallationIn-Band Access 10/100BASE-TX Pin Assignments Appendix B CablesTwisted-Pair Cable and Pin Assignments Crossover Wiring Straight-Through WiringTwisted-Pair Cable and Pin Assignments B 1000BASE-T Pin AssignmentsFiber Standards Cable Testing for Existing Category 5 CablePhysical Characteristics Appendix C SpecificationsManagement Features Switch FeaturesCompliances StandardsSpecifications 10BASE-T GlossaryIeee LED Virtual LAN Vlan Numerics IndexIndex-2 Page ES3526-PoE-60 P/N 150200039300A E042004-R01