Cabling the PathBuilder S21x Switch

Port

Connector

Interface

Cable Required

Speed

DCE/DTE

 

 

 

 

 

 

LAN

RJ45

10BaseT

10BaseT Cross-

10Mbps

 

 

 

 

over cable

 

 

 

 

 

or

 

 

 

 

 

standard UTP cable

 

 

 

 

 

(RJ45-to-RJ45)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cable andFor more information on cable and connector pinouts, refer to Appendix B, Connector Pinouts PathBuilder S21x Switch Cabling or to the Daughtercard Installation Guide for

information on the optional daughtercards.

Control Terminal Use an RJ45 (male) to DB25 (female) cable that comes with the PathBuilder S21x

Port Cableswitch to connect to the Control Terminal Port (CTP). The PathBuilder S21x switch defaults this port to 9.6 kbps, 8 bits, no parity, 1 stop bit.

Note

10BaseT Ethernet Cable

If you plan to use a personal computer to configure the PathBuilder S21x switch, you may need to purchase a DB25 (male) to DB9 (female) adapter for the serial port of your personal computer. The serial ports on most personal computers require DB9 connectors.

Follow these guidelines for 10BaseT cable connections:

If you are connecting to a 10BaseT Hub, use a standard UTP cable (RJ45 to RJ45).

If you are connecting directly to a personal computer or Workstation LAN card, use the 10BaseT crossover cable shipped with your PathBuilder S21x switch.

 

Interface

Connector

 

 

 

 

 

 

U interface (North America)

RJ11

 

 

 

 

 

 

S/T interface (Europe)

RJ45

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Installing the PathBuilder S21x Switch Hardware

2-9

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3Com S21x installation manual 10BaseT Ethernet Cable, Interface Connector

S21x specifications

The 3Com S21x series represents a breakthrough in networking technology, specifically designed for small to medium-sized businesses looking for reliable and efficient networking solutions. This series is renowned for its robust features, which enhance connectivity while simplifying management, making it a go-to choice for organizations striving to optimize their network infrastructures.

One of the standout features of the 3Com S21x is its impressive port capacity. With multiple Ethernet ports, the switch facilitates seamless connections for various devices, ensuring that businesses can scale their operations without worrying about bandwidth limitations. The S21x supports both Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet connections, providing flexibility for different networking demands.

In addition to its port capabilities, the 3Com S21x incorporates advanced Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology. This feature enables the switch to deliver power to connected devices such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points directly through the network cable. This not only reduces the need for external power sources but also simplifies installation and lowers overall costs.

Another significant characteristic of the S21x is its Layer 2 switching capabilities. This means the device is equipped to handle basic data switching tasks efficiently, including VLAN support for network segmentation and traffic management. VLANs enhance security by isolating sensitive data traffic within specific segments, providing an additional layer of protection for network resources.

The 3Com S21x is also designed with ease of management in mind. It utilizes a user-friendly web-based interface that allows IT staff to configure and monitor the switch effortlessly. This accessibility ensures that even those with minimal networking experience can manage the device effectively, reducing the likelihood of configuration errors and downtime.

Furthermore, the S21x series is built with reliability at its core. The hardware is designed to withstand typical operating conditions in an office environment, minimizing the risk of failure and ensuring consistent performance. Coupled with a focus on energy efficiency, this series helps businesses reduce their operational costs while maintaining a green footprint.

In summary, the 3Com S21x series stands out in networking solutions for small to medium-sized enterprises, featuring a robust combination of port capacity, PoE support, Layer 2 functionality, easy management, and reliability. Organizations looking to enhance their network performance will find the S21x to be an invaluable asset, capable of growing with their needs while ensuring efficient and secure connections.