Black Box Modular SwitchesInstallation and User Guide (8/99)

One frequently -used application for the 4-Port -Switch copper ports is to connect one of them using a fiber media converter to another Switch in the network backbone, or to some other remote 100Mb device. In this case, it is desirable to operate the fiber link at 100Mb spee and at either half- or full duplex mode depending on the capabilities of the remote device. Standard commercially-available Fast Ethernet media converters mostly do not support auto- negotiation properly, and require that the switched port to which they are connected be at 100Mb fixed speed. Attachment to 10/100 auto-negotiation ports typically will not work properly. The 4-Port -Switch’s RJ-45 ports handle this situation by changing the internal jump settings. (see Section 3.4)

When 4Port-Switch’s RJ-45 copper ports are set for auto-negotiation and connected an another auto-negotiating device, there are 4 different speed and F/H modes selection dependin on what the other device supports. These are: (1) 100Mb full-duplex, (2) 100Mb half-duplex, ( 10 Mb full-duplex and (4) 10 Mb half-duplex.

The auto-negotiation logic will attempt to operate in descending order and will normally arrive the highest order mode that both devices can support at that time. (Since auto-negotiation is potentially an externally -controlled process, the original “highest order mode” result can change at any time depending on network changes that may occur). If the device at the other end is no an auto-negotiating device, the 4Port-Switch’s RJ-45 ports will try to detect its idle signal to determine 10 or 100 speed, and will default to half-duplex at that speed per the IEEE standard.

General information -

Auto-negotiation per-port for 802.3u-compliant switches occurs when:

the devices at both ends of the cable are capable of operation at either 10 Mb or 100Mb speed and/or in full- or half-duplex mode, and can send/receive auto- negotiation pulses, and . . .

--when the second of the two connected devices is powered up*, i.e., when LINK is established for a port, or

--when LINK is re-established on a port after being lost temporarily.

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Black Box LE14XXA, Modular Switches manual General information
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LE14XXA, Modular Switches specifications

The Black Box LE14XXA series of modular switches are designed for high-performance networking in both small and medium enterprises, as well as in larger data center environments. These switches stand out due to their scalability, flexibility, and robust functionality, making them suitable for a variety of applications.

One of the main features of the LE14XXA modular switches is their modular design, allowing for the integration of various interface cards to tailor the switch to specific networking needs. This flexibility ensures that organizations can adapt their network architecture as requirements evolve, making it a future-proof investment. The switches support a range of modules, including Ethernet, fiber optics, and PoE (Power over Ethernet), which can be easily swapped out or added to support changing technology demands.

In terms of performance, the LE14XXA series offers impressive throughput capabilities, often supporting up to 10 Gbps per port. This speed is critical for businesses that rely on fast data transfer rates for tasks such as video conferencing, large file transfers, and real-time applications. The switches also feature advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionalities, facilitating efficient data routing and switching, which is essential for maintaining effective network performance.

Security is another critical characteristic of the Black Box LE14XXA switches. They incorporate a variety of security protocols, including 802.1X port-based access control, VLAN support, and secure management interfaces, which help protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry standards. This makes them an excellent choice for organizations that prioritize data protection and regulatory compliance.

Ethernet redundancy protocols, such as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), enhance network reliability by providing failover options in case of link failures. Additionally, the LE14XXA switches feature energy-efficient designs that comply with energy-saving standards, which can significantly reduce operational costs over time.

User-friendly management interfaces, including a web-based GUI and command-line interface (CLI), simplify the configuration and monitoring processes. This ensures that IT administrators can efficiently handle the network without extensive training or experience.

Overall, the Black Box LE14XXA modular switches combine advanced technology, security features, and versatile design, making them a powerful choice for modern networking needs. Their adaptability and high performance offer businesses the capability to build scalable and secure networks that can grow alongside their operations.
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