Appendix A

About Gigabit Ethernet and Fiber Optic Cabling

Appendix A:

About Gigabit Ethernet

and Fiber Optic Cabling

Gigabit Ethernet

Gigabit Ethernet runs at speeds of 1Gbps (Gigabit per second), ten times faster than 100Mbps Fast Ethernet, but it still integrates seamlessly with 100Mbps Fast Ethernet hardware.. Users can connect Gigabit Ethernet hardware with either fiber optic cabling or copper Category 5e cabling, with fiber optics more suited for network backbones.. As the Gigabit standard gradually integrates into existing networks, current computer applications will enjoy faster access time for network data, hardware, and Internet connections..

Fiber Optic Cabling

Fiber optic cabling is made from flexible, optically efficient strands of glass and coated with a layer of rubber tubing, fiber optics use photons of light instead of electrons to send and receive data.. Although fiber is physically capable of carrying terabits of data per second, the signaling hardware currently on the market can handle no more than a few gigabits of data per second..

Fiber cables come with two main connector types.. The most commonly used fiber optic cable is multi-mode fiber cable (MMF), with a 62..5 micron fiber optic core.. Single‑mode fiber cabling is somewhat more efficient than multi-mode but far more expensive, due to its smaller optic core that helps retain the intensity of traveling light signals.. A fiber connection always require two fiber cables: one transmits data, and the other receives it..

Each fiber optic cable is tipped with a connector that fits into a fiber port on a network adapter, hub, or switch.. In the USA, most cables use a square SC connector that slides and locks into place when plugged into a port or connected to another cable.. In Europe, the round ST connector is more prevalent..

For Gigabit Ethernet, you must use the Linksys MGBT1, MGBSX1, or MGBLH1 miniGBIC modules with the Linksys Gigabit Switches.. The MGBSX1 and the MGBLH1 require fiber cabling with LC connectors, and the MGBT1 requires a Category 5e Ethernet cable with an RJ-45 connector..

For Fast Ethernet, you must use the MFEFX1 (100BASE-FX) or MFELX1 (100BASE-LX) SFP transceivers..

48-Port 10/100 + 4-Port Gigabit Switch with WebView and Power over Ethernet

55

Page 58 Page 60
Page 59
Image 59
Cisco Systems SRW248G4P manual Appendix a About Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Optic Cabling
Page 58 Page 60

SRW248G4P specifications

Cisco Systems SRW248G4P is a high-performance Layer 2 switch designed specifically for small to medium-sized businesses that require robust networking solutions. This switch supports Power over Ethernet (PoE), providing a highly flexible option for powering devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and surveillance cameras.

One of the standout features of the SRW248G4P is its 48 10/100 Ethernet ports, which ensure ample connectivity for various networked devices. Additionally, it offers four Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports, allowing for seamless integration with existing network infrastructure and facilitating high-speed data transfer. The combination of these ports enables businesses to expand their network capabilities as needed without the immediate requirement for added devices.

The SRW248G4P comes equipped with advanced Layer 2 switching capabilities, including VLAN support, which enables the segmentation of network traffic for improved performance and security. It also supports Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), which help prevent network loops and ensure redundancy. With features like Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP), multiple physical connections can be combined into a single logical link, enhancing bandwidth and providing failover capabilities.

Another critical attribute of the Cisco SRW248G4P is its user-friendly management interface. The switch can be managed through a web-based interface, allowing IT administrators to configure settings, monitor performance, and troubleshoot issues with ease. Additionally, it supports SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) for integration with network management systems, further simplifying monitoring tasks.

Power over Ethernet functionality is a significant advantage of the SRW248G4P, providing up to 15.4 watts per port. This capability simplifies installation and reduces the clutter of power cords and outlets. Organizations can deploy PoE-enabled devices in locations that lack power sources, thus enhancing overall flexibility in network design.

In summary, the Cisco Systems SRW248G4P is a feature-rich switch tailored for small to medium-sized enterprises. Its blend of performance, management capabilities, and advanced features like PoE makes it a valuable asset in any organization's networking setup. By ensuring reliable connectivity and ease of management, businesses can focus more on growth and their core objectives rather than worrying about network complexities.
Top Page Image Contents