DES-2218 Ethernet Switch User’s Guide

Network

Network diameter, which is the distance between two end-stations in the same collision domain, is the primary difference between traditional Ethernet and Fast Ethernet. Due to the increased speed in Fast Ethernet and adherence to the EIA/TIA 568 wiring rules, the network diameter of a Fast Ethernet collision domain is limited to 205 meters; in contrast, the maximum 10BASE-T Ethernet collision domain diameter can be up to 2500 meters.

Hubs

Unlike 10BASE-T hubs, which are all functionally identical, Fast Ethernet repeater hubs are divided into two distinct types: Class I and Class II. A Class I hub repeats all incoming signals on one port to the other ports by first translating them to digital signals and then retranslating them back to line signals. These translations are necessary when connecting various network media to the same collision domain, such as when combining two wire-pair 100BASE-TX media with four wire-pair 100BASE-T4 media. Only one Class I hub can exist within the same collision domain, thus this type of hub cannot be cascaded. A Class II repeater, on the other hand, immediately repeats all incoming line signals on one port to the other ports; no translations are performed. This type of hub connects identical media to the same collision domain; for example, TX to TX. At most, two Class II hubs can exist within the same collision domain. The cable used to cascade these hubs is called an inter-repeater link (IRL).

As mentioned earlier, stackable hubs can be used to increase the number of available nodes in a collision domain. An entire hub stack counts as a single repeater.

Connectivity Rules

Fast Ethernet networks should respect the following limitations:

Introduction

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D-Link DES-2218 manual Network, Hubs, Connectivity Rules

DES-2218 specifications

The D-Link DES-2218 is a robust and versatile 18-port Layer 2 managed switch designed for businesses seeking to enhance their network performance and reliability. With a combination of advanced features and reliable technologies, the DES-2218 offers a powerful solution for managing network traffic efficiently.

One of the standout features of the DES-2218 is its advanced Layer 2 switching capabilities. The switch supports a variety of network protocols, making it suitable for various business applications. The 18 ports, which include 16 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet ports and 2 Gigabit SFP slots, provide flexibility for both copper and fiber optic connections, allowing organizations to implement a tailored network infrastructure according to their specific needs.

The switch also incorporates VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) support, enabling the segmentation of traffic for improved security and performance. This feature allows network administrators to isolate sensitive data and create efficient, manageable traffic flows that enhance overall network efficiency. Furthermore, the DES-2218 supports 802.1Q VLAN tagging, which is essential for implementing VLANs in larger, more complex networks.

In addition to VLAN capabilities, the DES-2218 offers robust Quality of Service (QoS) features. These QoS functionalities prioritize network traffic, ensuring that critical applications receive the bandwidth they need for optimal performance. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that rely on video conferencing, VoIP services, or other real-time communications.

Another notable characteristic of the D-Link DES-2218 is its support for network management protocols such as SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), RMON (Remote Monitoring), and WEB Management. These features enable administrators to remotely monitor and manage the network, ensuring that any potential issues can be addressed before they impact business operations.

Security is another priority in the design of the D-Link DES-2218. The switch supports various security features, including port security and MAC address filtering, which help protect the network from unauthorized access and ensure that only legitimate users can connect.

Overall, the D-Link DES-2218 is an feature-rich managed switch that combines essential technologies and characteristics to deliver a reliable networking solution for businesses of all sizes. With its extensive management capabilities, enhanced security measures, and advanced VLAN and QoS support, the DES-2218 is an ideal choice for organizations looking to optimize their network performance.