4 HELPFUL SUGGESTIONS

4.1Prior to Installation

Before installing the Switch and connecting network devices, it is important to plan the network's layout. Things you should consider include:

￿Dedicated Bandwidth: File servers and other high-traffic hardware improve their performance if they have their own dedicated 10Mbps, 100Mbps, or 1000Mbps bandwidth.

￿Full-Duplex:Determine which devices support Full-Duplex connections.

￿Fast Ethernet & Gigabit Ethernet: Make sure rules for cable lengths and categories are followed. 100BASE-TX and 1000BASE-T have the same rules for cable and distance.

￿Auto-Negotiation:Devices with different speeds may be easily swapped when the other end of the cable is fixed to a port with Auto-Negotiation.

4.2Half- and Full-Duplex

The Switch supports both Half- and Full-Duplex modes for 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX. But the 1000BASE-T only supports Full-Duplex mode.

￿In Half-Duplex mode: Data cannot be transmitted and received at the same time. Attached devices must finish transmitting data before they can receive data.

￿In Full-Duplex mode: Data can be transmitted and received at the same time. However:

￿Full-Duplex transmission is only possible between two devices with a dedicated link (e.g., Switch-Switch, Switch-PC)

￿Both devices must have Full-Duplex capability

￿Both devices must be set to Full-Duplex (e.g. Auto-NegotiationAuto-Negotiation, Non-Auto-Negotiation to Non-Auto-Negotiation)

The 100BASE-TX/10BASE-T or 1000BASE-T/100BASE-TX/10BASE-T ports on the Switch detect and set the line's operating mode by using their Auto-Negotiation function.

4.3Auto-Negotiation

Every 10/100/1000Mbps speed port on these Switches has a built-in "Auto-Negotiation" function. This technology automatically sets the best possible bandwidth as soon as a connection is established with another network device (usually at Power “On” or Reset). This is capability is achieved via the Switch’s Auto-Negotiation function that automatically detects the modes and speeds the second (attached) device is capable of.

Evaluating Auto-Negotiation Capability:

if attached device is:

the Switch will automatically set its TP ports to operate at:

1000Mbps

2000Mbps (1000BASE-T, Full-Duplex)

with Auto-Negotiation

Note: Almost all 1000Mbps devices only operate in Full-Duplex mode.

100Mbps

100Mbps (100BASE-TX, Half-Duplex)

no Auto-Negotiation

 

100Mbps

200Mbps (100BASE-TX, Full-Duplex)

with Auto-Negotiation

 

10Mbps

10Mbps (10BASE-T, Half-Duplex)

no Auto-Negotiation

 

10Mbps

20Mbps (10BASE-T, Full-Duplex)

with Auto-Negotiation

 

Note: If the attached device is set to a fixed mode (ex: Forced Full-Duplex) it will not operate as an Auto-Negotiation device.

4.4MAC Address Table

Every Ethernet data packet includes both source and destination addresses. This Six (6) bytes ID is called the MAC (Media Access Control) Address.

9

Page 9
Image 9
LevelOne GSW-0440T Helpful Suggestions, Prior to Installation, Half- and Full-Duplex, Auto-Negotiation, MAC Address Table

GSW-0840T, GSW-0440T specifications

LevelOne GSW-0440T and GSW-0840T are high-performance unmanaged Gigabit switches designed to optimize network connectivity for small to medium-sized businesses. These devices offer reliable and efficient solutions to ensure seamless data transmission across local area networks (LAN).

The GSW-0440T model features four Gigabit Ethernet ports, while the GSW-0840T is equipped with eight. Both switches are designed to support auto-negotiation for selecting the best speed and duplex mode, making them compatible with a wide range of devices, including workstations, printers, and servers. This feature enables businesses to easily expand their networks without the need for complex configurations.

One of the key characteristics of these switches is their plug-and-play capability. Users can connect devices without the need for additional setup or configuration, saving time and reducing deployment complexity. This simplicity makes them an excellent choice for businesses looking to enhance their network infrastructure quickly and effectively.

In terms of performance, both the GSW-0440T and GSW-0840T boast a non-blocking switching architecture, which ensures that all ports can operate at full speed simultaneously. This enhances overall network efficiency and minimizes latency, which is critical for applications requiring high bandwidth, such as video streaming and file sharing. The switches also support jumbo frames, allowing for the transmission of larger packets of data, further optimizing network performance.

The LevelOne switches are built with a sturdy metal housing, ensuring durability and protection in various environments. They are designed to operate silently, as they are fanless, making them an ideal choice for office settings where noise reduction is essential.

Power efficiency is another significant feature of the GSW-0440T and GSW-0840T. They conform to the Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) standard, which helps reduce power consumption during periods of low traffic. This not only lowers energy costs for businesses but also contributes to a more sustainable IT infrastructure.

Overall, the LevelOne GSW-0440T and GSW-0840T are robust solutions providing essential features such as easy installation, high-speed performance, and energy efficiency. Their unmanaged nature allows businesses to focus on their primary operations while enjoying reliable network connectivity. Whether upgrading existing networks or building new ones, these switches stand out as powerful options for enhancing connectivity in today's dynamic business environments.