INTRODUCTION

This chapter describes the features of Levelone GSW-1674T/2474T 16/24-port 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Web Smart Switch and some background information about Ethernet/ Fast Ethernet/ Gigabit Ethernet switching technology.

Gigabit Ethernet Technology

Gigabit Ethernet is an extension of IEEE 802.3 Ethernet utilizing the same packet structure, format, and support for CSMA/CD protocol, full duplex, flow control, and management objects, but with a tenfold increase in theoretical throughput over 100-Mbps Fast Ethernet and a hundredfold increase over 10-Mbps Ethernet. Since it is compatible with all 10-Mbps and 100-Mbps Ethernet environments, Gigabit Ethernet provides a straightforward upgrade without wasting a company’s existing investment in hardware, software, and trained personnel.

The increased speed and extra bandwidth offered by Gigabit Ethernet is essential to coping with the network bottlenecks that frequently develop as computers and their busses get faster and more users use applications that generate more traffic. Upgrading key components, such as your backbone and servers to Gigabit Ethernet can greatly improve network response times as well as significantly speed up the traffic between your subnets.

Gigabit Ethernet enables fast optical fiber connections to support video conferencing, complex imaging, and similar data-intensive applications. Likewise, since data transfers occur 10 times faster than Fast Ethernet, servers outfitted with Gigabit Ethernet NIC’s are able to perform 10 times the number of operations in the same amount of time.

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LevelOne GSW-2474T, GSW-1674T manual Gigabit Ethernet Technology, Introduction

GSW-1674T, GSW-2474T specifications

The LevelOne GSW-2474T and GSW-1674T are cutting-edge managed Gigabit Ethernet switches that are designed to meet the demanding networking needs of modern businesses. These switches are ideal for organizations that require robust performance, high reliability, and advanced features to support their growing networks.

The GSW-2474T is a 24-port gigabit switch that offers a combination of Layer 2 switching capabilities and extensive management features. It includes 24 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports, allowing for seamless integration of multiple devices with high-speed connectivity. Additionally, it supports IEEE 802.3x flow control, ensuring efficient data transmission and preventing packet loss. One of the key features of the GSW-2474T is its support for VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) configuration, which provides network segmentation and improved security by isolating traffic types within the same physical infrastructure.

On the other hand, the GSW-1674T is a versatile 16-port gigabit switch that shares many similarities with the GSW-2474T. It also supports 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet connections, making it a powerful option for smaller networks or branch offices. This switch is equipped with advanced features such as Quality of Service (QoS) functionality, which prioritizes network traffic and enhances the performance of critical applications like VoIP and streaming media.

Both models feature a user-friendly web-based interface for easy management and configuration, allowing network administrators to monitor traffic, configure settings, and troubleshoot issues with minimal effort. They also support SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), enabling integration with network management tools for real-time monitoring and reporting.

Another significant aspect of these switches is their energy efficiency. They comply with the Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) standard, reducing power consumption during periods of low traffic without compromising performance.

In terms of reliability, both switches offer a robust metal housing for durability and ensure uninterrupted operation through a fanless design, resulting in silent operation. These features make the LevelOne GSW-2474T and GSW-1674T excellent choices for various networking environments, from small businesses to larger enterprise setups. Their feature-rich design, high performance, and reliability make them invaluable assets in any modern network infrastructure.