Linksys EF1324 manual Installing the Switch, RJ-45 Ports, Gigabit Ports, Console Port

Instant EtherFast® Series

The RJ-45 Ports

The Switch is equipped with twenty-four 10/100 RJ-45 ports. These RJ-45 ports support network speeds of either 10-100Mbps in half-duplex mode, or 20-200Mbps in full-duplex mode. Auto-sensing technology enables each port to automatically detect the speed of the device connected to it (10Mbps or 100Mbps), and adjust its speed and duplex accordingly.

To connect a device to a port, you will need to use a network cable. If you are using 100BaseTX devices you will need to use UTP Category 5 (or better) cable. The two Gigabit ports require UTP Category 5e cable (or better).

The Gigabit Ports

The Switch is equipped with two Gigabit ports. These ports provide links to high-speed network segments or individual workstations at speeds of up to 1000Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet). The two Gigabit ports require UTP Category 5e cable (or better).

The Console Port

The Switch is equipped with a RS-232 serial port (located on the rear of the Switch) that allows you to connect to a computer (for configuration purposes) using the provided serial cable.

EtherFast® Layer 3 Management 24-Port 10/100 + 2-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch

Installing the Switch

Pre-Installation Considerations

Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Considerations

If you will be using the Switch for Fast Ethernet (100Mbps) or Gigabit (1000Mbps) applications, you must observe this guideline:

The maximum UTP cabling length using Category 5 cable is 328 feet (100m).

Full-Duplex Considerations

As previously mentioned, the Switch provides full-duplex support for its RJ-45 ports. Full-duplex operation allows data to be sent and received simultaneous- ly, doubling a port’s potential data throughput.

If you will be using the Switch in full-duplex mode, the maximum UTP cable length using Category 5e (or better) cable is 328 feet (100 m).

Positioning the Switch

Before you choose a location for the Switch, observe the following guidelines:

•Keep cabling away from sources of electrical noise, power lines, and fluores- cent lighting fixtures.

•Position the Switch away from water and moisture sources.

•To ensure adequate air flow around the Switch, be sure to provide a minimum of one inch (25 mm) clearance.

•Do not stack free-standing Switches more than four units high.

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