Linksys EF24G2 Installing the Switch, Fast Ethernet Considerations, Full-Duplex Considerations

Instant Gigabit®Series

The RJ-45 Ports

The EtherFast® Dual Gigabit with 24-Port 10/100 Switch is equipped with twenty-four 10/100 RJ-45 ports. These RJ-45 ports support network speeds of either 10Mbps or 100Mbps, and can operate in half- and full-duplex modes. 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. Each port also auto-senses the type of cable being used, either straight-through or crossover.

To connect a device to a port, you will need to use a network cable. UTP Category 3 cable is acceptable for 10BaseT networks, however, 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 EtherFast® Dual Gigabit with 24-Port 10/100 Switch is equipped with two Gigabit ports. These ports provide links to high-speed network segments or individual workstations at speeds of up to 2000Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet). The two Gigabit ports require UTP Category 5e cable (or better).

The Console Port

The EtherFast® Dual Gigabit with 24-Port 10/100 Switch is equipped with a 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® Dual Gigabit with 24-Port 10/100 Switch

Installing the Switch

Pre-Installation Considerations

Fast Ethernet Considerations

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

•The maximum UTP cabling length using Category 3 cable is 328 feet (100 meters).

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

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 simultane- ously, 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 (100meters).

Positioning the Switch

Before you choose a location for the Switch, observe the following guide- lines:

•Keep cabling away from sources of electrical noise, power lines, and fluorescent 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 (25mm) clearance.

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

4 5