Instant Gigabit Series

nates the need to purchase new hardware, rewire and reconfigure an entire site all at once. This scalability factor ensures that Fast Ethernet will not fall obsolete to upgrades in speed standards and maintains use of all your old equipment until you decide to buy speedier replacements.

Scalability allows you to budget for your networking needs over time.

Now networks can run fast and slow segments at the same time for different users and departments.

Switches also feature full-duplex data transfer, meaning that all computers on the switch can “talk” to the switch at the same time. Plus, switches can send and receive data simultaneously to all connections, whereas a hub can- not. A hub simply works with one computer at a time and only sends or receives data, since it cannot handle two way communication.

In addition to full-duplex transfer, your Switch surges your network with dedicated bandwidth to each node. For instance, if you connect five com- puters to your EtherFast 10/100/1000 8+1 Workgroup GigaSwitch, then each computer will get a dedicated bandwidth of 100Mbps at full duplex transfer. If you run 5 computers from a 100Mbps hub, then each computer will only share a part of the 100Mbps bandwidth.

A network without a switch is called a shared network because every node on the network competes for a fraction of the total bandwidth. In a shared network, data packets are randomly broadcasted to all stations until they discover their intended destination. Consequently, considerable time and bandwidth is wasted on data packets swimming along network lines before they find their correct address. A switch, on the other hand, looks at the address for each data packet and delivers it directly to the correct destination.

Gigabit Ethernet is ideal for deployment as a backbone interconnect between 10/100BASE-T switches, and as a connection to high-performance servers. With the addition of Gigabit Ethernet, Ethernet delivers scalable solution (10/100/1000 Mbps) for the LAN from the desktop to the workgroup, and the backbone.

EtherFast® 10/100/1000 8+1 Workgroup GigaSwitch Starter Kit

Where to Install the Instant Gigabit Network Adapter

If you are setting up a network for the first time, or if you already have a 10/100 BaseT network without Gigabit capability, you may be wondering which PC should have the Instant Gigabit Network Adapter installed in it for best performance. In either of the above situations, we recommend that you set up your network in the configuration shown below (Configuration A).

The Instant Gigabit Network Adapter is installed in your File Server (or your Internet gateway) and connected to your Workgroup GigaSwitch using the provided cable, which is in turn connected to the rest of your network. If you do not have a File Server or Internet gateway, the Adapter should be installed in the PC that is most often accessed on the network.

Note: Use the crossover cable provided to connect directly to your Instant Gigabit Network Adapter or to an Uplink port on your Gigabit hub or switch.

Configuration A

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Linksys EG0801SK manual Where to Install the Instant Gigabit Network Adapter

EG0801SK specifications

The Linksys EG0801SK is an advanced 8-port Ethernet switch designed to provide high-performance networking solutions for small to medium-sized enterprises, home offices, or any environment requiring reliable connectivity. Combining speed, performance, and versatility, this switch is an essential component for users looking to expand their local network efficiently.

The EG0801SK operates on a non-blocking architecture, ensuring that each port can handle consistent data transfer rates without interference. This is crucial for environments where multiple devices are connected simultaneously, as it guarantees minimal latency and efficient bandwidth utilization. With support for 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds, the switch is fully compatible with various devices, including computers, printers, and IP cameras, facilitating smooth communication across the network.

One of the standout features of the Linksys EG0801SK is its switch fabric that offers a high throughput. This means that it can handle burst traffic without any drops, ensuring that data-heavy applications can run uninterrupted. With Auto-MDI/MDIX support, users need not worry about the type of cables used; the switch automatically detects and adjusts, simplifying installation processes and reducing setup time.

In addition to its performance capabilities, the EG0801SK incorporates energy-efficient technologies that help reduce power consumption. The device uses energy-saving features such as "Green Ethernet," which adjusts power usage according to the number of connected devices and their respective activity levels. This makes the EG0801SK an environmentally friendly option, appealing to businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint.

The sleek design of the Linksys EG0801SK allows it to fit seamlessly into any office environment, whether mounted on a wall, placed on a desk, or incorporated into a server rack. The switch is also equipped with LEDs for port status monitoring, providing users with real-time insights into connectivity and operation status.

In conclusion, the Linksys EG0801SK is a robust, feature-rich Ethernet switch that stands out due to its performance, reliability, and energy efficiency. It is designed to meet the demands of today's networking needs while ensuring ease of use and maintenance, making it an ideal choice for any networking environment.