Linksys EG24M Installing the GigaSwitch, Fast Ethernet Considerations, Full-Duplex Considerations

Linksys EtherFast® II Series

The RJ-45 Ports

The 10/100 Managed 24-Port GigaSwitch is equipped with twenty-four auto- sensing 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.

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. For more information on twisted-pair cabling, refer to the Twisted-Pair Cabling section on page 80.

The Gigabit Expansion Ports

The 10/100 Managed 24-Port GigaSwitch is equipped with two gigabit expansion ports, providing for the installation of one or two expansion mod- ules. These ports provide links to high-speed network segments or individual workstations at speeds of up to 1000Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet).

To establish a Gigabit Ethernet connection, you will need to install a SX or TX Gigabit expansion module and use fiber optic cabling. for more informa- tion on fiber optic cabling, refer to the Fiber Optic Cabling section on page 79.

The Console Port

The 10/100 Managed 24-Port GigaSwitch is equipped with a serial port labeled CONSOLE (located on the rear of the switch) that allows you to con- nect to a computer (for configuration purposes) using the provided serial cable.

10/100 Managed 24-Port GigaSwitch

Installing the GigaSwitch

Pre-Installation Considerations

Fast Ethernet Considerations

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

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

Full-Duplex Considerations

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

If you will be using the GigaSwitch in full-duplex mode, the maximum UTP cable length using Category 5 cable is 328 feet (100meters).

Positioning the GigaSwitch

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

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

•Position the GigaSwitch away from water and moisture sources.

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

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

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