Linksys EZXS88W v2, EZXS55W v2 manual Hardware Installation, Planning Your Network Layout

Models: EZXS55W v2 EZXS88W v2

1 9
Download 9 pages 58.49 Kb
Page 4
Image 4

Instant EtherFast® Series

Hardware Installation

Planning Your Network Layout

Building a Fast Ethernet network involves more topology rules in addition to the 10BaseT network rules. These rules specify distance limitations and cabling specifications. Data loss, collisions, and other network problems causing down time are likely to occur if the rules below are not followed.

Use Category 5 UTP (EIA 568, Cat 5) Ethernet cabling with four pairs of wires and RJ-45 tips for all Fast Ethernet connections.

Use the chart below to position your switches, hubs and workstations.

From

To

Maximum Distance

Switch

Switch or Hub*

100 meters (328 feet) 1

 

 

 

Hub*

Hub*

5 meters (16.4 feet) 1

 

 

 

Switch or Hub

Workstation 1

100 meters (328 feet) 1

 

 

 

*Hub refers to any type of 100Mbps hub, including regular hubs and stackable hubs. A 10mbps hub connected to another 10mbps hub can span up to 100 meters (328 feet).

No more than two hubs should be uplinked in a row in a Fast Ethernet net- work. A set of stacked hubs, which must be stacked with a stacking cable, counts as one hub or node on the network.

In Fast Ethernet networks, your 10/100 Switch acts as a repeater, regenerat- ing data signals before passing them on to the next device. Hubs do not func- tion as repeaters.

10/100 5-Port Workgroup Switch

Configuration A shows one possible way to set up an EtherFast Switch in a Fast Ethernet environment. Note that the Switch requires Category 5 UTP network cabling for all its connections, like all Fast Ethernet network hard- ware.

All of the workstations below can access all resources on the network - 10Mbps users can access the 100Mbps nodes, and vice versa. While allowing the 10Mbps and 100Mbps segments to communicate, the Switch optimizes data traffic by switching the data packets to their destination through the quickest route possible, which improves performance up to 80% even on the faster 100Mbps network segment.

Configuration A

2

3

Page 4
Image 4
Linksys EZXS88W v2, EZXS55W v2 manual Hardware Installation, Planning Your Network Layout

EZXS55W v2, EZXS88W v2 specifications

Linksys has a reputation for producing reliable networking products, and the EZXS88W v2 and EZXS55W v2 are no exceptions. These are high-performance 10/100 Mbps Ethernet switches designed for small office and home office environments. Both models provide a seamless transition to fast network speeds, offering a simple yet effective solution to expand network capabilities.

The Linksys EZXS88W v2 is an 8-port switch that allows users to connect multiple devices, including computers, printers, and servers, expanding the local area network efficiently. The EZXS55W v2, on the other hand, is a 5-port variant that serves well for smaller setups. Both switches boast a compact design, making them easy to integrate into a workspace without occupying too much physical space.

One of the standout features of these switches is their plug-and-play capability. This means that users can easily connect devices without needing to configure complex settings. Each port automatically detects the connected device type and adjusts accordingly, ensuring optimal transmission speeds and performance. This is particularly beneficial in a mixed network environment where different device types may be present.

Both models support Auto-MDI/MDI-X technology, eliminating the need for crossover cables. This feature automatically adjusts the switch's port configurations to accommodate straight-through or crossover cables, simplifying the installation process. Furthermore, the switches feature a total bandwidth capacity of 1.6 Gbps, ensuring that multiple devices can communicate simultaneously without bottlenecking.

Energy efficiency is another important characteristic of the Linksys EZXS88W v2 and EZXS55W v2. They comply with Energy Star standards, helping users to reduce their overall power consumption while maintaining high performance. This is particularly valuable in businesses looking to lower operational costs or reduce their carbon footprint.

In terms of durability, both models are built with quality components to withstand everyday usage. They feature metal housing that provides better heat dissipation and reliability over time. The integrated fanless design ensures silent operation, making them suitable for environments where noise levels need to be minimized.

In summary, the Linksys EZXS88W v2 and EZXS55W v2 are robust and user-friendly Ethernet switches that cater to various networking needs. With their plug-and-play functionality, Auto-MDI/MDI-X support, energy efficiency, and compact design, they offer excellent performance for both home and small office setups. Whether expanding a home network or building a small business infrastructure, these switches provide a dependable and cost-effective solution.