Instant EtherFast® Series

Installing Your Switch

Package Contents

Carefully remove your EtherFast 10/100 5-Port Workgroup Switch from its packaging. Make sure that you have received all of the items listed below. If any items are missing or damaged, contact your Linksys dealer for replace- ment part(s).

EtherFast 10/100 5-Port Workgroup Switch

AC Power Adapter

User Guide and Registration Card

Connecting Computers to Your Switch

Your Switch’s rear panel has five standard RJ-45 ports, plus a shared uplink port. Each port automatically detects the speed and duplex of the attached cabling to a network card, switch, hub, etc. The ports operate in either full or half duplex, which lets you run at speeds of 200mbps, 100mbps, 20mbps or 10mbps.

Each port on your Switch can connect to workstations, file servers, hubs, repeaters, bridges, routers or other switches. Connections to the switch require Category 5 UTP network cabling with RJ-45 tips, not to exceed 100 meters (328 feet) in length. See page 10 for more details on cabling.

To connect a computer directly to the switch, plug one end of the cable into the switch, then plug the other end of the cable into the computer's network adapter.

Uplinking to Other Switches and Hubs

Switches, hubs, and similar network devices are uplinked to your Switch with straight-through Category 5 cabling. Attach the Category 5 cabling to the uplink port of the network device that you are uplinking to the Switch, and plug the other end of the cable into any standard RJ-45 port on your Switch. Using the uplink port will automatically disable the port directly next to it, since the uplink port is a shared port.

10/100 5-Port Workgroup Switch

Powering On the Switch

Plug in the Switch's AC power adapter. Each time your Switch powers up, it will run a Diagnostic/Self-Test. After the test, the Power LED will light up. As connections to the Switch’s LEDs are powered on, each port's correspon- ding Link/Act LED will light up. The remaining LEDs will also light up according to how your data is being transferred, e.g. full or half duplex, 10mbps or 100mbps.

If the Switch experiences excessive data collisions, verify that your network cabling is securely crimped and installed properly.

Reading the Front Panel LEDs

The chart below tells you what the front panel LEDs of the 5-Port Switches mean. Each Switch has a Power LED on the left side to indicate when the unit is ON.

Front Panel - EtherFast 10/100 5-Port Workgroup Switch

LED Configuration Chart

LED

LED Status

Network Status

Link/Act

On

Connection is detected

 

 

 

 

Flickering

Data is sending/receiving

 

 

 

FD/Col

On

Full duplex transfer mode

 

 

 

 

Flickering

Port has data collision error

 

 

 

 

Off

Half duplex transfer mode

 

 

 

100

On

100 mbps speed

 

 

 

 

Off

10 mbps speed

 

 

 

4

5

Page 5
Image 5
Linksys EZXS55W v2, EZXS88W v2 manual Installing Your Switch, Package Contents

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.