Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Connecting the Switch

Overview

This chapter will explain how to connect network devices to the Switch.. The following diagram shows a typical network configuration..

 

Cable../DSL

 

Wireless Access

Internet

Modem

Router

Point

Desktop

Notebook

Server

Typical Network Configuration

When you connect your network devices, make sure you don’t exceed the maximum cabling distances, which are listed in the following table:

Maximum Cabling Distances

From

To

Maximum Distance

 

 

 

Switch

Switch or Hub

100 meters (328 feet)

Hub†

Hub

5 meters (16..4 feet)

Switch or Hub†

Computer

100 meters (328 feet)

 

 

 

A hub refers to any type of 100Mbps hub.. A 10Mbps hub connected to another 10Mbps hub can span up to 100 meters (328 feet)..

Pre-Installation Considerations

Fast Ethernet Considerations

If you are using the Switch for Fast Ethernet (100Mbps) applications, you must observe the following guidelines:

Connecting the Switch

Full-Duplex Considerations

The Switch provides full-duplex support for its RJ-45 ports.. Full-duplex operation allows data to be sent and received simultaneously, doubling a port’s potential data throughput.. If you will be using the Switch in full-duplex mode, the maximum cable length using Category 5 cable is 328 feet (100 meters)..

1000BASE-T Cable Requirements

All Category 5 UTP cables that are used for 100Base-TX connections should also work for 1000Base-T, providing that all four wire pairs are connected.. However, it is recommended that for all critical connections, or any new cable installations, Category 5e (enhanced Category

5)or Category 6 cable should be used.. The Category

5e specification includes test parameters that are only recommendations for Category 5.. Therefore, the first step in preparing existing Category 5 cabling for running 1000Base-T is a simple test of the cable installation to be sure that it complies with the IEEE 802..3ab standards..

Positioning the Switch

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

Make sure that the Switch is accessible and that the cables can be connected easily..

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 clearance of two inches (50mm)..

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

Placement Options

There are two ways to physically install the Switch, either set the Switch on its four rubber feet for desktop placement or mount the switch in a standard-sized, 19-inch high rack for rack-mount placement..

24-Port 10/100 + 4-Port Gigabit Switch with WebView and Power over Ethernet



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Linksys SRW224G4P manual Overview, Pre-Installation Considerations, Placement Options