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Linksys SRW224P manual Appendix B Cabling, Twisted Pair Cabling, Fiber Optic Cabling

Models: SRW224P

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24-Port 10/100 + 2-Port Gigabit Switch with Webview and Power over Ethernet

Appendix B: Cabling

Overview

Twisted Pair Cabling and Fiber Optic Cabling are discussed in this appendix.

Twisted Pair Cabling

There are different grades, or categories, of twisted-pair cabling. Category 5 is the most reliable and is highly recommended. Straight-through cables are used for connecting computers to a hub. Crossover cables are used for connecting a hub to another hub (there is an exception: some hubs have a built-in uplink port that is crossed internally, which allows you to link or connect hubs together with a straight-through cable instead).

You can buy pre-made Category 5 cabling, or cut and crimp your own. Category 5 cables can be purchased or crimped as either straight-through or crossover cables. A Category 5 cable has 8 thin, color-coded wires inside that run from one end of the cable to the other. All 8 wires are used. In a straight-through cable, wires 1, 2, 3, and 6 at one end of the cable are also wires 1, 2, 3, and 6 at the other end. In a crossover cable, the order of the wires change from one end to the other: wire 1 becomes 3, and 2 becomes 6. See the diagrams on this page for more detailed information on straight-through and crossover cabling.

To determine which wire is wire number 1, hold the cable so that the end of the plastic RJ-45 tip (the part that goes into a wall jack first) is facing away from you. Face the clip down so that the copper side faces up (the springy clip will now be parallel to the floor). When looking down on the copper side, wire 1 will be on the far left.

Fiber Optic Cabling

Fiber optic cabling is made from flexible, optically efficient strands of glass and coated with a layer of rubber tubing, fiber optics use photons of light instead of electrons to send and receive data. Although fiber is physically capable of carrying terabits of data per second, the signaling hardware currently on the market can handle no more than a few gigabits of data per second.

Fiber cables come with two main types. The most commonly used fiber optic cable is multi-mode fiber cable (MMF), with a 62.5 micron fiber optic core. Single-mode fiber cabling is somewhat more efficient than multi-mode but far more expensive, due to its smaller optic core that helps retain the intensity of traveling light signals. A fiber connection always requires two fiber cables: one transmits data, and the other receives it.

Each fiber optic cable is tipped with a connector that fits into a fiber port on a network adapter, hub, or switch. In the U. S., most cables use a square SC connector that slides and locks into place when plugged into a port or connected to another cable. In Europe, the round ST connector is more prevalent.

You must use the Linksys MGBT1, MGBSX1, or MGBLH1 miniGBIC modules with the Linksys SRW224P. The MGBSX1 and the MGBLH1 require fiber cabling with LC connectors. The MGBT1 requires a Category 5 Ethernet Cable with an RJ-45 connector.

Appendix B: Cabling

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Overview

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Linksys SRW224P manual Appendix B Cabling, Twisted Pair Cabling, Fiber Optic Cabling
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SRW224P specifications

The Linksys SRW224P is a versatile and efficient managed switch that caters to the needs of small to medium-sized businesses. This Layer 2 switch stands out with its robust functionality and user-friendly design, making it an ideal choice for networking professionals looking to enhance their network infrastructure.

One of the standout features of the SRW224P is its 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, which provide high-speed connectivity for various devices across the network. This is particularly beneficial in environments with bandwidth-hungry applications, such as data transfers, video conferencing, and online collaboration tools. Additionally, the switch comes with 2 dual-personality ports that can be used as either Gigabit Ethernet or SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) ports, allowing for flexible and scalable network setups.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability is another significant aspect of the SRW224P. With a total PoE output of up to 370 watts, the switch can power devices such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points directly through the Ethernet cable, simplifying the installation process and reducing cable clutter. This feature is particularly advantageous for organizations seeking to deploy network devices in areas where power outlets are limited.

The SRW224P also boasts advanced management features, including VLAN support for segmenting network traffic, Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritizing critical applications, and Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) for redundant network paths. These capabilities enhance network performance and reliability, ensuring that users experience minimal downtime and efficient data flow.

Security is a top priority with the SRW224P, which includes features such as port security, access control lists (ACLs), and DHCP snooping. These measures help protect the network from unauthorized access and potential attacks, safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining operational integrity.

In terms of user interface, the Linksys SRW224P is equipped with a web-based management interface that allows for easy configuration and monitoring. This intuitive interface enables IT administrators to manage the switch remotely, providing real-time insights into network performance and facilitating troubleshooting.

Overall, the Linksys SRW224P managed switch combines high performance, advanced features, and security measures that make it a reliable choice for businesses aiming to optimize their network infrastructure. Its PoE capabilities, extensive port options, and management features ensure that it meets the demands of modern networking environments, making it a valuable asset for any organization.