Smart Switch Series Software Manual

Note: Flat “silver satin” telephone cable may have the same RJ-45 plug. However, using telephone cable results in excessive collisions, causing the attached port to be partitioned or disconnected from the network.

Using 1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet over Category 5 Cable

When using the new 1000BASE-T standard, the limitations of cable installations and the steps necessary to ensure optimum performance must be considered. The most important components in your cabling system are patch panel connections, twists of the pairs at connector transition points, the jacket around the twisted-pair cable, bundling of multiple pairs on horizontal runs and punch down blocks. All of these factors affect the performance of 1000BASE-T technology if not correctly implemented. The following sections are designed to act as a guide to correct cabling for 1000BASE-T.

Cabling

The 1000BASE-T product is designed to operate over Category 5 cabling. To further enhance the operation, the cabling standards have been amended. The latest standard is Category 5e, which defines a higher level of link performance than is available with Category 5 cable.

If installing new cable, we recommend using Category 5e cable, since it costs about the same as Category 5 cable. If using the existing cable, be sure to have the cable plant tested by a professional who can verify that it meets or exceeds either ANSI/EIA/TIA-568-A:1995 or ISO/ IEC 11801:1995 Category 5 specifications.

Length

The maximum distance limitation between two pieces of equipment is 100 m, as per the original Ethernet specification. The end-to-end link is called the “channel.”

TSB-67 defines the “Basic Link” which is the portion of the link that is part of the building infrastructure. This excludes patch and equipment cords. The maximum basic link length is 295 feet (90 m).

Return Loss

Return loss measures the amount of reflected signal energy resulting from impedance changes in the cabling link. The nature of 1000BASE-T renders this measurement very important; if too much energy is reflected back on to the receiver, the device does not perform optimally.

Cabling Guidelines

D-5

July 2005

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NETGEAR FS750T2NA, FS526T software manual Using 1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet over Category 5 Cable, Cabling
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FS526T, FS750T2NA specifications

The NETGEAR FS750T2NA and FS526T are commendable offerings in the realm of unmanaged Ethernet switches, designed to cater to both home and small business networking needs. Boasting solid performance, these switches facilitate seamless connectivity for multiple devices, making them ideal for network expansion.

The NETGEAR FS750T2NA features 48 ports, ensuring ample connections for numerous devices. It supports auto-sensing technology, allowing devices to negotiate their speed and duplex settings, optimizing network efficiency. The switch is designed with a steel housing that enhances durability, which is critical for environments where space can be cramped.

Notably, the FS750T2NA supports a non-blocking switching architecture. This means that data can flow freely across all ports without encountering bottlenecks, delivering consistent performance, which is critical when several devices are active simultaneously. Furthermore, the FS750T2NA is equipped with IEEE 802.3x flow control, which ensures that frames are not dropped during heavy traffic, maintaining data integrity.

On the other hand, the FS526T, featuring 26 ports, offers a slightly smaller footprint while retaining robust performance. This switch also includes auto-sensing technology and a metal chassis, ensuring longevity. The FS526T caters well to environments where space is a limiting factor without compromising on performance.

Both switches support the energy-efficient IEEE 802.3az standard, which reduces power consumption during low network activity. This characteristic not only lowers operational costs but also contributes to a greener IT footprint. Moreover, users benefit from plug-and-play installation, enabling quick deployment without the need for complicated configuration.

The NETGEAR switches utilize advanced design to ensure low latency, thus enhancing the overall user experience, whether it be for data transfer, video streaming, or online gaming. Furthermore, the fanless design of the FS750T2NA and FS526T ensures silent operation, making them suitable for noise-sensitive environments.

In summary, the NETGEAR FS750T2NA and FS526T are highly effective unmanaged switches that offer substantial port availability, robust performance, energy efficiency, and ease of use. These devices stand out as reliable solutions for expanding and optimizing network connectivity in both home and small business setups.
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