Smart Switch Series Software Manual

Unlike 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX, which use only two of the four pairs of wires within the Category 5, 1000BASE-T uses all four pairs of the twisted pair. Make sure all wires are tested ⎯ this is important.

Factors that affect the return loss are:

The number of transition points, as there is a connection via an RJ-45 to another connector, a patch panel, or device at each transition point.

Removing the jacket that surrounds the four pairs of twisted cable. It is highly recommended that, when RJ-45 connections are made, this is minimized to 1-1/4 inch (32 mm).

Untwisting any pair of the twisted-pair cabling. It is important that any untwisting be minimized to 3/8 inch (10 mm) for RJ-45 connections.

Cabling or bundling of multiple Category 5 cables. This is regulated by ANSI/EIA/TIA-568A-3. If not correctly implemented, this can adversely affect all cabling parameters.

Near End Cross Talk (NEXT)

This is a measure of the signal coupling from one wire to another, within a cable assembly, or among cables within a bundle. NEXT measures the amount of cross-talk disturbance energy that is detected at the near end of the link — the end where the transmitter is located. NEXT measures the amount of energy that is “returned” to the sender end. The factors that affect NEXT and cross talk are exactly the same as outlined in the Return Loss section. The cross-talk performance is directly related to the quality of the cable installation.

Patch Cables

When installing your equipment, replace old patch panel cables that do not meet Category 5e specifications. As pointed out in the NEXT section, this near end piece of cable is critical for successful operation.

RJ-45 Plug and RJ-45 Connectors

In a Fast Ethernet network, it is important that all 100BASE-T certified Category 5 cabling use RJ-45 plugs. The RJ-45 plug accepts 4-pair UTP or shielded twisted-pair (STP) 100-ohm cable and connects into the RJ-45 connector. The RJ-45 connector is used to connect stations, hubs, and switches through UTP cable; it supports 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 1000 Mbps data transmission.

D-6

Cabling Guidelines

July 2005

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NETGEAR FS526T, FS750T2NA software manual Near End Cross Talk Next, Patch Cables, RJ-45 Plug and RJ-45 Connectors

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.