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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR Model GSM712/GSM712F Managed Gigabit Ethernet
Switch! Your NETGEAR Switch is a state-of-the-art, high-performance, IEEE-compliant network solution
designed for users who want the power of management to eliminate bottlenecks, boost performance, and
increase productivity running over the maximum possible bandwidth. In addition to providing easy,
straightforward management, your switch (GSM712) is flexible and comes with two Gigabit Interface
Converter (GBIC) OR your switch (GSM712F) is flexible and comes with four combo (GBIC/GTP) ports that
can use any GBIC module to provide Gigabit connectivity over a variety of fiber or copper cabling.
This chapter serves as the introduction for using your NETGEAR GSM712/GSM712F Managed Gigabit
Switch and provides the following information:
• Overview
• Switch Features
• Package Contents
Overview
Your NETGEAR Model GSM712/GSM712F Managed Gigabit Switch provides the benefit of management
with a complete package of features for the observation, configuration, and control of your network. With a
web-based Graphical User Interface (GUI), the switch’s many capabilities can be viewed and used in a
simple and intuitive manner. For those who prefer a more traditional interface, there is a Command Menu
Interface available through the console port on the front or via Telenet. The switch’s management features
include SNMP and RMON for port and switch information, VLAN for traffic control, port trunking for
increased bandwidth, and Class of Service (CoS) for traffic prioritization. These features and more will
allow you to better understand and better control your network.
Your NETGEAR Model GSM712/GSM712F Managed Gigabit Switch also provides GBIC module bays.
The GBIC module bays will accept any standard GBIC module, including the AGM721F 1000BASE-SX
module or AGM721T 1000BASE-T module from NETGEAR. Using these Gigabit ports, you can create
high-speed connections to a server or network backbone. For example, you can:
• Connect switches to each other with long distance, high-speed links
• Combine fiber and copper networks
Your NETGEAR Model GSM712/GSM712F Managed Gigabit Switch can operate free-standing, or rack
mounted in a wiring closet or equipment room. It is IEEE-compliant and offers low latency for high-speed
networking. GSM712 includes 10 auto-sensing 10/100/1000 Ethernet/Fast Ethernet/Gigabit Ethernet ports,
and GSM712F includes 8 GBIC and 4 Combo (GBIC/GTP). The 10/100/1000 Mbps ports are shielded RJ-
45 ports that automatically negotiate to the highest speed. This capability makes the switch ideal for
environments that have a mix of Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet devices. In addition, all
10/100/1000 Mbps ports operate in half- or full-duplex mode. The maximum segment length is 328 feet
(100 meters) over Category 5 unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable.