ABOUT THE TIGERSWITCH

Switch Architecture

The SMC6128L2 switch employs a wire-speed, non-blocking switching fabric. This permits simultaneous wire-speed transport of multiple packets at low latency on all ports. The switch also features full-duplex capability on all ports, which effectively doubles the bandwidth of each connection.

This switch uses store-and-forward switching to ensure maximum data integrity. With store-and-forward switching, the entire packet must be received into a buffer and checked for validity before being forwarded. This prevents errors from being propagated throughout the network.

Network Management Options

The SMC6128L2 switch contains a comprehensive array of LEDs for “at-a-glance” monitoring of network and port status. It also includes a management agent that allows you to configure or monitor the switch using its embedded management software, or via SNMP applications. To manage the switch, you can make a direct connection to the RS-232 console port (out-of-band), or you can manage the switch through a network connection (in-band) using Telnet, the on-board Web agent, or SNMP-based network management software.

For a detailed description of the advanced features, refer to the Management Guide.

Description of Hardware

10/100BASE-T Ports

The SMC6128L2 contains 24 10/100BASE-TX RJ-45 ports that operate at 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps, half or full duplex. The ports all support automatic MDI/MDI-X operation, so you can use straight-through cables for all network connections to PCs or servers, or to other switches or hubs. (See “10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Pin Assignments” on page B-2.)

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SMC Networks SMC6128L2 manual Description of Hardware, Switch Architecture, Network Management Options, 10/100BASE-T Ports

SMC6128L2 specifications

The SMC Networks SMC6128L2 is a highly versatile and efficient Layer 2 Ethernet switch designed to cater to the connectivity needs of both small and medium-sized enterprises as well as larger networks. Known for its reliability and performance, the SMC6128L2 offers a range of features that make it suitable for various applications.

One of the standout characteristics of the SMC6128L2 is its capacity to support 28 ports, of which 24 are 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports. These ports facilitate high-speed data transfer, making the switch ideal for bandwidth-intensive tasks, such as video streaming, online gaming, and large file transfers. The remaining four ports provide Gigabit SFP slots that allow for additional expansion and flexibility, accommodating different types of connections depending on network requirements.

The SMC6128L2 is equipped with advanced management features that enable seamless control and configuration of the switch. The device supports various management protocols, including SNMP, RMON, and WEB management, allowing administrators to monitor network performance in real-time, configure settings, and troubleshoot issues efficiently.

Another prominent technology incorporated in the SMC6128L2 is VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) support. This functionality allows users to segment networks into distinct zones to enhance security and improve traffic management. By enabling traffic isolation, VLANs facilitate better control over network resources and can significantly reduce broadcast storms that may impair network performance.

Quality of Service (QoS) is also an essential feature of the SMC6128L2, allowing the prioritization of critical network traffic to ensure that essential applications maintain their performance levels, particularly during peak usage times. This capability is beneficial for organizations relying on real-time applications such as VoIP or video conferencing.

The switch supports various security features, including port security and MAC address filtering, which help mitigate unauthorized access and safeguard sensitive data. Its robust design features a fanless architecture for quiet operation, making it well-suited for office environments.

Overall, the SMC Networks SMC6128L2 is an effective solution for organizations looking to invest in a robust, efficient, and feature-rich switching system. Its combination of high-performance capabilities, management flexibility, and security features positions it as a reliable choice for a wide range of networking needs.