SMC Networks SMC8950EM, SMC8926EM manual Installing the Switch, Selecting a Site, Ethernet Cabling

Chapter 3: Installing the Switch

Selecting a Site

Switches can be mounted in a standard 19-inch equipment rack or on a flat surface. Be sure to follow the guidelines below when choosing a location.

•The site should:

-be at the center of all the devices you want to link and near a power outlet.

-be able to maintain its temperature within 0 to 50 °C (32 to 122 °F) and its humidity within 5% to 95%, non-condensing

-provide adequate space (approximately five centimeters or two inches) on all sides for proper air flow

-be accessible for installing, cabling and maintaining the devices

-allow the status LEDs to be clearly visible

•Make sure twisted-pair cable is always routed away from power lines, fluorescent lighting fixtures and other sources of electrical interference, such as radios and transmitters.

•Make sure that the unit is connected to a separate grounded power outlet that provides 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz, is within 2 m (6.6 feet) of each device and is powered from an independent circuit breaker. As with any equipment, using a filter or surge suppressor is recommended.

Ethernet Cabling

To ensure proper operation when installing the switches into a network, make sure that the current cables are suitable for 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX or 1000BASE-T operation. Check the following criteria against the current installation of your network:

•Cable type: Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) or shielded twisted pair (STP) cables with RJ-45 connectors; Category 3 or better for 10BASE-T, Category 5 or better for 100BASE-TX, and Category 5, 5e or 6 for 1000BASE-T.

•Protection from radio frequency interference emissions

•Electrical surge suppression

•Separation of electrical wires (switch related or other) and electromagnetic fields from data based network wiring

•Safe connections with no damaged cables, connectors or shields

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