Linksys EtherFast EG0008 - Manual (Page 6)

EtherFast ® 10/100/1000 8-Port GigaSwitch
6
Tips on Switching Your Network
Here are some of the ways your new EtherFast® 10/100/1000 8-Port
GigaSwitch can help you optimize your network speed.
• Speed up Nodes From Your 10BaseT Network
In a 10BaseT network, connect your hubs, file servers, and key users, such as
network administrators, directly to your Switch to channel dedicated band-
width in full-duplex mode (if operating in full-duplex) to each station. The
Switch will have dedicated communication with all its connections simultane-
ously, whereas a hub will only communicate in half-duplex transfer mode and
broadcasts information to all ports.
• Conserving Bandwidth with 10Mbps, 100Mbps and 1000Mbps Segments
10BaseT and 100BaseTX hardware are not readily compatible, but your
10/100/1000 Switch can designate network segments of different speeds.
This allows you to run one 100Mbps segment to serve users without a need
for considerable speed, and a faster 1000Mbps segment devoted to users who
depend heavily on graphics, multimedia, database, or other speed-intensive
applications. With switched segmentation, your 1000Mbps users will not be
slowed down by the users on the 10/100Mbps segment.
• Run 10/100Mbps Peripherals in 1000Mbps Network
Most of the network peripherals in place today run at 10/100Mbps, since
100BaseTX has been the standard network speed to date. These peripherals,
designed to operate at 100Mbps, cannot readily communicate with
1000BaseTX equipment. A 10Mbps interface is also required for cable and
DSL connections, which are quickly becoming very popular ways to access
the Internet. Your 10/100/1000 Switch provides your 10BaseT equipment and
cable and DSL lines with a 10Mbps interface while still running your Fast
Ethernet devices at 100Mbps or 1000Mbps.
• Strengthen Data Transfers Through Signal Regeneration
Your Switch functions as a repeater, which regenerates data signals as they
pass through it. This feature acts as a safeguard to deter data loss and ensure
that transmissions arrive at their destination intact. Switches positioned
between hubs can preserve your data’s integrity and eliminate your need to
buy and use repeaters in your Fast Ethernet network.
Tips on Switching Your Network
Installing the EtherFast ®
10/100/1000 8-Port GigaSwitch
Installing your EtherFast ® 10/100/1000 8-Port GigaSwitch may involve
installing both an adapter and the GigaSwitch. If you are integrating these
items into an existing nework, some additional steps may be necessary involv-
ing settings for your existing equipment. Consult your Network Administrator
for more information about how the GigaSwitch will interface with your exist-
ing network components.
Connecting Computers To Your Switch
Your Switch’s front panel has eight RJ-45 ports. Each 10/100/1000 port auto-
matically detects the speed and duplex of the attached cabling to a network
card, switch, hub, etc. The ports operate in either full or half duplex, which
lets you run at speeds of 2000Mbps, 1000Mbps, 200Mbps, 100Mbps, or
10Mbps.
Each 10/100/1000 port on your Switch can connect to workstations, file
servers, hubs, repeaters, bridges, routers or other switches. Connections to the
switch require UTP Category 5 network cabling (UTP Category 5e for
Gigabit connections—UTP Category 3 can be used with 10Mbps connec-
tions) with RJ-45 tips, not to exceed 100 meters (328 feet) in length.
To connect a computer directly to the switch, plug one end of a standard net-
work cable into the switch, then plug the other end of the cable into the com-
puter's network adapter.
Plug in the GigaSwitch's power cable. The Power LED will light up. As
devices make connections to the Switch’s ports, each port's corresponding TX
or RX LED will light up. The remaining LEDs will also light up according
to how your connection is made, e.g. full or half duplex, 10Mbps, 100Mbps,
or 1000Mbps.
If the Switch experiences excessive data collisions, verify that your network
cabling is securely crimped and installed properly.
Overview
Instant Gigabit™ Series
Installing 10/100/1000 The 8-Port Gigaswitch
7
Connecting Your Hardware Together and Booting Up