Linksys EF4124 User Guide - Page 6

Chapter 2 Installing an Ethernet Switch Rack Mounting an Ethernet Switch Each Ethernet Switch is equipped with three mounting holes on each side for rack mounting in a standard rack. After screwing a mounting bracket into each side of an Ethernet Switch, lift the Switch into your rack and secure the brackets in place with additional screws (not supplied by Linksys). Connecting Nodes to an Ethernet Switch An Ethernet Switch's front panel has 16 or 24 standard RJ45 ports, depending upon the model, which can connect to workstations, file servers, print servers, and other network peripherals. Each port automatically detects port speed and can operate in either half or full duplex mode. With duplex detection, you can run speeds of 10Mbps, 20Mbps, 100Mbps, up to a maximum of 200Mbps. Each cable connected to an Ethernet Switch must be a UTP Category 5 ethernet network cable with RJ-45 tips, and must not exceed 100 meters (328 feet) in length. Ready-to-use network cabling with precrimped ends are available at most computer retail stores.Automatic Configuration - DHCP Connecting PCs Connect your PCs to an Ethernet Switch's ports with straight-through UTP Category 5 cabling. Plug the other end of the Cat 5 cable into your PC's network adapter. Connecting to Other Switches, Hubs, Bridges and Repeaters Each port on an Ethernet Switch can also be used to uplink to another switch, hub, bridge or repeater, serving as an uplink port. These ports will automatically detect what kind of cable is connected, either cross-over or straightthrough, and adjust for that cable. Powering On an Ethernet Switch Plug in an Ethernet Switch's AC power cable. The Switch will first run a diagnostic Self-Test, which just takes a few seconds. After the test, the Power LED will light up to indicate that the unit is powered on. As each node is powered on, the corresponding port's Link/Activity (Link/ Act) LED will light up. When data is transmitted or received, the Link/Act LEDs will flicker. Installation Reading an Ethernet Switch's LED Display LED Display An Ethernet Switch's LED Display has a Power LED to indicate when the unit is ON. There are two LEDs per port: the Link/Activity (Link/Act) LED and the Full Duplex/ Collision (FDX/Col) LED. (An example of the LEDs is shown above. The LEDs on the switch you purchased may vary slightly.) See the chart below to find out what the status of each LED denotes. LEDs Link/Act FDX/Col Power Front Panel LED Displays LEDs Color Status Network Status Green Yellow Solid light Connection Established Blinking light Transmitting/ Receiving Solid light Full duplex transfer mode Blinking light Collision Green Solid light Displays power status EtherFast® 16-Port and 24-Port 10/100 Ethernet Switches 3