Netgear FSM726S FSM726S User Manual - Page 9

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEAR Model FSM726S Managed Stackable, Fast Ethernet Switch! Your NETGEAR Switch is a stateof-the-art, high-performance, IEEE-compliant network solution designed for users who require a large number of ports and want the power of management to eliminate bottlenecks, boost performance, and increase productivity. In addition to providing easy, straightforward management, your switch is expandable and comes with two stacking ports that can connect to other NETGEAR Model FSM726S Managed Stackable Switches. Additionally, your switch provides flexible Gigabit speed connections to servers and other Gigabit Ethernet switches. There are two Gigabit Ethernet ports on the switch that can be used either by the built-in RJ-45 ports or by the Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) module bays, both located on the front panel. To simplify installation, the switch is shipped ready for use. Everything necessary for setup comes in the box. This chapter serves as the introduction for using your NETGEAR FSM726S Stackable Switch and provides the following information: Overview Switch Features Package contents Overview Your NETGEAR Model FSM726S Managed Stackable 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. 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 FSM726S Managed Stackable Switch includes two bi-directional stacking ports, which can connect to other NETGEAR Model FSM726 Manageable Switches. This built-in stackability gives you the flexibility to buy the number of ports you need now to meet your immediate needs, then add ports to your system later as your networking requirements grow. Your NETGEAR Model FSM726S Managed Stackable Switch also provides two Gigabit Ethernet ports that are used either by the built-in RJ-45 ports or by the GBIC module bays, both located on the front panel. The GBIC module bays will accept any standard GBIC module, including the AGM721F 1000BASE-SX 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 high-speed links • Link up to high-speed servers • Connect fiber and copper networks Your NETGEAR Model FSM726S Managed Stackable Switch can be free-standing, or rack mounted in a wiring closet or equipment room. It is IEEE-compliant and offers low latency for high-speed networking. It includes 24 auto-sensing 10/100 Ethernet/Fast Ethernet ports. The 10/100 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 and Fast Ethernet devices. In addition, all 10/100 Mbps ports operate in half- or full-duplex mode, increasing the maximum bandwidth of each connection up to 20 Mbps or 200 Mbps, respectively. The maximum segment length is 328 feet (100 meters) over Category 5 unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable. Page 9 of 110