Modular Ethernet Switch User’s Guide
16
Connecting The Switch
4
C
ONNECTING
T
HE
S
WITCH
This chapter describes how to connect the Switch to your Ethernet network as well as providing an
informational cable length table.
Switch to End Node
End nodes include PCs outfitted with a Network Interface Card (NIC) and most routers. For twisted-pair
(copper) connections, the RJ-45 UTP ports on NICs and most routers are MDI-
II
. When using a normal
straight-through cable, an MDI-
II
port must connect to an MDI-
X
port.
An end node can be connected to the Switch via a two-pair Category 3, 4, 5 UTP/STP straight cable (be sure to
use Category 5 UTP or STP cabling for 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet connections). The end node should be
connected to any of the sixteen ports (1x - 16x) on the 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX module. The LED indicators
for the port the end node is connected to are lit according to the capabilities of the NIC. If LED indicators are
not illuminated after making a proper connection, check the PC’s LAN card, the cable, switch conditions, and
connections.
The following LED indicator states are possible for an end node to switch connection:
1.
The 100M indicator comes
ON
for a 100 Mbps and stays
OFF
for 10 Mbps.
2.
The Link/Act indicator lights up upon hooking up a PC that is powered on.
Switch to Hub or Switch
These connections can be accomplished in a number of ways. For twisted-pair (copper) connections, the most
important consideration is that when using a normal, straight-through cable, the connection should be made
between a normal crossed port (Port 1x, 2x, etc.) and an Uplink (MDI-
II
) port. If you are using a crossover
cable, the connection can be made from a normal crossed port to another crossed port.
♦
A 10BASE-T hub or switch can be connected to the Switch via a two-pair Category 3, 4 or 5 UTP/STP
straight cable.
♦
A 100BASE-TX hub or switch can be connected to the Switch via a four-pair Category 5 UTP/STP
straight cable.
If the other switch or hub contains an unused Uplink port, we suggest connecting the other device’s Uplink
(MDI-II) port to any of the switch’s (MDI-X) ports (1x - 16x 100BASE-TX ports).
If the other device does not have an unused Uplink port, make the connection with a crossover cable from any
of the twisted-pair ports on the switch to any normal twisted-pair port on the hub.