Linksys EF4124 - Manual (Page 7)

Chapter 2
Installation
4 EtherFast® 16-Port and 24-Port 10/100 Ethernet Switches
Tips on Switching Your Network
Here are some of the ways an Ethernet Switch 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 managers and network administrators
directly to an Ethernet Switch to channel dedicated
bandwidth in full duplex mode to each station. An
Ethernet Switch can communicate with all its connections
simultaneously.
Conserving Bandwidth with 10Mbps & 100Mbps Segments
10BaseT and 100BaseTX hardware are not readily
compatible, but an Ethernet Switch can designate
network segments of different speeds. This allows you to
run one 10Mbps segment to serve users without a need
for considerable speed, and a faster 100Mbps segment
devoted to users who depend heavily on multimedia,
database, gaming, or other speed-intensive applications.
With switched segmentation, your 100Mbps users will not
lose efficiency because of the 10Mbps segment’s transfer
speed.
Run 10Mbps Peripherals in Your Fast Ethernet Network
Most of the network peripherals in place today run at
10Mbps, since 10BaseT has been the standard network
speed to date. These peripherals, designed to operate
at 10Mbps, cannot readily communicate with 100Mbps
equipment. A 10Mbps interface is also required for
cable and DSL connections, which are quickly becoming
very popular. An Ethernet Switch gives your 10BaseT
equipment and cable and DSL lines a 10Mbps interface
while still running your Fast Ethernet equipment at
100Mbps.
Strengthen Data Transfers Through Signal Regeneration
An Etherfast 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.