Linksys ETHERFAST EG0801W - Manual (Page 7)

Tips on Switching Your Network
Here are some of the ways your new EtherFast® 10/100/1000 8+1 Workgroup
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 Segments
10BaseT and 100BaseTX hardware are not readily compatible, but your
10/100 Switch can designate network segments of different speeds. This
allows you to run one 10Mbps segment to serve users without a need for con-
siderable speed, and a faster 100Mbps segment devoted to users who depend
heavily on graphics, multimedia, database, or other speed-intensive applica-
tions. With switched segmentation, your 100Mbps users will not be slowed
down by the users on the 10Mbps segment.
• 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 100BaseTX 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
Switch provides your 10BaseT equipment and cable and DSL lines with a
10Mbps interface while still running your Fast Ethernet devices at 100Mbps.
• 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
EtherFast ® 10/100/1000 8+1 Workgroup GigaSwitch Instant Gigabit Series
Plug in the GigaSwitch's AC power adapter. The Power LED will light up. As
devices make connections to the Switch’s ports, each port's corresponding
Link/Act LED will light up. The remaining LEDs will also light up accord-
ing to how your connection is made, e.g. full or half duplex, 10Mbps or
100Mbps.
If the Switch experiences excessive data collisions, verify that your network
cabling is securely crimped and installed properly.
8 9
Connecting Your Hardware Together and Booting Up