5
Chapter 2: Getting to Know the
10/100 Switch
Planning Your Network Layout
The 5-, 8-, and 16-Port 10/100 Switches differ in number of LEDs and ports.
Pictured here is the 5-Port 10/100 Switch; however, the other Switches are
similar in form.
System Green. The System LED will light up when the Switch is
powered on.
1-5, 1-8, or 1-16 Green. Each LED will light up when there is a connection
made through its corresponding port. It will flash when there
is activity on its corresponding port.
The network ports are located on the back panel of the Switch.
1-5, 1-8, or 1-16 These ports are connection points for PCs and other network
devices, such as additional switches.
Overview
Front Panel LEDs
Back and Side Panel Features
4
Chapter 1: Introduction
r
This newly redesigned Linksys 5-, 8-, or 16-Port 10/100 Switch can
significantly increase your network traffic’s speed. A switch serves the same
function as a hub in a network design—tying your network equipment together.
But unlike a simple-minded hub which divides the network’s bandwidth among
all the attached devices, a switch delivers full network speeds at each port.
Installing this cost-effective 5-, 8-, or 16-Port 10/100 Switch can potentially
increase your network speed by five, eight, or sixteen times!
It's the perfect way of integrating 10Mbps Ethernet and 100Mbps Fast Ethernet
devices, too. All ports are auto speed negotiating, and have automatic
MDI/MDI-X crossover detection, so you don’t have to worry about the cable
type. Each port independently negotiates for best speed and half- or full-duplex
mode, for up to 200Mbps of bandwidth per port. Fast store-and-forward
switching prevents damaged packets from being passed on into the network.
The new, ultra-compact case design is sure to fit into your workgroup
environment. Let the Linksys 5-, 8-, or 16-Port 10/100 Switch kick your 10/100
network into high gear.
• Ideal for Integrating Your 10BaseT and 100BaseTX Network Hardware
• 5, 8, or 16 10/100 Ports Provide Dedicated Bandwidth in Half- or Full-
Duplex Modes
• Each Port Supports Auto MDI/MDI-X Cable Detection
• Compatible with All Major Network Operating Systems
• Advanced Store-and-Forward Packet Switching Optimizes Data Transfers
• Auto Partitioning Protects PCs from Downed Network Lines
• Signal Regeneration Ensures Data Transfer Integrity
• Limited Lifetime Warranty
Features
The 10/100 Switch
Figure 2-1
Figure 2-2