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4. OPTIMIZING CONFIGURATION
4.1 Prior to Installation
Before installing the Switch
models and connecting network
devices, it is important to plan the new network layout. Consider:
w Dedicated Bandwidth: File servers and other
high-traffic hardware can improve if they have their own
direct connection with dedicated 10 or 100Mbps band-
width.
w Full-Duplex: Determine which devices would benefit
from a Full Duplex connection and check that they
support it.
w Fast Ethernet: 100Base-TX and 100Base-FX have
different rules for cable and distance. Make sure these
are followed.
w
Auto-Negotiation:
Devices with different speeds may
be easily swapped when the other end of the cable is
fixed to a port with auto-negotiation.
4.2 Half- and Full-Duplex
The Switch supports both Half- and Full-Duplex modes for
10Base-T and 100Base-TX. Half-Duplex mode is the traditional
data transfer mode: one station sends data while other devices
wait for the first to finish.
Full-Duplex is the simultaneous transmission and receiving of
data. It is only possible between two devices with a dedicated
link (e.g., switch-to-switch, switch-to-PC). Both of the devices
must be capable of, and set to, Full-Duplex.
100Base-TX ports use auto-negotiation to detect and set the
line's operating mode.