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3. Making Connections
3.1 Making UTP Connections
The copper ports support the following connection types and distances:
Network Cables
10BASE-T: 2-pair UTP Cat. 3,4,5 , EIA/TIA-568B 100-ohm
100BASE-TX: 2-pair / 4-pair UTP Cat. 5, EIA/TIA-568B 100-ohm
Link distance: Up to 100 meters
Auto MDI/MDI-X Function
This function allows the port to auto-detect the twisted-pair signals and adapts itself to form a valid
MDI to MDI-X connection with the remote connected device automatically. No matter a straight
through cable or crossover cable is connected, the ports can sense the receiving pair automatically and
configure itself to match the rule for MDI to MDI-X connection. It simplifies the cable installation.
Auto-negotiation Function
The ports are featured with auto-negotiation function and full capability to support connection to any
Ethernet devices. The port performs a negotiation process for the speed and duplex configuration with
the connected device automatically when each time a link is being established. If the connected device
is also auto-negotiation capable, both devices will come out the best configuration after negotiation
process. If the connected device is incapable in auto-negotiation, the switch will sense the speed and
use half duplex for the connection.
3.2 Making Fiber Connection
The SFP slot must be installed with an SFP fiber transceiver for making fiber connection. Your
switch may come with an SFP transceiver pre-installed when it is shipped.
To install an SFP fiber transceiver into the SFP slot, the steps are:
1. Turn off the power to the switch.
2. Insert the SFP fiber transceiver into the SFP slot. Normally, a bail is provided for every SFP
transceiver. Hold the bail and make insertion.
3. Until the SFP transceiver is seated securely in the slot, place the bail in lock position.
4. Turn on the power to the switch.
Connecting Fiber Cables
LC connectors are commonly equipped on most SFP transceiver modules. Identify TX and RX
connector before making cable connection. The following figure illustrates a connection example
between two fiber ports:
Make sure the Rx-to-Tx connection rule is followed on the both ends of the fiber cable.
Network Cables
Multimode (MMF) - 50/125, 62.5/125
Single mode (SMF) - 9/125