Multi-Gigabit Ethernet; Example Applications; Internet Access - ZyXEL Communications EX5501-B0 User Manual

1.1.1 Multi-Gigabit Ethernet

A 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port supports speeds of 2.5 Gbps if the connected device supports 2.5 Gbps.
While a 10 Gigabit Ethernet port supports speeds of 10 Gbps if the connected device supports 10 Gbps
and a Cat 6a (up to 100 m) or Cat 6 cable (up to 50 m) is used.
Some network devices such as gaming computers, servers, network attached storage (NAS) devices, or
access points may have network cards that are capable of 2.5 Gbps or 5 Gbps connectivity.
If these devices are connected to a 1 Gbps or 10 Gbps Ethernet port, they can only transmit or receive
up to 1 Gbps as speeds of 2.5 Gbps / 10 Gbps cannot be attained. Moreover, if network devices with 2.5
Gbps / 10 Gbps network cards are connected to a 2.5 Gbps / 10 Gbps Ethernet port, you must use Cat
5e / Cat 6A or better Ethernet cables to achieve 2.5 Gbps / 10 Gbps speeds. Most buildings, at the time
of writing, use Cat 5e or Cat 6 Ethernet cables.
Multi-Gigabit Ethernet ports automatically allow connections up to the speed of the connected network
device (100 Mbps (not supported on EX5501-B0), 1 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps or 5 Gbps), and you just need to use
a Cat 5, Cat 5e or Cat 6 Ethernet cable.
See the following table for the cables required and distance limitation to attain the corresponding
speed.
Table 2 Ethernet Cable Types
CABLE
Category 5
Category 5e
Category 6
Category 6a
Category 7

1.2 Example Applications

This section shows a few examples of using the Zyxel Device in various network environments. Note that
the Zyxel Device in the figure is just an example Zyxel Device and not your actual Zyxel Device.

1.2.1 Internet Access

The EX5501-B0 has a Gigabit Ethernet port for super-fast Internet access. It provides Internet access by
connecting the WAN port to your ISP.
While the AX7501-B0 / PX7501-B0 provides shared Internet access by connecting a fiber optic cable
provided by the ISP to the PON port. It supports OMCI (ONU Management and Control Interface) to
connect to the ISP's OLT (Optical Line Terminal).
Computers can connect to the Zyxel Device's LAN ports (or wirelessly) and access the Internet
simultaneously.
Chapter 1 Introducing the Zyxel Device
TRANSMISSION SPEED
100 Mbps
1 Gbps / 2.5 Gbps / 5 Gbps
5 Gbps / 10 Gbps
10 Gbps
10 Gbps
EX5501-B0 / AX7501-B0 / PX7501-B0 User's Guide
MAXIMUM DISTANCE
100 m
100 m
50 m
100 m
100 m
18
BANDWIDTH CAPACITY
100 MHz
100 MHz
250 MHz
500 MHz
650 MHz