Chapter 1: Introduction; Overview - NETGEAR ProSafe GSM7312 Hardware Installation Manual

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on your purchase of a NETGEAR Model GSM7312 Managed Layer 3 Gigabit Ethernet
Switch! Your NETGEAR Switch is a state-of-the-art, high-performance, IEEE-compliant network solution
designed for users who want ease of use along with powerful management features you can use to
eliminate bottlenecks, boost performance, and increase productivity.
This Installation Guide will assist you in getting your switch up and running. For a detailed description of
the management features in this switch, refer to the User Guide, located on your Resource CD for
Managed Switches that came with your switch.
This chapter serves as the introduction for using your NETGEAR GSM7312 Switch and provides the
following information:
•

Overview

•
Switch Features
• Package contents
Overview
Your NETGEAR Model GSM7312 Managed Layer 3 Gigabit Ethernet Switch provides the benefit of
management with a complete package of features for the observation, configuration, and control of your
network. With a Web-based Graphical User Interface (GUI), the switch's many capabilities can be viewed
and used in a simple and intuitive manner. For those who prefer a more traditional interface, there is
Command Line Interface (CLI) available through the console port on the front, or a telnet connection via the
network. The switch's management features include SNMP and RMON for port and switch information,
VLAN for traffic control, port trunking for increased bandwidth, and Class of Service (CoS) for traffic
prioritization. These features and more will allow you to better understand and control your network.
Your NETGEAR Model GSM7312 Managed Layer 3 Gigabit Ethernet Switch also provides twelve fiber
Gigabit Ethernet ports using miniGBIC fiber connectors, located on the front panel. The SFP module bays
will accept any standard SFP module. Using these Gigabit ports, you can create high-speed connections
to a server or network backbone. For example, you can connect:
•
Switches to each other with high-speed links
•
High-speed servers
•
Fiber and copper Gigabit Ethernet networks
Your NETGEAR Model GSM7312 Managed Layer 3 Gigabit Ethernet Switch can be free-standing, or rack
mounted in a wiring closet or equipment room. It is IEEE-compliant and offers low latency for high-speed
networking. It includes 12 auto-sensing 10/100/1000 ports. The 10/100/1000 ports are shielded RJ-45 ports
that automatically negotiate to the highest speed. In addition, all 10/100/1000 Mbps ports operate in half- or
full-duplex mode, increasing the maximum bandwidth of each connection up to 20 Mbps or 200 Mbps or
2000 Mbps, respectively. Using Auto Uplink™ technology, every RJ-45 port automatically detects the
proper MDI or MDI-X configuration to make the connection, eliminating the need for crossover cables. The
maximum segment length is 328 feet (100 meters) over Category 5 unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable.
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