Connectors - Broadcom BroadNAS User Manual

BCM94780

Connectors

The connectors are on the back of the box, along with the main hard power shutoff switch.
Networking (Ethernet) Connector
Serial Development
Connector
Networking Connector
The Networking connector is a standard computer networking connector, also known as either a Fast Ethernet
port or 10/100BASE-T port. The networking connector is the main connection between BroadNAS and the
home network. The cable to connect here is not supplied with the BroadNAS but can be purchased at most
computer supply stores.
USB Connectors
The USB connectors can be used to connect additional disks using the USB protocol, which is a flexible way
to quickly or temporarily add disks (such as temporarily store data while upgrading one of the internal IDE
disks). The data access is not as fast as for IDE disks, and the disks are generally more expensive than IDE
disks of the same capacity. Some versions of the BroadNAS also support connecting a USB printer to one of
these connectors, making the BroadNAS act as a print server, and accept printing requests from PCs on the
network, saving the files to be printed on the BroadNAS disks until the printer has completed the process. USB
cables are not provided with the BroadNAS, and many users may never need them because they do not use
a USB disk or printer. If a USB device is to be connected, a cable can be obtained from the same source as
the USB disk or printer or purchased at a computer supply store or website.
Main AC Power Switch
The Main AC power switch is used to completely cut off power to the BroadNAS. There are two power controls
on the BroadNAS—a soft power control on the front and a hard power control on the back. The soft control on
the front should be used for most purposes, since it gives the BroadNAS a chance to save in-flight data and
shut down properly. The switch on the back is available as a backup in case something, which the soft power
switch cannot fix, goes seriously wrong with the BroadNAS.
AC Connector
The AC connector is an industry-standard 120V connector. The supplied power cord or a compatible cord can
be used to connect to a wall outlet or to an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS). A home UPS is probably a
good investment for BroadNAS owners because it provides additional protection against damage to data due
to power interruptions or surges. Typically, a single UPS can supply power to both a PC and a BroadNAS,
because a BroadNAS is more efficient and uses much less power than a PC.
Page 2 The Hardware
USB Connectors
B roadc om C or por ati on
User Manual
Main AC Power Switch
AC Connector
120V AC only
Document 94780-UM100-R
01/13/04