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How the Switch Can Be Used
Switching
When a network of repeater hubs is in operation, any
information that is sent by the workstations is passed
around the whole network (regardless of the destination
of the information) which results in a lot of unnecessary
traffic that can slow it down. The switch solves this
problem because it 'listens' to the network and
automatically learns what workstations can be reached
through its ports. It can then selectively pass on any
information by transmitting the traffic from the relevant
port only (instead of all ports like a repeater hub). This
operation is called 'switching' .
The switch effectively divides up your network,
localizing the network traffic and passing on traffic as
necessary (as shown in the diagram). If you have
workstations that communicate frequently in the same
part of the network, traffic between them is not passed
to the remainder of the network, reducing the load.
If you have any high performance workstations that
require a lot of bandwidth, connect them directly to the
switch.
The Switch Separates Your Network and Controls the Information Effectively
Connecting 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Networks
This switch enables you to connect 10BASE-T and
100BASE-TX networks together. This means that if you
have both types of network, you can connect them so all
of your workstations can communicate.
Alternatively, if you want to improve performance by
introducing 100BASE-TX (using an OfficeConnect
Hub 8/TP100 for example), the switch protects your
investments because it maintains 10BASE-T connections
to your original network equipment.
Before You Start
Your OfficeConnect switch comes with:
One power adapter for use with the switch
A Warranty Registration card for you to fill out and return
Four rubber feet
Four stacking clips
An OfficeConnect Product Range sheet
This guide
Hub Connections
To connect OfficeConnect hubs to your switch, you
need:
One suitable TP cable for each hub.
Workstation Connections
To connect workstations or other equipment (such as
servers) directly t o your switch ports, you need :
One 10BASE-T or
1
100BASE-TX adapter card
for each workstation . 3Com
produce a range of easy to
install network adapters,
which provide your
workstation with a
10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX
connection .
O ne suitable TP cable for each workstation.
2
In order to comply with the 10BASE-T standard, ports
designed for workstation connections have been marked
with the graphical symbol 'x' . This denotes a crossover in
the port's internal wiring, for example 1x, 2x, 3x...
You also need a network operating system running on
your workstations.
Twisted Pair (TP) Cables
To connect your hubs and workstations to the switch,
you must use 'Straight-through' TP cable with RJ45
connectors (all OfficeConnect products use RJ45 type
connectors). Your supplier should stock suitable cables.
Cables can be shielded (screened) or unshielded; we
recommend that you use shielded (screened) cable.
100BASE-TX cable must be data grade (Category 5).
The maximum length you can use is 100 meters
(328 feet).
A 'Straight-through' cable is one where the pins of one
connector are connected to the same pins of the other
connector.
3
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