3Com 3C16732 - Manuel (Page 3)

3
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
The two 10/100 ports can each be connnected to
either a 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX network. If you
have both types of network, you can connect them
using the switch so all your workstations can
communicate.
Alternatively, if you want to improve performance by
introducing 100BASE-TX (using an OfficeConnect
100BASE-TX hub for example), the switch protects
your investments because it also maintains 10BASE-T
connections to your original network equipment.
Before You Start
Your OfficeConnect switch comes with:
3 One power adapter for use with the switch
3 One power cord
3 A Warranty Registration card for you to fill out and
return
3 Four rubber feet
3 Four stacking clips
3 An OfficeConnect Product Range sheet
3 This guide
Hub Connections
To connect OfficeConnect hubs to your switch, you
need:
3 One suitable TP cable for each hub.
Workstation Connections
To connect workstations or other equipment (such as
servers) directly to your switch ports, you need:
1 One 10BASE-T or
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.
2 One suitable TP cable for each workstation.
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 cables 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 cable. Cables used
for 100BASE-TX connections must be data grade
(Category 5). The maximum length you can use is
100m (328ft).
A ‘straight-through’ cable is one where each pin of
one connector is connected to the same pin of the
other connector.