Cisco Small Business Managed Switches (Linksys Business Series)

Properly connecting the devices in the switch is important to maximize the usage of the ports and considerably making sure that the devices will be connected to the right ports especially if VLANs are created. The following diagram shows a typical network configuration:

When you connect your network devices, make sure you don't exceed the maximum cabling distances, which are listed in the following table:

Note: A hub refers to any type of 100Mbps hub. A 10Mbps hub connected to another 10Mbps hub can span up to 100 meters (328 feet).

Ports of the Switch

LAN (1-24)
The LAN ports connect to Ethernet network devices, such as other switches or routers.

Gigabit1 (25)/Gigabit 2 (26)
The Switch is equipped with two Gigabit RJ-45 ports that are shared with two mini-GBIC ports. If a Gigabit mini-GBIC port is being used, the associated RJ-45 port cannot be used. They link to high-speed network peripheral system or clients at speeds of up to 1000Mbps.

Console
The Console port is where you connect a serial cable from a PC's serial port.

Pre-Installation Considerations

Fast Ethernet Considerations

If you will be using the Switch for Fast Ethernet (100Mbps) applications, you must observe the following guidelines:

Full-Duplex
As previously mentioned, the Switch provides full-duplex support for its RJ-45 ports. Full-duplex operation allows data to be sent and received simultaneously, doubling a port's potential data throughput. If you will be using the Switch in full-duplex mode, the maximum cable length using Category 5 cable is 328 feet (100 meters).

Positioning the Switch

Before you choose a location for the Switch, observe the following guidelines:

1. Make sure that the Switch is accessible and that the cables can be connected easily.
2. Keep cabling away from sources of electrical noise, power lines, and fluorescent lighting fixtures.
3. Position the Switch away from water and moisture sources.
4. To ensure adequate air flow around the Switch, be sure to provide a minimum clearance of two inches (50mm).
5. Do not stack free-standing Switches more than four units high.
6. Connect Network Devices

Hardware Installation

To connect network devices to the Switch, follow these instructions:

Step 1:
Make sure all the devices you will connect to the Switch are powered off.

Step 2:
Connect a Category 5 Ethernet network cable to one of the numbered ports on the Switch.

Step 3:
Connect the other end to a PC or other network device.

Step 4:
Repeat steps 2 and 3 to connect additional devices. If 802.3af-compliant PoE (Power over Ethernet) devices are connected to the Switch's 10/100 ports, the Switch automatically supplies the required power.

Step 5:
If you are using the Gigabit port, connect a Category 5e Ethernet network cable to the Gigabit port on the Switch, and connect the other end to a Gigabit server or other network device.

Step 6:
If you are using a mini-GBIC port, then connect a mini-GBIC module to the mini-GBIC port. For detailed instructions, refer to the module's documentation.

Step 7:
Connect the supplied power cord to the Switch's power port, and plug the other end into an electrical outlet. When connecting power, always use a surge protector.

Step 8:
Power on the devices connected to the Switch. Each active port's corresponding LED will light up on the
Switch.

Up-Linking the Switch

To uplink the Switch, connect one end of a Cat5 (or better) cable into one of the 24 10/100 ports, and then connect the other end of the cable into the peripheral device's uplink port. MDI/MDIX will automatically detect the speed and cable type.

Check the LED lights of the switch and confirm proper connection of the devices. For instructions, click here. The hardware installation is complete.

Note: Make sure to use the power cord that is supplied with the Switch. Use of a different power cord could damage the Switch.