Traffic Prioritization
The Switch has a built in feature to aid network performance
at times of excessive load. It is called Priority Queuing. When a
packet is received, the Switch will examine it to see if it has
been priority encoded. If it has, the Switch will then read the
priority level and determine whether it should be directed
through the normal or high priority channel. This feature can
be useful during excessive loads, for example, when one type
of traffic may require priority over another.
Automatic Loop Detect
This Switch has automatic loop detection technology which will
prevent unwanted recirculation of packets which could poten-
tially clog your network.
Connecting 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T
Networks
The ports can each be connected to a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/
1000BASE-T network. If you have various connection speeds
in your network, you can join them together using the Switch
allowing all your workstations to communicate. For example,
by connecting one of the ports to a server, all the worksta-
tions connected to the server can communicate with devices
connected to the Switch, significantly increasing the size of
your network.
Alternatively, if for example you use a 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX
network and want to improve network performance by intro-
ducing 1000BASE-T technology, the Switch protects the
investment in your existing workstations because it maintains
10BASE-T/100BASE-TX connections to them.
The Switch has automatic MDI/MDIX functionality. Simply
plug in the cable, and the Switch will automatically detect
which wiring practice has been followed, and will compen-
sate accordingly.
Checking Unit Connections
When you have connected all your units, power on the units
and the Switch. The Port Status LEDs for the ports you have
used should be lit. If they are not, check your connections.
4 HOW YOUR SWITCH CAN BE USED
Switching
When a network of repeater hubs is in operation, any infor-
mation that is sent by the workstation is passed around the
whole network (regardless of the destination of the informa-
tion). This can result in a lot of unnecessary traffic that can
slow the network 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. This operation is called
"switching".
The Switch effectively divides up your network, localizing the
network traffic and passing on traffic as necessary. If you have
any high performance workstations that require a lot of band-
width, connect them directly to the Switch.
14
15
3C1670500C_3C1670800C_booklet_rev2_final.qxp:3C1670500C 3/6/08 10:02 Page 14
