ATEN KE6900R, User Manual

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Appendix
301
Choose a High Performance Switch
A high performance network switch is the means of a successful KE setup.
When choosing a network switch, first select the type:
Layer 2 or Layer 3 Switches
You’ll need to determine whether you need a layer 2 or a layer 3 switch for
your KE network. Layer 3 switches cost more than layer 2 switches because
they are more complex and handle more network traffic. The best way to
calculate which type of switch you need is to first determine if you will have a
dedicated network for the KE devices or if the KE devices will be on a network
that shares throughput with other network equipment such as computers,
servers and printers. If they share the network with other devices its best to
consider a layer 3 switch and use layer 2 switches exclusively for the KE device
connections. For larger installations we recommend using Layer 3 switches.
The major differences are:
Layer 3 Switch: IP addresses in packets are examined and intelligent
forwarding decisions are made. On a larger network broken into subnets
across long distances, a layer 3 switch becomes the best choice as they
can improve network efficiency and provide better traffic flow. They
are better at directing more traffic to different locations on a larger more
complex network, and with layer two switches working below them.
Layer 2 Switch: Packets are examined and forwarded using only the
MAC address. If you have a small central network, a layer 2 switch
should do the job. If the network is exclusive and will only transmit the
bandwidth of KE devices, layer 2 switches with the correct settings can
get the job done effectively.
Considerations
Number of ports
Choose a switch that has enough ports to match the number of KE devices you
will be installing. Switches typically come in 5, 8, 10, 16, 24, 28, 48, and 52-
port configurations. If you are installing 13 KE transmitters and 13 KE
receivers, you will need to purchase a switch with at least 28 ports.
Stackable verse Standalone
Stackable switches allow you to easily manage and configure ports spanning
across multiple switches that the KE devices are connected through. This
provides a centralized method to configure and troubleshoot the initial setup of