724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
724-746-5500 | blackbox.com
Page 21
LGB1108A Quick Start Guide
Chapter 5: Network Connections
5 Network Connections
5.1 Connecting Network Devices
The switch is designed to be connected to 10-, 100- or 1000-Mbps network cards in PCs and servers, as well as to other switches
and hubs. It may also be connected to remote devices using optional SFP transceivers.
5.2 Twisted-Pair Devices
Each device requires an unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable with RJ-45 connectors at both ends. Use Category 5, 5e, or 6 cable
for 1000BASE-T connections; use Category 5 or better for 100BASE-TX connections.
Cabling Guidelines
The RJ-45 ports on the switch support automatic MDI/MDI-X pinout configuration, so you can use standard straight-through
twisted-pair cables to connect to any other network device (PCs, servers, switches, routers, or hubs).
For more information on cabling, see Chapter 9: Cables.
CAUTION: Do not plug a phone jack connector into an RJ-45 port. This will damage the switch. Use only twisted-pair cables with
RJ-45 connectors that conform to FCC standards.
Connecting to PCs Servers, Hubs, and Switches
Step 1: Attach one end of a twisted-pair cable segment to the device's RJ-45 connector.
Step 2: If the device is a network card and the switch is in the wiring closet, attach the other end of the cable segment to a
modular wall outlet that is connected to the wiring closet. (See the next section “Network Wiring Connections.”) Otherwise,
attach the other end to an available port on the switch.
Make sure each twisted-pair cable does not exceed 328 ft. (100 meters) in length.
NOTE: Avoid using flow control on a port connected to a hub unless it is actually required to solve a problem. Otherwise
backpressure jamming signals may degrade overall performance for the segment attached to the hub.
Step 3. As each connection is made, the Link LED (on the switch) corresponding to each port will light green (1000 Mbps) or
amber (100 Mbps) to indicate that the connection is valid.
Network Wiring Connections
Today, the punchdown block is an integral part of many of the newer equipment racks. It is actually part of the patch panel.
Instructions for making connections in the wiring closet with this type of equipment follows.
Step 1. Attach one end of a patch cable to an available port on the switch and the other end to the patch panel.
Step 2. If not already in place, attach one end of a cable segment to the back of the patch panel where the punchdown block is
located, and the other end to a modular wall outlet.
Step 3. Label the cables to simplify future troubleshooting. See Chapter 6: Labeling Connections.