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MULTILINK ML600 ETHERNET COMMUNICATIONS SWITCH – INSTRUCTION MANUAL
OPERATION
CHAPTER 4: OPERATION
4.1.3
Address Learning
All ML600 units have address table capacities of 4K node addresses suitable for use in
larger networks. They are self-learning, so as nodes are added, removed or moved from
one segment to another, the ML600 automatically keeps up with node locations.
An address-aging algorithm causes least-used addresses to fall out in favor of frequently-
used addresses. To reset the address buffer, recycle the power supply.
4.1.4
Auto-cross (MDIX), Auto-negotiation, and Speed Sensing
The RJ45 ports independently support auto-cross (MDI or MDIX) in auto-negotiation mode
and work properly when the other connected device also supports auto-negotiation. No
cross-over cable is required while using the auto-negotiation port at both ends. The ports
perform auto-cross selection only during auto-negotiation, and it will not take effect if the
port is in fixed mode on the other end. Operation is according to the IEEE 802.3u standard.
Auto-negotiation takes place when a RJ45 cable connection is made and a LINK is
enabled. The ML600 advertises its capability for 10 or 100 Mbps and full/half-duplex mode.
Similarly, the device at the other end of the cable should advertise/respond and both sides
agree to the speed and mode being used. Depending upon the connected device, this will
result in agreement to operate at either 10 or 100 Mbps, in full or half-duplex mode.
4.1.5
Status LEDs
The following status LEDs are included:
• PWR: Power LED, ON when external power is applied to the unit.
• LK/ACT: Steady ON for LINK with no traffic, blinking for port activity. The LINK LED
will turn off in the event connectivity is lost between the ends of the twisted pair
segment or a loss of power occurs in the unit or remote device. The Link ports are
also represented by LA1, LA2, LA3,… LA6 (steady-on or steady-off indicates no
receive activity).
• 100/10: Speed LED, ON when the speed is 100 Mbps, OFF when the speed is
10 Mbps (copper only).
• F/H: Full/half-duplex LED, ON when the port is running full-duplex, OFF for half-
duplex (fiber only).
On the copper models, the 10/100 LEDs applies to copper ports only. For models with fiber,
the F/H applies to the fiber port only.
4.1.6
Alarm Contact
The alarm contacts feature provides normally closed (NC) contacts for one set of status
monitoring wires at the green terminal block. The terminal block for alarm contacts is part
of the power input panel; the DC power input connection is in the same panel.
NOTE
