Lantronix
SM4T4DPA Install Guide
33867 Rev. A
Page
20
of
29
Making Fiber Port Connections
Step 4. As a connection is made, check the Link LED on the switch corresponding to the port to be sure that the
connection is valid.
The fiber optic ports operate at 1 Gbps. The maximum length for fiber optic cable operating at Gigabit speed will
depend on the fiber type as listed under “
1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet Collision Domain
” on page
22
.
Connectivity Rules
When adding hubs to your network, please note that because switches break up the path for connected devices
into separate collision domains, you should not include the switch or connected cabling in your calculations for
cascade length involving other devices.
1000BASE-T Cable Requirements
All Category 5 UTP cables that are used for 100BASE-TX connections should also work for 1000BASE-T, providing
that all four wire pairs are connected. However, it is recommended that for all critical connections, or any new cable
installations, Category 5e or Category 6 cable should be used. The Category 5e and 6 specifications include test
parameters that are only recommendations for Category 5. So the first step in preparing existing Category 5 cabling
for running 1000BASE-T is a simple test of the cable installation to be sure that it complies with the IEEE 802.3-
2005 standards.
Cable Labeling and Connection Records
When planning a network installation, it is essential to label the opposing ends of cables and to record where each
cable is connected. This will allow user to easily locate inter-connected devices, isolate faults and change your
topology without need for unnecessary time consumption.
To best manage the physical implementations of your network, follow these guidelines:
•
Clearly label the opposing ends of each cable.
•
Using your building’s floor plans, draw a map of the location of all network-connected equipment. For
each piece of equipment, identify the devices to which it is connected.
•
Note the length of each cable and the maximum cable length supported by the switch ports.
•
For ease of understanding, use a location-based key when assigning prefixes to your cable labeling.
•
Use sequential numbers for cables that originate from the same equipment.
•
Differentiate between racks by naming accordingly.
•
Label each separate piece of equipment.
•
Display a copy of your equipment map, including keys to all abbreviations at each equipment rack.