SMC Networks 8728L2 FICHE, Installation Manual

Page: 23 / 88

D
ESCRIPTION OF
H
ARDWARE
1-3
Network Management Options
The SMC8728L2 switch contains a comprehensive array of LEDs for
“at-a-glance” monitoring of network and port status. It also includes a
management agent that allows you to configure or monitor the switch using
its embedded management software, or via SNMP applications.
To manage the switch, you can make a direct connection to the RS-232
console port (out-of-band), or you can manage it through a network
connection (in-band) using Telnet, the on-board Web agent, or SNMP-based
network management software.
For a detailed description of the advanced features, refer to the Management
Guide.
Description of Hardware
10/100/1000BASE-T Ports
The SMC8728L2 contains 24 10/100/1000BASE-T RJ-45 ports that operate
at 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps, half or full duplex, or at 1000 Mbps, full duplex.
Because all RJ-45 ports on this switch support automatic MDI/MDI-X
operation, you can use straight-through cables for all network connections to
PCs or servers, or to other switches or hubs. (See “1000BASE-T Pin
Assignments” on page B-5.)
Each of these ports support auto-negotiation, so the optimum transmission
mode (half or full duplex), and data rate (10, 100, or 1000 Mbps) can be
selected automatically. If a device connected to one of these ports does not
support auto-negotiation, the communication mode of that port can be
configured manually.
Each port also supports IEEE 802.3x auto-negotiation of flow control, so
the switch can automatically prevent port buffers from becoming saturated.