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2.8 Making UTP Connections
The 10/100/1000 copper ports support the following connection types and distances:
Network Cables
10BASE-T:
2-pair UTP Cat. 3,4,5 , EIA/TIA-568B 100-ohm
100BASE-TX: 2-pair UTP Cat. 5, EIA/TIA-568B 100-ohm
1000BASE-T: 4-pair UTP Cat. 5 or higher (Cat.5e is recommended), EIA/TIA-568B 100-ohm
Link distance:
Up to 100 meters
Auto MDI/MDI-X Function
This function allows the port to auto-detect the twisted-pair signals and adapts itself to form a valid
MDI to MDI-X connection with the remote connected device automatically. No matter a straight
through cable or crossover cable is connected, the ports can sense the receiving pair automatically and
configure itself to match the rule for MDI to MDI-X connection. It simplifies the cable installation.
Auto-negotiation Function
The ports are featured with auto-negotiation function and full capability to support connection to any
Ethernet devices. The port performs a negotiation process for the speed and duplex configuration with
the connected device automatically when each time a link is being established. If the connected device
is also auto-negotiation capable, both devices will come out the best configuration after negotiation
process. If the connected device is incapable in auto-negotiation, the switch will sense the speed and
use half duplex for the connection.
Port Configuration Management
For making proper connection to an auto-negotiation incapable device, it is suggested to use port con-
trol function via software management to set forced mode and specify speed and duplex mode which
match the configuration used by the connected device.
