Linksys EF4124 User Manual
USER GUIDE
EtherFast® 16-port and 24-port
10/100 Ethernet Switches
Models: EF3116, EF3124,
EF4116, and EF4124
About This Guide
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About This Guide
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Glossary www.linksys.com/glossary
Network Security www.linksys.com/security
Copyright and Trademarks
Linksys, Cisco and the Cisco Logo are
registered trademarks or trademarks of
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EtherFast® 16-Port and 24-Port 10/100 Ethernet Switches
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Product Overview 1
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Chapter 2: Installation 2
Planning Your Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Installing an Ethernet Switch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Reading an Ethernet Switch’s LED Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Tips on Switching Your Network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Appendix A: Fiber Optic Modules
Installing a Fiber Optic Expansion Module. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Reading a Fiber Module’s LED Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
(Models EF3116 & EF3124 ONLY) 5
Appendix B: Specications 7
EF3116, EF3124 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
EF4116, EF4124 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Appendix C: Warranty Information 8
Limited Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Appendix D: Regulatory Information 10
FCC Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Safety Notices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Industry Canada Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
User Information for Consumer Products Covered by EU Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste
Electric and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Appendix E: Software License Agreement 15
Software in Linksys Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Software Licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
EtherFast® 16-Port and 24-Port 10/100 Ethernet Switches
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Chapter 1
Chapter 1: Product Overview
With advanced switching technology, the EtherFast®
10/100 Ethernet Switches will boost your network
performance with much more than just full duplex data
transfer and dedicated bandwidth. They feature nonblocking, wire-speed switching that forwards packets as
fast as your network can deliver them. Also included are
Address Learning and Aging to prevent data transfer errors
and Data Flow Control to help prevent packet collisions.
The rack mountable switches include an Expansion Port
that accepts an optional Fiber Module to let you grow
your network by linking to other switches in full duplex
mode up to 2000 meters (6560 feet) away. The compact
switches are small enough to fit into any crowded office.
No matter how intensive your network demands, the
EtherFast® 10/100 Ethernet Switches advanced chipsets
support your needs with an affordable and efficient
networking solution you can count on.
Product Overview
Features
16 or 24 autosensing 10/100 full duplex, auto MDI/ •
MDI-X ports
Some models feature optional 100BaseFX Fiber Optic •
Modules to connect multiple switches at high speed
as your network grows
Run blazing speeds up to 200Mbps •
Address Learning and Aging and Data Flow Control for •
enhanced transmission reliability
Perfect for Running 10BaseT, 100BaseTX and 100BaseFX •
Hardware Together Seamlessly
Data Flow Control Filters Out Faulty Data Packets •
Auto MDI/MDI-X •
Supports aging function, 802.3x Pause Frame for full •
duplex
Head of Line (HOL) blocking prevention •
Broadcast storm control avoids unnecessary bandwidth •
absorption
EtherFast® 16-Port and 24-Port 10/100 Ethernet Switches
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Chapter 2
Installation
Chapter 2: Installation
Planning Your Network
Building a Fast Ethernet network involves a few more
topology rules in addition to 10BaseT network rules.
These rules specify distance limitations and cabling
specifications. Data loss, collisions, and other network
problems causing down time are likely to result if the rules
below are not followed.
Use UTP Category 5 (EIA 568B, Cat 5) ethernet cabling •
with four twisted-pair wires and RJ-45 tips for all Fast
Ethernet connections.
Use the chart below to position any switches, hubs •
and workstations.
From To Max. Distance
Switch Switch or Hub* 100 meters
Hub* Hub* 5 meters
Configuration A shows one possible way to set up an
Ethernet Switch in a Fast Ethernet environment. Note
that an Ethernet Switch requires UTP Category 5 network
cabling for all its connections, like all Fast Ethernet network
hardware.
All of the workstations below can access all resources
on the network - 10Mbps users can access the 100Mbps
nodes, and vice versa. While allowing the 10Mbps and
100Mbps segments to communicate, an Ethernet Switch
optimizes data traffic by switching the data packets to
their destination through the quickest route possible,
which improves performance up to 80% even on the
faster 100Mbps network segment.
Switch or Hub Workstation 100 meters
*Hub refers to any type of 100Mbps hub, including regular hubs and
stackable hubs. A 10Mbps hub linked to another 10Mbps hub or a
10/100 hub can span up to 100 meters (328 feet).
No more than two hubs should be uplinked in a row in •
a Fast Ethernet network. A set of stacked hubs, which
must be stacked with a stacking cable, counts as one
hub or node on the network.
In Fast Ethernet, an Ethernet Switch acts as a repeater, •
regenerating data signals before passing them on to
the next device. Hubs cannot act as repeaters.
Configuration A
EtherFast® 16-Port and 24-Port 10/100 Ethernet Switches
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Chapter 2
Installation
Installing an Ethernet Switch
Rack Mounting an Ethernet Switch
Each Ethernet Switch is equipped with three mounting
holes on each side for rack mounting in a standard rack.
After screwing a mounting bracket into each side of an
Ethernet Switch, lift the Switch into your rack and secure
the brackets in place with additional screws (not supplied
by Linksys).
Connecting Nodes to an Ethernet Switch
An Ethernet Switch’s front panel has 16 or 24 standard RJ45 ports, depending upon the model, which can connect to
workstations, file servers, print servers, and other network
peripherals. Each port automatically detects port speed
and can operate in either half or full duplex mode. With
duplex detection, you can run speeds of 10Mbps, 20Mbps,
100Mbps, up to a maximum of 200Mbps.
Each cable connected to an Ethernet Switch must be a
UTP Category 5 ethernet network cable with RJ-45 tips,
and must not exceed 100 meters (328 feet) in length.
Ready-to-use network cabling with precrimped ends
are available at most computer retail stores.Automatic
Configuration - DHCP
Connecting PCs
Connect your PCs to an Ethernet Switch’s ports with
straight-through UTP Category 5 cabling. Plug the other
end of the Cat 5 cable into your PC’s network adapter.
Connecting to Other Switches, Hubs, Bridges and
Repeaters
Each port on an Ethernet Switch can also be used to uplink
to another switch, hub, bridge or repeater, serving as an
uplink port. These ports will automatically detect what
kind of cable is connected, either cross-over or straightthrough, and adjust for that cable.
Reading an Ethernet Switch’s LED Display
LED Display
An Ethernet Switch’s LED Display has a Power LED to
indicate when the unit is ON. There are two LEDs per
port: the Link/Activity (Link/Act) LED and the Full Duplex/
Collision (FDX/Col) LED. (An example of the LEDs is shown
above. The LEDs on the switch you purchased may vary
slightly.) See the chart below to find out what the status
of each LED denotes.
Front Panel LED Displays
LEDs
Network Status
LEDs Color Status
Solid light
Link/Act Green
Blinking light
Solid light
FDX/Col Yellow
Blinking light Collision
Power Green Solid light
Connection
Established
Transmitting/
Receiving
Full duplex
transfer mode
Displays power
status
Powering On an Ethernet Switch
Plug in an Ethernet Switch’s AC power cable. The Switch
will first run a diagnostic Self-Test, which just takes a
few seconds. After the test, the Power LED will light up
to indicate that the unit is powered on. As each node is
powered on, the corresponding port’s Link/Activity (Link/
Act) LED will light up.
When data is transmitted or received, the Link/Act LEDs
will flicker.
EtherFast® 16-Port and 24-Port 10/100 Ethernet Switches
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Chapter 2
Tips on Switching Your Network
Here are some of the ways an Ethernet Switch can help
you optimize your network speed.
Speed up Nodes From Your 10BaseT Network
In a 10BaseT network, connect your hubs, file servers and
key users such as managers and network administrators
directly to an Ethernet Switch to channel dedicated
bandwidth in full duplex mode to each station. An
Ethernet Switch can communicate with all its connections
simultaneously.
Conserving Bandwidth with 10Mbps & 100Mbps Segments
10BaseT and 100BaseTX hardware are not readily
compatible, but an Ethernet Switch can designate
network segments of different speeds. This allows you to
run one 10Mbps segment to serve users without a need
for considerable speed, and a faster 100Mbps segment
devoted to users who depend heavily on multimedia,
database, gaming, or other speed-intensive applications.
With switched segmentation, your 100Mbps users will not
lose efficiency because of the 10Mbps segment’s transfer
speed.
Installation
Run 10Mbps Peripherals in Your Fast Ethernet Network
Most of the network peripherals in place today run at
10Mbps, since 10BaseT has been the standard network
speed to date. These peripherals, designed to operate
at 10Mbps, cannot readily communicate with 100Mbps
equipment. A 10Mbps interface is also required for
cable and DSL connections, which are quickly becoming
very popular. An Ethernet Switch gives your 10BaseT
equipment and cable and DSL lines a 10Mbps interface
while still running your Fast Ethernet equipment at
100Mbps.
Strengthen Data Transfers Through Signal Regeneration
An Etherfast Switch functions as a repeater, which
regenerates data signals as they pass through it. This
feature acts as a safeguard to deter data loss and ensure
that transmissions arrive at their destination intact.
Switches positioned between hubs can preserve your
data’s integrity and eliminate your need to buy and use
repeaters in your Fast Ethernet network.
EtherFast® 16-Port and 24-Port 10/100 Ethernet Switches
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Appendix A
Fiber Optic Modules
Appendix A: Fiber Optic Modules (Models EF3116 & EF3124 ONLY)
IMPORTANT: Fiber Optic Modules will only
function with model numbers: EF3116 and
EF3124. If you are not sure of the Switch’s model
number, make sure there is a fiber optic module
port in the front of the Switch. If it does not
have a fiber optic module port, your Switch will
not function with Fiber Optic Modules.
Some Ethernet Switches are equipped with an expansion
port for adding optional fiber optic expansion modules.
The 100BaseFX Fiber Modules allow you to connect the
Ethernet Switch to other switches, hubs, or routers in
fiber optic network backbones. These modules use highbandwidth, multimode fiber optic cabling with SC type
connectors.
Use the guidelines below to plan the layout of your
network with other fiber-equipped devices from your
Switch’s 100BaseFX fiber module.
100BaseFX Fiber Cabling Distance Limitations
From To Duplex Max. Distance
Full
Switch or
Distance
Extender
The
Ethernet
Switch
Fiber
Transceiver
* A distance extender has an internal switch, whereas a
transceiver does not. Switches generally use distance
extenders, and hubs utilize both types of modules.
Half
Half only*
2000 meters
(6560 feet)
412 meters
(1350 feet)
208 meters
(682 feet)
Fiber cabling can transmit your Switch’s data up to 2000
meters (6560 feet) away to another switch without
requiring signal regeneration. The 100BaseFX SC Fiber
Module (model number EF31SC) is available through your
Linksys dealer.
Installing a Fiber Optic Expansion Module
To install a fiber module into the Ethernet Switch’s
expansion port, follow these instructions:
Before installing the fiber optic module, you must first 1.
power off the Switch by removing the AC power cord.
If the Switch is rack mounted, you should remove the
Switch from the rack temporarily until the fiber optic
module is installed.
Remove the faceplate from the unit by loosening the 2.
screws on either side with a screwdriver. Remove
the expansion module from its packaging. Keep the
screws for securing the fiber module to the Switch in
step 4.
Slide your fiber expansion module into the Switch. The 3.
module should fit snugly into the Switch’s expansion
port.
Secure the fiber module with the screws from the 4.
faceplate. You may now remount the Switch into its
rack if needed, then reconnect the AC power cable to
power on the Switch and resume normal operation.
Install your multimode fiber optic cabling from the 5.
module.
EtherFast® 16-Port and 24-Port 10/100 Ethernet Switches
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Appendix A
WARNING: The fiber module does not
autosense, so you must set it to run at either
full or half duplex. Prior to installing the fiber
module into the expansion port, use the
jumpers on the card as shown in Figure A-1.
Fiber Optic Modules
Jumper Diagram
WARNING: Changing connectors must be
done professionally with the proper tools. If
this is your first time working with fiber, consult
a networking professional who is familiar with
fiber.
Reading a Fiber Module’s LED Display
A Fiber Module’s LED Display has two LEDs: the Link/Activity
(Link/Act) LED and the Full Duplex/Half Duplex (FDX) LED.
See the chart below to find out what the status of each
LED denotes.
Front Panel LED Displays
LEDs
Network Status
LEDs Color Status
Solid light
Link/Act Green
Blinking light
Solid light
FDX Yellow
No light
Connection
Established
Transmitting/
Receiving
Full duplex
transfer mode
Half duplex
transfer mode
EtherFast® 16-Port and 24-Port 10/100 Ethernet Switches
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