NetComm NP2160 User Manual
Contents
ABOUT THIS GUIDE ....................................................................................................................... 3
Purpose ...................................................................................................................................3
Terms/Usage ........................................................................................................................... 3
Overview of this User's Guide ............................................................................................... 3
INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 4
Fast Ethernet Technology .......................................................................................................4
Switching Technology ............................................................................................................4
Features .................................................................................................................................. 5
UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................6
Unpacking ................................................................................................................................ 6
Installation ................................................................................................................................ 6
Rack Mounting ......................................................................................................................... 6
IDENTIFYING EXTERNAL COMPONENTS ...................................................................................... 8
USING THE PROSWITCH ............................................................................................................... 9
Desktop Switching ..................................................................................................................9
Segment Switching ...............................................................................................................10
Extending a Network .............................................................................................................11
TROUBLE SHOOTING .................................................................................................................. 12
Network Adapter Cards .......................................................................................................12
Configuration .........................................................................................................................12
CONNECTOR PIN ASSIGNMENTS ......................................................................................... 13
RJ-45 Plug ............................................................................................................................. 13
CABLING GUIDELINES ................................................................................................................. 14
Fast Ethernet Cable Guidelines ............................................................................................ 14
Cable Lengths .......................................................................................................................14
Cable Specifications ............................................................................................................. 14
Twisted Pair Cables ..............................................................................................................15
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION ........................................................................................................16
General .................................................................................................................................. 16
Physical and Environmental .................................................................................................. 16
Performance ......................................................................................................................... 16
REGISTERING YOUR NETCOMM PRODUCT ................................................................................17
Contact Information ...............................................................................................................17
WARRANTY ................................................................................................................................ 18
Limitations of Warranty .........................................................................................................18
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Page 2 16-port 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet ProSwitch
ABOUT THIS GUIDE
Congratulations on your purchase of the NetComm 16-port 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet
ProSwitch. This device integrates 100Mbps Fast Ethernet and 10Mbps Ethernet network
capabilities in a highly flexible package.
Purpose
This guide discusses how to install your NetComm 16-port 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet
ProSwitch.
Terms/Usage
In this guide, the term "ProSwitch" or "Switch" (first letter upper case) refers to your
NetComm16-port 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet ProSwitch, and "switch" (first letter lower case)
refers to other Ethernet switches.
Overview of this User's Guide
Introduction.
Describes the Switch and its features.
Unpacking and Installation.
Helps you get started with the basic installation of the Switch.
Identifying External Components.
Describes the front panel, rear panel and LED indicators of the Switch.
Using the ProSwitch
Describes the different applications of the NetComm16-port 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet
ProSwitch.
Trouble Shooting
Provided to assist you in the event that you experience difficulties.
Cabling Guidelines
Gives the guidelines for the different cables used when building a network.
Technical Specifications.
Lists the technical (general, physical and environmental, and performance) specifications of the
Switch.
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16-port 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet ProSwitch Page 3
INTRODUCTION
This chapter describes the features of the Switch and some background information about
Ethernet/Fast Ethernet switching technology.
Fast Ethernet Technology
The growing importance of LANs and the increasing complexity of desktop computing
applications are fueling the need for high performance networks. A number of high-speed LAN
technologies have been proposed to provide greater bandwidth and improve client/server
response times. Among them, 100BASE-T (Fast Ethernet) provides a non-disruptive, smooth
evolution from the current 10BASE-T technology. The non-disruptive and smooth evolution
nature, and the dominating potential market base, virtually guarantee cost effective and high
performance Fast Ethernet solutions in the years to come.
100Mbps Fast Ethernet is a new standard specified by the IEEE 802.3 LAN committee. It is an
extension of the 10Mbps Ethernet standard with the ability to transmit and receive data at
100Mbps, while maintaining the CSMA/CD Ethernet protocol. Since the 100Mbps Fast
Ethernet is compatible with all other 10Mbps Ethernet environments, it provides a
straightforward upgrade and takes advantage of the existing investment in hardware, software,
and personnel training.
Switching Technology
Another approach to pushing beyond the limits of Ethernet technology is the development of
switching technology. A switch bridge Ethernet packets at the MAC address level of the
Ethernet protocol transmitting among connected Ethernet or Fast Ethernet LAN segments.
Switching is a cost-effective way of increasing the total network capacity available to users on a
local area network. A switch increases capacity and decreases network loading by dividing a
local area network into different segments, which don't compete with each other for network
transmission capacity.
The switch acts as a high-speed selective bridge between the individual segments. The switch,
without interfering with any other segments, automatically forwards traffic that needs to go
from one segment to another. By doing this the total network capacity is multiplied, while still
maintaining the same network cabling and adapter cards.
For Fast Ethernet networks, a switch is an effective way of eliminating problems of chaining
hubs beyond the "two-repeater limit." A switch can be used to split parts of the network into
different collision domains, making it possible to expand your Fast Ethernet network beyond the
205-meter network diameter limit for 100BASE-TX networks. Switches supporting both
traditional 10Mbps Ethernet and 100Mbps Fast Ethernet are also ideal for bridging between the
existing 10Mbps networks and the new 100Mbps networks.
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Page 4 16-port 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet ProSwitch
Switching LAN technology is a marked improvement over the previous generation of network
bridges, which were characterized by higher latencies. Routers have also been used to segment
local area networks, but the cost of a router, the setup and maintenance required make routers
relatively impractical. Today switches are an ideal solution to most kinds of local area network
congestion problems.
Features
The ProSwitch is designed for easy installation and high performance in an environment where
traffic on the network and the number of user increase continuously.
The ProSwitch with its rack size is specifically designed for middle to large workgroups. The
Switch provides immediate access to a rapidly growing network through a wide range of user-
reliable functions.
The ProSwitch is ideal for deployment with multiple high-speed servers for shared bandwidth
10Mbps or 100Mbps workgroups. With the highest bandwidth 200Mbps (100Mbps full-
duplex mode), any port can provide workstations with a congestion-free data pipe for
simultaneous access to the server.
The ProSwitch is expandable by cascading two or more switches together. As all ports support
200Mbps, the Switch can be cascaded from any port and to any number of switches.
The ProSwitch is a perfect choice for site planning to upgrade to Fast Ethernet in the future.
Ethernet workgroups can connect to the Switch now, and change adapters and hubs anytime
later without needing to change the Switch or reconfigure the network.
The ProSwitch combine dynamic memory allocation with store-and-forward switching to ensure
that the buffer is effectively allocated for each port, while controlling the data flow between the
transmit and receive nodes to guarantee against all possible packet loss.
The ProSwitch is an unmanaged 10/100 Fast Ethernet Switch that offers solutions in accelerating
small Ethernet workgroup bandwidth. Other key features are:
■ 16-port 10/100BASE EthernetProSwitch with RJ-45 connectors
■ Support Auto-negotiation for speed and duplex modes for each port
■ Supports Auto-MDI/MDI-X for each port
■ Wire speed reception and transmission
■ Store-and-Forward switching method
■ Integrated address Look-Up Engine, supports 8K absolute MAC addresses
■ Supports 512Kbytes RAM for data buffering
■ Front-panel diagnostic LEDs
■ Broadcast storm protection
■ IEEE 802.3x flow control for full-duplex
■ Back pressure flow control for half-duplex
■ Standard 19" Rack-mountable size
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16-port 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet ProSwitch Page 5
UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION
This chapter provides unpacking and setup information for the Switch.
Unpacking
Open the shipping cartons of the Switch and carefully unpacks its contents. The carton should
contain the following items:
■ One NetComm16-port 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet ProSwitch
■ One AC power cord, suitable for your area's electrical power connections
■ Four rubber feet to be used for shock cushioning
■ Screws and two mounting brackets
■ This Guide
If any item is found missing or damaged, please contact your local reseller for replacement.
Installation
The site where you install the Switch stack may greatly affect its performance. When installing,
consider the following pointers:
■ Install the Switch in a fairly cool and dry place. See Specifications for the acceptable
temperature and humidity operating ranges.
■ Install the Switch in a site free from strong electromagnetic field generators (such as motors),
vibration, dust, and direct exposure to sunlight.
■ Leave at least 10cm of space at the front and rear of the hub for ventilation.
■ Install the Switch on a sturdy, level surface that can support its weight, or in an EIA
standard-size equipment rack. For information on rack installation, see the next section,
Rack Mounting.
■ When installing the Switch on a level surface, attach the rubber feet to the bottom of each
device. The rubber feet cushion the hub and protect the hub case from scratching.
Rack Mounting
The switch can be mounted in an EIA standard-size, 19-inch rack, which can be placed in a
wiring closet with other equipment. Attach the mounting brackets at the switch's front panel
(one on each side), and secure them with the provided screws.
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Page 6 16-port 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet ProSwitch
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