NETGEAR ETHERNET SWITCH SW108 User Manual

Installation Guide for  
the Model SW108  
Ethernet Switch  
NETGEAR, Inc.  
A Bay Networks Company  
48015 Warm Springs Blvd.  
Fremont, CA 94539  
USA  
M-SW108NA-0  
June 1997  
Voluntary Control Council for Interference (VCCI) Statement  
This equipment is in the first category (information equipment to be used in commercial and/or industrial areas) and  
conforms to the standards set by the Voluntary Control Council for Interference by Data Processing Equipment and  
Electronic Office Machines that are aimed at preventing radio interference in commercial and/or industrial areas.  
Consequently, when this equipment is used in a residential area or in an adjacent area thereto, radio interference may be  
caused to equipment such as radios and TV receivers.  
Customer Support  
For assistance with installing and configuring your NETGEAR system or with post-installation questions or problems,  
contact your point of purchase representative.  
To contact customer support or to purchase additional copies of this document and publications for other NETGEAR  
products, you can contact NETGEAR at the following numbers:  
Phone:  
U.S./Canada: 1-800-211-2069  
Japan:  
0031-1-26133  
Europe:  
Australia:  
(44) 171-571-5120  
1- 800-14-20-46  
Fax:  
U.S./Canada: 510-498-2609  
World Wide Web  
NETGEAR maintains a World Wide Web Home Page that you can access at the universal resource locator (URL)  
or Netscape are required.  
iii  
   
iv  
Contents  
Introduction  
Types of Ethernet Switches ............................................................................................1-2  
Physical Description  
Ethernet Ports ..........................................................................................................2-2  
LEDs ........................................................................................................................2-3  
Applications  
Installation  
Preparing the Site ...........................................................................................................4-1  
Package Contents ..........................................................................................................4-1  
Installing the Switch on a Desktop ..................................................................................4-2  
Connecting Devices to the Switch ..................................................................................4-2  
Verifying Installation ........................................................................................................4-3  
Contents  
v
Chapter 5  
Troubleshooting the Switch and the Network .................................................................5-1  
Appendix A  
General Specifications ................................................................................................... A-1  
Appendix B  
Appendix C  
Ethernet Technology ...................................................................................................... C-1  
Cable Specifications ...................................................................................................... C-1  
Twisted Pair Cables ....................................................................................................... C-2  
Index  
vi  
Contents  
Figures  
Figure 2-2. The vista RJ-45 connector with built-in LEDs ..........................................2-2  
Figure B-1. RJ-45 plug and vista RJ-45 connector with built-in LEDs ....................... B-1  
Figure C-1. Straight-through twisted pair cable ......................................................... C-3  
Figure C-2. Crossover twisted pair cable ................................................................... C-3  
Figures  
vii  
Tables  
Table 2-1.  
Table 5-1.  
Table B-1.  
Table C-1.  
LED descriptions ......................................................................................2-3  
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................5-1  
RJ-45 plug and vista RJ-45 connector pin assignments ......................... B-2  
Electrical requirements of Category 3, 4, and 5 cables .......................... C-2  
viii  
Tables  
Chapter 1  
Introduction  
Congratulations on your purchase of the NETGEARModel SW108 8-port Ethernet Switch.  
The Model SW108 switch segments Ethernet networks to relieve bandwidth congestion instantly,  
without having to replace network wiring, interface cards, or software.  
This guide describes how to install and use the switch. It includes physical configuration  
guidelines for connecting multiple 10 megabit per second (Mbps) hubs and for connecting  
10 Mbps Ethernet stations, PCs, and servers.  
Benefits of Using Switching Technology  
Most of installed networks today are based on shared network technology. With this technology,  
a number of users or groups of users share 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or other amounts of available  
network bandwidth (network capacity). For example, with a total of 10 users, the average  
bandwidth available to each user on a 10 Mbps network is calculated as 10/10 Mbps, or 1 Mbps  
of bandwidth per user.  
Ethernet switches significantly increase network throughput by segmenting network traffic. They  
check traffic coming in to each port to learn which network device is located on which segment.  
Based on this information, switches forward cross-segment traffic only to the appropriate segment.  
The traffic will not show up in the other segments since it is filtered out. In this way, network  
capacity is fully reserved for traffic destined for that segment only, and other segments are not  
saturated with unnecessary traffic.  
Ethernet switches provide private, dedicated, 10 Mbps capacity to each connected PC/server or  
hub/workgroup segment, which is significantly higher than in a shared environment. The higher  
bandwidth enables applications such as multimedia, imaging, video, or high- performance  
client-server functions among users who are spread out over the network.  
Introduction  
1-1  
     
Installation Guide for the Model SW108 Ethernet Switch  
This bandwidth improvement is accomplished very easily, with no change to the desktop (the  
network interface cards or software, and network wiring). As a result, the performance upgrade  
and the applications it enables are obtained very quickly and at a low cost.  
Types of Ethernet Switches  
Ethernet switches can be classified in different ways—as desktop switches or segment switches.  
A desktop switch is designed to support one or a few PCs per port. It is generally used when  
users need the full 10 Mbps network throughput to support the applications. Often, these switches  
support only a single MAC (media access control) address per port, and are relatively inexpensive  
compared to a segment switch. A segment switch, in contrast, is designed to support an entire  
workgroup on each port, with each port having significant memory buffering and supporting  
thousands of MAC addresses.  
Switches can also be classified by speed. As the name suggests, 10 Mbps switches support only  
10 Mbps connections. Similarly, 100 Mbps switches support only 100 Mbps connections. Usually,  
10/100 Mbps switches have primarily 10 Mbps ports with one or few 100 Mbps ports. Autosensing  
10/100 Mbps switches support 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps connections on each port and are the most  
versatile and adaptable switch type.  
Model SW108 Switch Overview  
The Model SW108 switch is a 10 Mbps switch that can be used as either a segment or a desktop  
switch. Its design enables it to function as a segment switching, yet its pricing makes the switch  
very affordable for use in desktop applications.  
Up to 4 switching paths (8 paths in full-duplex mode) can be established at the same time, with  
each path crossing two ports, performing switching that sends packets to the appropriate port  
according to the destination address scanned from the packet header. This technique reduces the  
latency of packet transmission to 75 microseconds (µs) or less. Compared to approximately 800 µs  
for a bridge or 1800 µs for a router, the Model SW108 switch delivers a major improvement in the  
network performance.  
Because the Model SW108 switch is a device functioning on the MAC layer, the switch is protocol  
independent and is compatible with IEEE802.3, IEEE802.3u, TCP/IP, NetWare, DECnet, and  
XNS protocols.  
1-2  
Introduction  
         
Installation Guide for the Model SW108 Ethernet Switch  
Features  
The Model SW108 switch has the following key features:  
Eight switched, 10 Mbps, Ethernet 10BASE-T ports  
Full-duplex or half-duplex mode of operation  
Full-duplex mode doubles throughput of point-to-point connections by letting individual  
ports transmit and receive concurrently when the connecting device also supports  
full-duplex mode.  
Easy plug-and-play installation with no software to configure, saving time and minimizing  
the potential for configuration errors  
Eight vista RJ-45 connector ports  
Each port has built-in LEDs to monitor individual port status.  
LEDs provide network traffic status and information about data transmission speed  
Normal/Uplink push button to simplify network extension  
The switch can be connected to a hub using a simple, straight-through cable.  
Compact, sturdy metal case design, which enables easy desktop, wall-mount, or under-desk  
installation  
Wire-speed filtering and forwarding to provide a “traffic cop” function by directing traffic  
to the appropriate port or network segment without slowing down the traffic  
Low latency store-and-forward transmission mode with leading edge to leading edge of  
less than 75 µs  
Automatic address learning function to build the packet forwarding information table.  
The table contains up to 8,000 MAC addresses (that is, the switch can support networks  
with as many as 8,000 devices).  
One megabyte (MB) buffer provided for the 10 Mbps ports  
IEEE 802.3 10BASE-T standard compliance  
Introduction  
1-3  
       
Chapter 2  
Physical Description  
This chapter explains the hardware features of the NETGEAR Model SW108 Ethernet switch. It is  
divided into sections explaining the front and rear panels of the switch. Use the key at the bottom  
of each illustration to identify the panel components.  
Front Panel  
For easier management and control of the switch, familiarize yourself with the ports, LEDs, and  
Normal/Uplink push button switches on the front panel, as illustrated in Figure 2-1.  
3
4
1
10 Mbps  
10 BASE-T ETHERNET SWITCH SW108  
Link  
FDX  
1
5
2
6
3
7
4
8
Normal/Uplink  
Power  
Green = Rx/Tx Yellow = Collision  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
2
886EA  
Key:  
1 = Power LED  
2 = Rx/Tx and Collision LEDs for ports 1 through 8  
3 =10 Mbps Ethernet ports1 through 8 with Link and FDX LEDs on each port  
4 = Normal/Uplink push button to configure port 8  
Figure 2-1.  
Front panel of the Model SW108 switch  
Physical Description  
2-1  
               
Installation Guide for the Model SW108 Ethernet Switch  
Ethernet Ports  
The Model SW108 switch is equipped with eight 10 Mbps Ethernet ports that support one cable  
connection, unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable. An eight-pin RJ-45 plug is used for connection  
to these ports.  
Each port uses vista RJ-45 connectors that have built-in LEDs, as illustrated in Figure 2-2. The  
LEDs, as described in Table 2-1, indicate that the connection to the port is valid and that the port  
is operating in full-duplex mode.  
For further information about the vista RJ-45 connector and the RJ-45 plug, refer to Chapter B,  
“Connector Pin Assignments.”  
1
2
735EA  
Key:  
1 = Link LED  
2 = FDX LED  
Figure 2-2.  
The vista RJ-45 connector with built-in LEDs  
Normal/Uplink Push Button  
As illustrated in Figure 2-1, port 8 on the switch is equipped with a Normal/Uplink push button  
that allows you to select normal (MDI-X) wiring or uplink (MDI) wiring. The port is configured  
for normal wiring when the push button is in the out position for connection to a PC. When the  
push button is pressed in, the port is configured for uplink wiring for connection to another switch  
or a hub using simple, straight-through wiring.  
2-2  
Physical Description  
             
Installation Guide for the Model SW108 Ethernet Switch  
LEDs  
You use LEDs on the Model SW108 switch to monitor and diagnose the devices. LEDs on the  
front panel of the switch and two LEDs on each port allow you to identify the following  
information:  
Status of the switch power supply  
Data transmission or receive activity  
Collision occurrence  
Full- or half-duplex transmission  
Table 2-1 describes each LED on the front panel of the switch. See Figure 2-1 for the locations  
of the LEDs.  
Table 2-1.  
LED descriptions  
Label  
Color  
Activity  
Description  
Power  
Green  
On  
Off  
Power is supplied to the switch.  
Power is disconnected.  
Rx/Tx/Collision  
Green  
Yellow  
On or  
blinking  
Packet transmission or reception is occurring on the port.  
Off  
There is no packet transmission or reception occurring on  
the port.  
Blinking  
Data collision is occurring on the port.The blinking action  
corresponds to the amount of collisions.  
When a collision occurs, the connected device pauses  
and transmits again after waiting a specified time.  
A moderate amount of collision is normal.  
Link  
FDX  
Green  
Green  
On  
Off  
On  
Off  
A valid link is established on the port.  
A link is not established on the port.  
The port is operating in full-duplex mode.  
The port is operating in half-duplex mode.  
Physical Description  
2-3  
             
Installation Guide for the Model SW108 Ethernet Switch  
Rear Panel  
As illustrated in Figure 2-3, the rear panel has full-duplex (FDX), and half-duplex (HDX) toggle  
switches, a ground clip, and a standard AC power receptacle.  
3
2
1
Force port to operate at Half Duplex mode  
HDX-  
FDX  
-
Force port to operate at Full Duplex and Half Duplex mode only  
10 Mbps  
1
8
FDX  
HDX  
+
887EA  
Key:  
1 = Ground clip  
2 = FDX and HDX toggle switches to set the duplex mode of each 10 Mbps port  
3 = AC power outlet  
Figure 2-3.  
Rear panel of the Model SW108 switch  
FDX and HDX Duplex Toggle Switches  
Full-duplex mode is supported for all 10 Mbps ports and allows a port to transmit and receive data  
at the same time. Full-duplex operation applies only to point-to-point access where the remote  
device also supports full-duplex. In half-duplex mode, the port can either transmit or receive data  
at any time, but not transmit or receive data concurrently.  
As illustrated in Figure 2-3, one full-duplex (FDX) and half-duplex (HDX) toggle switch is  
assigned to each 10 Mbps port on the switch to set the communication mode to either full-duplex  
or half-duplex mode.  
2-4  
Physical Description  
               
Chapter 3  
Applications  
This chapter presents an overview of the levels of service provided by incorporating the  
technology of the NETGEAR Model SW108 Ethernet switch into your network.  
The Model SW108 Ethernet switch is designed to provide flexibility in configuring your network  
connections. Each switch can be used as a standalone device or can be used with 10 Mbps hubs  
or other interconnection devices in various configurations. The configuration examples in this  
chapter illustrate the integration of the switches in network environments of all sizes and types.  
These examples include a network of a few workstations connected to a printer or in a segmented  
network with multiple users or workgroups and other networking devices.  
Applications  
3-1  
   
Installation Guide for the Model SW108 Ethernet Switch  
Desktop Switching  
Figure 3-1 illustrates the Model SW108 switch used as a desktop switch to build a small network  
that enables users to have 10 Mbps access to a file server.  
1
2
3
7630EA  
Key:  
1 = Server with 10 Mbps connection  
2 = Model SW108 Ethernet switch (Normal/Uplink push button set to Normal position)  
3 = PCs with 10 Mbps connection  
Figure 3-1.  
Using the Model SW108 switch for desktop switching  
Note: If a full-duplex adapter card is installed in the server or PC, a 20 Mbps connection  
is possible on the port where the server or PC is connected.  
3-2  
Applications  
       
Installation Guide for the Model SW108 Ethernet Switch  
Segment Switching  
The Model SW108 switch can segment a network into multiple connected pieces, increasing  
overall bandwidth and throughput. Figure 3-2 illustrates the Model SW108 Ethernet switch  
segmenting networks that are built with the NETGEAR Model EN104 and Model EN108  
Ethernet hubs.  
1
2
3
Link  
Rx  
Link  
Rx  
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
4
1
6
7629EA  
Key:  
1 = Server with 10 Mbps connection  
2 = Model SW108 Ethernet switch (Normal/Uplink push button set to Normal position)  
3 =10 Mbps connection  
4 = Model EN104 Ethernet hub (Normal/Uplink push button set to Uplink position)  
5 = Model EN108 Ethernet hub (Normal/Uplink push button set to Uplink position)  
6 = PCs with 10 Mbps connection  
Figure 3-2.  
Model SW108 switch used as a segment switch  
Applications  
3-3  
       
Chapter 4  
Installation  
This chapter provides information about installing the Model SW108 Ethernet switch and  
information about verifying installation.  
Preparing the Site  
Before you begin installing the switch, prepare the installation site. Make sure the operating  
environment meets the physical requirements of the equipment as described in Appendix A,  
“Technical Specifications.”  
Package Contents  
This package should contain the following items:  
Model SW108 Ethernet switch  
DC power adapter  
Warranty and Owner Registration Card  
This installation guide  
Call your reseller or customer support in your area if there are any wrong, missing, or damaged  
parts. Refer to page iii for the location of customer support in your area.  
Keep the carton, including the original packing materials. Use them to repack the switch if you  
need to return it for repair.  
To qualify for product updates and product warranty registrations, fill in the Warranty and Owner  
Registration Card within 30 days of purchase and return it to NETGEAR, Inc.  
Installation  
4-1  
         
Installation Guide for the Model SW108 Ethernet Switch  
Installing the Switch on a Desktop  
Choose a location near the devices to be connected and close to an electrical outlet. Set the switch  
on a desktop or tabletop, allowing at least two inches (5 cm) of space on all sides to prevent  
restriction of airflow.  
Connecting Devices to the Switch  
Before connecting the switch, refer to Chapter 3, “Applications,” for information to help you  
determine the appropriate configuration for your networking needs.  
To connect the switch, follow these steps:  
1. Connect the devices to the ports on the switch, using Category 5 UTP cable and an  
RJ-45 plug.  
2. Set the Normal/Uplink push button.  
The Normal/Uplink push button eliminates the need to use a crossover twisted pair cable  
for daisy-chaining or cascading. Use the following guidelines to configure port 1 on the  
Model SW108 switch:  
Configure the port for normal wiring if the port is to be connected to an uplink-wired  
device, such as a network station or a PC.  
device, such as a hub or another switch.  
The remaining (normal) ports on the Model SW108 switch cannot be configured for uplink  
wiring. If you are using one of these ports to connect to another normal port, you must use  
a crossover twisted pair cable to connect the two ports. Refer to Appendix C, “Cabling  
Guidelines,” for information about crossover twisted pair cable and straight-through twisted  
pair cable.  
4-2  
Installation  
               
Installation Guide for the Model SW108 Ethernet Switch  
3. Set the FDX or HDX toggle switches on the rear panel for the selected duplex mode.  
A hub and repeater use a common collision domain for all communications and cannot  
support full-duplex mode. When connecting any of the 10 Mbps ports on the switch to a  
hub, set the port to HDX. When connecting to a PC, a server, or another switch, the duplex  
setting for the port must be the same as the duplex setting on the PC, server, or other switch.  
Note: Whenever a port changes between FDX and HDX mode, the Model SW108  
switch resets and traffic in all ports temporarily stops. When the switch resets, the list  
of learned addresses is not affected.  
4. Connect one end of the DC power adapter cable to the power outlet on the rear panel of  
the switch and the other end of the power adapter cable to the wall outlet.  
Verifying Installation  
When the installation is complete and power has been applied to the switch, the following  
conditions should exist:  
The Link LED on each connected port is on.  
The Rx/Tx/Collision LED on the connected port blinks green when data is being  
received by the port and blinks yellow when data collision is occurring on the port.  
If you encounter any problems, refer to Chapter 5, “Troubleshooting.”  
Installation  
4-3  
         
Chapter 5  
Troubleshooting  
switch.  
Troubleshooting the Switch and the Network  
To troubleshoot the switch and the network, refer to Table 5-1.  
Table 5-1.  
Symptom  
Troubleshooting  
Activity  
Check  
No power at switch  
Power LED off  
Check the power cord connections and make sure the ends are  
properly plugged into the switch and the wall outlet.  
Rx/Tx Collision LED  
blinking  
Blinking yellow  
Data collisions are normal on Ethernet networks and occur  
when two or more computers transmit data on the network  
simultaneously. Computers that caused the collision retry  
transmission at different intervals until the transmission  
succeeds. Excessive collisions can result when multiple  
switches are connected and when many computers are  
connected on the network. Incorrect cabling, connectors, wiring  
techniques, and mismatched duplex operating mode settings  
are other causes for excessive collisions.  
When configured to  
operate in full-duplex  
mode, the port is  
operating in half-duplex  
mode  
FDX LED off  
The connected device may not be able to operate at  
half-duplex or may not have the ability to signal the operating  
mode. Verify that the connected device is operational.  
Troubleshooting  
5-1  
                   
Installation Guide for the Model SW108 Ethernet Switch  
Table 5-1.  
Symptom  
Troubleshooting (continued)  
Activity  
Check  
Port connection  
not functioning  
Link LED off or  
intermittent  
After the cabling has been installed, if the Link LED is not lit on  
an active port, check the attached device and make sure that it  
is powered on and there is a proper UTP connection at that  
end. Also make sure that the proper cable is installed, and  
check for miswired cable pairs or loose connectors.  
If the Link LED is on intermittently, check the port termination at  
both the switch and device ends. Check the crimp on the RJ-45  
connectors.  
Check that the length of the UTP cable from the switch to the  
device does not exceed 328 feet (100 meters). Using cable test  
equipment, check that the cable meets the specifications as  
required by the 10BASE-T standard. Refer to Chapter C,  
“Cabling Guidelines,” for information on cable specifications.  
Make sure the network adapter card installed in the PC is in  
working condition.  
Make sure that there is power to both the switch and the  
connected PC.  
Problems with port 8  
on the Model SW108  
switch  
Link LED off  
Check the Normal/Uplink push button on the front panel.  
If you are using a straight-through cable connected to a PC or  
other MDI-wired device, make sure the Normal/Uplink push  
button is set in the Normal position.  
If you are using a straight-through cable connected to a router  
or another switch, make sure the Normal/Uplink push button is  
set in the Uplink position.  
Try the alternate position of the Normal/Uplink push button to  
turn the Link LED on.  
Refer to Chapter C, “Cabling Guidelines,” for cable information.  
5-2  
Troubleshooting  
         
Appendix A  
Technical Specifications  
This appendix provides technical specifications for the NETGEAR Model SW108 switch.  
General Specifications  
Network Protocol and Standard  
ISO/IEC 802-3 (ANSI/IEEE 802.3i 10BASE-T, Ethernet  
Data Rate  
10 Mbps Manchester encoded  
Interface  
RJ-45 connector for 10BASE-T Ethernet interface  
Electrical Specifications  
Power Consumption:  
12.7 W  
12 V dc  
Input Voltage:  
Physical Specifications  
Dimensions:  
(W) 9.3 by (H) 1.1 by (D) 4.1 in.  
(W) 23.5 by (H) 2.7 by (D) 10.3 cm  
Weight:  
1.61 lb.  
.73 kg  
Technical Specifications  
A-1  
       
Installation Guide for the Model SW108 Ethernet Switch  
Environmental Specifications  
Operating temperature:  
Storage temperature:  
Operating humidity:  
Storage humidity:  
Operating altitude:  
Storage altitude:  
0° to 40° C (32° to 104° F)  
-25° to 70° C (-13° to 158° F)  
80% maximum relative humidity, noncondensing  
95% maximum relative humidity, noncondensing  
10,000 ft (3,000 m) maximum  
10,000 ft (3,000 m) maximum  
Electromagnetic Emissions  
Meets requirements of:  
CE mark, commercial  
FCC Part 15, Class A  
EN 55 022 (CISPR 22), Class A  
VCCI Class 1 ITE  
Electromagnetic Susceptibility  
CE mark, commercial  
Electrostatic discharge (ESD):  
Radiated electromagnetic field:  
Electrical fast transient/burst:  
Electrical surge:  
IEC 801-2, Level 2/3/4  
IEC 801-3, Level 2  
IEC 801-4, Level 2  
IEC 801-5, Level 2  
A-2  
Technical Specifications  
Installation Guide for the Model SW108 Ethernet Switch  
Safety Agency Approvals for Power Adapter  
CE mark, commercial  
UL listed (UL 1950)  
CSA certified (CSA 22.2 #950)  
TUV licensed (EN 60 950)  
T-Mark  
Performance Specifications  
Frame filter rate:  
14,800 frames/second, maximum  
14,800 frames/second, maximum  
Frame forward rate:  
Network latency:  
Less than 75 microseconds for 64-byte frames  
in store-and-forward mode  
Address database size:  
Addressing:  
8,000 media access control (MAC) addresses per port  
48-bit MAC address  
Queque buffer:  
1 MB of buffer space for all 8 ports  
Technical Specifications  
A-3  
Appendix B  
Connector Pin Assignments  
This appendix provides information about the RJ-45 connector used for the NETGEAR  
Model SW108 Ethernet switch.  
RJ-45 Plug and vista RJ-45 Connector  
100 cable and connects into the vista RJ-45 connector.  
The vista RJ-45 connector (also referred to as a 10 Mbps port) is used to connect stations, hubs,  
and switches through UTP cable and supports 10 Mbps data transmission.  
The RJ-45 plug and vista RJ-45 connector are both illustrated in Figure B-1.  
12345678  
8
1
711EA  
Key:  
1 to 8 = Pin numbers  
Figure B-1.  
RJ-45 plug and vista RJ-45 connector with built-in LEDs  
Connector Pin Assignments  
B-1  
           
Installation Guide for the Model SW108 Ethernet Switch  
Table B-1 lists the pin assignments for the RJ-45 plug and the vista RJ-45 connector.  
Table B-1.  
RJ-45 plug and vista RJ-45 connector  
pin assignments  
Pin  
Normal assignment  
Uplink assignment*  
1
Input Receive Data +  
Input Receive Data –  
Output Transmit Data +  
Output Transmit Data –  
Output Transmit Data +  
Output Transmit Data –  
Input Receive Data +  
Input Receive Data –  
2
3
6
4, 5, 7, 8  
Internal termination, not used for data transmission  
* Applicable to port1 on the Model SW108 switch, when the Normal/Uplink push button is  
in the Uplink position.  
B-2  
Connector Pin Assignments  
 
Appendix C  
Cabling Guidelines  
This appendix provides information on the cable specifications and guidelines for Category 5  
UTP cabling used with the NETGEAR Model SW108 Ethernet switch.  
Ethernet Technology  
When 10BASE-T technology was originally introduced, multiple repeaters were frequently used  
to build large networks. To increase the number of connections, repeaters were connected together  
because individual repeater port densities were often limited to 8 to 24 ports. As structured wiring  
systems were implemented, horizontal wiring from the wiring closet to the desktop was designed  
for a maximum distance of 100 meters. Stackable repeaters eliminated the need for collision  
domains to extend over multiple repeater hubs.  
Cable Specifications  
For 10 Mbps connections, Category 3, 4, or 5 cable can be used; however, NETGEAR highly  
recommends Category 5 cable. Category 5 cable will prevent unnecessary expense or confusion  
if you upgrade to Fast Ethernet.  
Cabling Guidelines  
C-1  
         
Installation Guide for the Model SW108 Ethernet Switch  
Table C-1 lists the electrical requirements of the Category 3, 4, and 5 cables.  
Table C-1.  
Electrical requirements of Category 3, 4, and 5 cables  
Specification  
Category 3  
Category 4  
Category 5  
Number of pairs  
Four  
Four  
Two or Four  
Impedance  
100 Ω ± 15%  
6.6 nF per 100 m  
100 Ω ± 15%  
5.6 nF per 100 m  
100 Ω ± 15%  
Mutual capacitance at 1 KHz  
5.6 nF per 100 m  
Maximum attenuation  
(dB per 100 m, at 20° C)  
at 4 MHz: 5.6  
at 10 MHz: 9.8  
at 16 MHz: 13.1  
at 4 MHz: 4.3  
at 10 MHz: 7.2  
at 16 MHz: 8.9  
at 16 MHz: 8.2  
at 31 MHz: 11.7  
at 100 MHz: 22  
NEXT loss (dB minimum)  
at 4 MHz: 32  
at 10 MHz: 26  
at 16 MHz: 23  
at 4 MHz: 47  
at 10 MHz: 41  
at 16 MHz: 38  
at 16 MHz: 44  
at 31 MHz: 39  
at 100 MHz: 32  
Twisted Pair Cables  
For two devices to communicate, the transmitter of each device must be connected to the  
receiver of the other device. The crossover function is usually implemented internally as  
part of the circuitry in the device. Computers and workstation adapter cards are usually  
media-dependent interface ports, called MDI or uplink ports. Most repeaters and switch  
ports are configured as media-dependent interfaces with built-in crossover ports, called  
MDI-X or normal ports.  
C-2  
Cabling Guidelines  
   
Installation Guide for the Model SW108 Ethernet Switch  
Figure C-1 illustrates straight-through twisted pair cable connections.  
1
2
1
2
Tx  
Rx  
Rx  
Tx  
A
B
3
3
6
6
736EA  
Key:  
A = Uplink or MDI port (As on a PC)  
B = Normal or MDI-X port (As on a hub or switch)  
1, 2, 3, 6 = Connector pins  
Figure C-1.  
Straight-through twisted pair cable  
Figure C-2 illustrates crossover twisted pair cable connections.  
1
2
1
2
Rx  
Tx  
Rx  
Tx  
B
B
3
6
3
6
737EA  
Key:  
B = Normal or MDI-X port (As on a hub or switch)  
1, 2, 3, 6 = Connector pins  
Figure C-2.  
Crossover twisted pair cable  
Cabling Guidelines  
C-3  
           
Index  
H
A
applications  
I
installation  
C
cable  
straight-through twisted pair, 4-2, 5-2, C-3  
troubleshooting, 5-2  
L
LEDs  
and troubleshooting, 5-1  
Link LED, 2-3, 4-3, 5-2  
M
D
N
normal  
wiring, 4-2, 5-2, B-2, C-2  
F
FDX duplex toggle switches, 2-4, 4-3, 5-1  
FDX LED, 2-3, 5-1  
features, 1-3  
Normal/Uplink push button, 1-3, 2-1, 5-2  
O
front panel, 2-1  
full-duplex mode, 2-3, 2-4, 4-3, 5-1  
overview of switch, 1-2  
Index  
1
 
P
V
Power LED, 2-1, 2-3, 4-3, 5-1  
vista RJ-45 connector  
pin assignments, B-1  
troubleshooting, 5-2  
R
W
World Wide Web, iii  
RJ-45 connector. See vista RJ-45 connector  
RJ-45 plug  
S
site preparation, 4-1  
straight-through twisted pair cable, 4-2, 5-2  
T
toggle switches, duplex, 2-4, 4-3  
U
unshielded twisted pair cable. See UTP cable  
uplink  
ports, 4-2, B-2, C-2  
wiring, 4-2, B-2, C-2  
UTP cable, troubleshooting, 5-2  
2
Index  

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