Dell PowerConnect 2216 User Manual

Also see for PowerConnect 2216: Technical Specifications Update User guide

Contents

Introduction 9Connecting DevicesRJ-45 Switch PortsRJ-45 connectors are located on the front panel of the switch.NOTE: Ensure that Category 5E (CAT 5E) cabling is used for connecting devices at 1000-Mbps GigabitEthernet speed.All ports can negotiate full- and half-duplex modes automatically. The 10/100base-T ports negotiatefull/half duplex and the 1000base-T ports operates in full-duplex mode only. These switching portsallow users to connect the switches to 10Base-T and 100Base-T devices on ports 1-16 (2216), ports1-24 (2224, 2324) and 1000Base-T devices on uplink ports 25 and 26 on the 2324.Connecting Switches to Each OtherEach port supports Auto MDI and MDIX functionality. When cascading with other switches orhubs, each port can connect directly to a switch or hub with straight-through twisted-pair cable(see Figure 1-4).NOTE: Do not connect two switches together with more than one cable. Using multiple cables toconnect switches can create a loop and cause loss of network connectivity.Figure 1-4. Cascading SwitchesConnecting Switches to Other DevicesBy connecting a switch to other devices, you can form a small network. All the RJ-45 ports supportAuto MDI/MDIX and therefore automatically detect the type of cable used to connect the networkdevice. Crossover or straight-through networking cables can be used to connect PCs as well as othernetworking devices like hubs or routers to the switch. All ports on the switch automaticallynegotiate speed and whether to operate in full duplex or half duplex.