Specifications

Network Planning

NXA-ENET8POE Gigabit PoE Ethernet Switch

Network Planning

Introduction To Switching

A network switch allows simultaneous transmission of multiple packets via non-crossbar switching. This

means that it can partition a network more efficiently than bridges or routers. The switch has, therefore, been

recognized as one of the most important building blocks for today’s networking technology. When

performance bottlenecks are caused by congestion at the network access point (such as the network card for a

high-volume file server), the device experiencing congestion (server, power user or hub) can be attached

directly to a switched port. By using full-duplex mode, the bandwidth of the dedicated

segment can be doubled to maximize throughput.

When networks are based on repeater (hub) technology, the distance between end stations is limited by a

maximum hop count. However, a switch turns the hop count back to zero. Subdividing the network into

smaller and more manageable segments, and linking them to the larger network by means of a switch, removes

this limitation.

A switch can be easily configured in any Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet network to significantly

boost bandwidth while using conventional cabling and network cards.

Application Examples

The switch is not only designed to segment your network, but also to provide a wide range of options in setting

up network connections. Some typical applications are described below.

Supplying PoE

The NXA-ENET8POE is an excellent choice for supplying power to connected PoE devices such as web

cameras, IP telephones or access points. You can easily connect a PoE device to a switch port and allow power

to be supplied over the connecting cable. Each of the eight ports on the NXA-ENET8POE can provide power

to a connected device.

In the example below (FIG. 2), the device is supplying power to three PoE devices. It is also providing

dedicated 100 Mbps full-duplex data connections to the devices. In addition, other non-PoE devices can be

connected to the device.

Collapsed Backbone

The NXA-ENET8POE is an excellent choice for mixed Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet

installations where significant growth is expected in the near future. In a basic stand-alone configuration, it can

provide direct full-duplex connections for up to eight workstations or servers. You can easily build on this

basic configuration, adding direct full-duplex connections to workstations or servers. When the time comes for

further expansion, just connect to another hub or switch using one of the Gigabit Ethernet ports built into the

front panel, or a Gigabit Ethernet port on a plug-in SFP transceiver.

In FIG. 3, the NXA-ENET8POE is operating as a collapsed backbone for a small LAN. It is providing

dedicated 10 Mbps full-duplex connections to workstations, 100 Mbps full-duplex connections to power users,

and 1 Gbps full-duplex connections to servers. In addition, connected IP phones and wireless access points are

receiving PoE power from the device.

FIG. 2 PoE Connections

Power-over-Ethernet Devices

Web Camera

IP Telephone

Access Point