How To Set Up A 5 Port Ethernet Switch

How to Hook Upwards an Ethernet Switch

By George Pickard

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The Ethernet switch is a basic component of the computer network. It connects computers, printers and routers on your network. The switch is an intelligent device that learns which devices are plugged into which ports and "switches" network traffic from i host to some other based on that knowledge. You can install a switch to create a local expanse network (LAN) or to expand the number of devices on your current network.

Physical Setup

Stride 1

Consider locating your switch where physical access is controlled. Security should exist a primary concern when setting up your Ethernet switch.

Stride 2

Ensure that you lot're Ethernet switch is located in a cool, well-ventilated area. Exit ample space around the switch for heat dispersion.

Step iii

Power your switch on. Connect the devices you wish to network to the switch. Plug one terminate of an Ethernet cable to your device'due south Network Interface, and the other end to an open port on the switch. Afterward a few seconds, the indicator lite for that port on the switch should change from off, or yellow, to flashing green. The green calorie-free ways that a device is connected, and the light will wink equally information is sent or received.

Configuring the Devices on Your LAN

Step 1

Connect a router to your switch if yous want your devices to be able to connect to the Internet, or to some other network. A router is a device that "routes" data from one network to some other. If your switch has a port labeled "WAN" or "Internet," connect an Ethernet cablevision from that port to your router. Otherwise, connect the router to whatsoever open port on your Ethernet switch. If you're using a dwelling or pocket-sized office broadband router, connect the router stop of the Ethernet cablevision to the port labeled "LAN" or to any of the open numbered ports. Professional assistance may be required to configure a loftier-end router.

Step 2

Check to meet if you lot have a DHCP server on your LAN. Nearly home or modest office broadband routers take a DHCP server, configured past default. The DHCP server assigns IP addresses to your computers automatically.

Step 3

Assign IP addresses to the computers on your LAN. If you're non running a DHCP server, manually configure the IP settings on each of the computers. They demand to share an address space to communicate with one another. Apply a individual accost range, like the 10.0.0.x range. The last number in the series, where the "ten" is, can exist a number betwixt i and 255. It'due south common practice to assign the router the commencement address—10.0.0.ane—and so each computer and printer another unique number in the sequence. For case, ten.0.0.2, 10.0.0.3, 10.0.0.four, etc.

Step 4

Assign the subnet mask. This is what tells your figurer how many and which addresses are local. A subnet mask of 255.255.255.0 gives you 254 possible hosts on the same network.

Footstep 5

Assign a router or "gateway" address. Whatever traffic that has a destination exterior your network, every bit defined by your subnet mask, is routed by the address you designate hither. This is ordinarily the address you gave to the LAN port of your router.

Stride six

Assign a DNS server address. DNS resolves names similar "thatcompany.com" to an IP address. Obtain your DNS server address from your router'south configuration, or from your Internet access provider.

Step 7

Verify connectivity by using the "Ping" utility. In Windows, concord down the Windows key and the "R" cardinal. Type "cmd" without the quotes. This opens a console window. At the prompt, type "ping" plus the IP address of the device you want to check. Printing "Enter." For example:

ping 10.0.0.iii
The Ping utility tells you lot whether or not a device replies. If your device does not reply, check the power, the cabling and your IP accost configuration.

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