It is worth mentioning that in order to upgrade the network infrastructure, purpose-built hardware is required as well as the replacement strategy. In fact, it does not matter whether you want to connect a single Ethernet port to a Meraki fiber switch or a Linksys SE3005 or even an Aruba 1930 24G PoE. In the case of the Lan expandability design, the same general procedures are applicable for attaching a network switch with more than one port to a single ethernet port.
About Network Switch and its Function
A network switch is a device that can indigenous devices having connection with one or several other devices within a particular Local Area Network (LAN). and There are switches if the broadband modem or the Wi-Fi router do not have enough Ethernet connection ports, additional switches are available to use, so that more connection can be made without degrading the graph of network.
Some high performing switches are as follows;
- Cisco PoE+ Switch where it comes to PoE or PoE+
- GS308P-100NAS and GS116LP-100NAS for homes and small offices
- CBS350-48P-4G-EU, CBS350-24FP-4G-NA, CBS350-8P-E-2G-EU for larger networks
Constituents
The following should be obtained before proceeding to install your switch in the network system;
- A multi-Ethernet modem or a regular router
- A network switch in the network lan such as Switch XG 16, Cisco SG110D-08HP, and Moxa EDS-308-MM-SC
- Ethernet cables of Cat5e or Cat6 and higher depending on the standards
- A means to power the switch
A Tutorial on How to Hook up a Network Switch
Step 1: Switching off the Network Equipments
In order not to have any complications in network connection, switch off modem, lose any router and any other components connected to it.
Step 2: Make Connection of Network Switch to the Ethernet Port
- Quickly obtain an Ethernet cable and plug one of its end into one of the available LAN ports on your modem or router. This cable will serve as the network switch’s uplink cable if it is an Ethernet switch.
- Connect the other end to a network switch uplink port (port 1, uplink port, or WAN port).
- For Meraki fiber switches and similar switches, properly configure the fiber connection.
Step 3: The Network Switch is Remotely powered
- Insert the power factor into the switch.
- If wanting to use PoE switch as in the Switch Enterprise 24 PoE, then ensure that the mode for PoE is disabled.
- Hold on until the status LEDs become active.
Step 4: Connecting More Devices to the Switch
- Use Ethernet cables to connect all the additional devices (such as computers, printers or consoles) from the given available ports.
- If types of PoE devices will be used, make sure the switch can meet the demand for such a power budget.
Step 5: Turn the Modem/Router Back On
Switch on the modem or router and let it boot. The network switch should make it possible to share the connection.
Section 6 Test the Connection
- Look at the switch all l indicator lights are on, including those on connected devices.
- Use an internet speed test to verify that the network is functional.
- When working with managed switches e.g the CBS350-8FP-E-2G-EU, there is a need to also set up VLANs or security options.
Recommendations on How to Improve Network Performance
- For optimal performance, use Cat6 or Cat6a cables.
- Connect only one uplink cable to the router to prevent network loops.
- Regularly update firmware of GS308P-100NAS and GS116LP-100NAS regularly.
- Towards better management of network traffic, manage switches such as CBS350-24FP-4G-NA should be configured.
- Use PoE switches in cases that include IP cameras, VoIP phones, and access points for easy power management.
With all these steps taken, you can setup and improve a network by using any advanced switch such as a Cisco PoE+ switch, Linksys SE3005, or an Aruba 1930 24G PoE switch. Such a configuration provides a robust and effective network system for any kind of home or office usage.
