About This Guide

This User’s Guide tells you how to install your Stackable NWay Ethernet Switch, how to connect it to your Ethernet network, and how to set its configuration using either the built-in console interface or Web-based management (please note that Netscape Communicator/Navigator, 4.x or later, or Microsoft Internet Explorer, 4.x or later, are recommended).

  1. Conventions

    2. References in this manual to the DES-3624 Series are frequently written simply as “Switch” or “Switches” where the text applies to all models. Model numbers are normally used only to differentiate among specific Switches where necessary.

    Unless differentiated by model number, all information applies to all models.

  2. Overview of this User’s Guide

1

  1. 1.1Introduction

    2. This section describes the features of the Switch, as well as giving some background information about Ethernet/Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, and switching technology.

    1. Fast Ethernet Technology

      2. The growing importance of LANs and the increasing complexity of desktop computing applications are fueling the need for high performance networks. A number of high-speed LAN technologies are proposed to provide greater bandwidth and improve client/server response times. Among them, Fast Ethernet, or 100BASE-T, provides a non-disruptive, smooth evolution from the current 10BASE-T technology. The dominating market position virtually guarantees cost effective and high performance Fast Ethernet solutions in the years to come.

      100Mbps Fast Ethernet is a standard specified by the IEEE 802.3 LAN committee. It is an extension of the 10Mbps Ethernet standard with the ability to transmit and receive data at 100Mbps, while maintaining the Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) Ethernet protocol.

    2. Gigabit Ethernet Technology

      3. Gigabit Ethernet is an extension of IEEE 802.3 Ethernet utilizing the same packet structure, format, and support for CSMA/CD protocol, full duplex, flow control, and management objects, but with a tenfold increase in theoretical throughput over 100Mbps Fast Ethernet and a one hundred-fold increase over 10Mbps Ethernet. Since it is compatible with all 10Mbps and 100Mbps Ethernet environments, Gigabit Ethernet provides a straightforward upgrade without wasting a company’s existing investment in hardware, software, and trained personnel.

      The increased speed and extra bandwidth offered by Gigabit Ethernet is essential to coping with the network bottlenecks that frequently develop as computers and their busses get faster and more users use applications that generate more traffic. Upgrading key components, such as your backbone and servers to Gigabit Ethernet can greatly improve network response times as well as significantly speed up the traffic between your subnets.

      Gigabit Ethernet enables fast optical fiber connections to support video conferencing, complex imaging, and similar data-intensive applications. Likewise, since data transfers occur 10 times faster than Fast Ethernet, servers outfitted with Gigabit Ethernet NIC’s are able to perform 10 times the number of operations in the same amount of time.

      In addition, the phenomenal bandwidth delivered by Gigabit Ethernet is the most cost-effective method to take advantage of today and tomorrow’s rapidly improving switching and routing internetworking technologies. And with expected advances in the coming years in silicon technology and digital signal processing that will enable Gigabit Ethernet to eventually operate over unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cabling, outfitting your network with a powerful 1000Mbps-capable backbone/server connection creates a flexible foundation for the next generation of network technology products.

    3. Switching Technology

      4. Another key development pushing the limits of Ethernet technology is in the field of switching technology. A switch bridges Ethernet packets at the MAC address level of the Ethernet protocol transmitting among connected Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet LAN segments.

      Switching is a cost-effective way of increasing the total network capacity available to users on a local area network. A switch increases capacity and decreases network loading by making it possible for a local area network to be divided into different segments which don’t compete with each other for network transmission capacity, giving a decreased load on each.

      The switch acts as a high-speed selective bridge between the individual segments. Traffic that needs to go from one segment to another (from one port to another) is automatically forwarded by the switch, without interfering with any other segments (ports). This allows the total network capacity to be multiplied, while still maintaining the same network cabling and adapter cards.

      For Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet networks, a switch is an effective way of eliminating problems of chaining hubs beyond the “two-repeater limit.” A switch can be used to split parts of the network into different collision domains, for example, making it possible to expand your Fast Ethernet network beyond the 205 meter network diameter limit for 100BASE-TX networks. Switches supporting both traditional 10Mbps Ethernet and 100Mbps Fast Ethernet are also ideal for bridging between existing 10Mbps networks and new 100Mbps networks.

      Switching LAN technology is a marked improvement over the previous generation of network bridges, which were characterized by higher latencies. Routers have also been used to segment local area networks, but the cost of a router and the setup and maintenance required make routers relatively impractical. Today’s switches are an ideal solution to most kinds of local area network congestion problems.

    4. Features

      5. The DES-3624 series of Switches can include one master (either a DES-3624i or a DES-3624iF) and up to three clients (DES-3624 or DES-3624F). They are designed for easy installation and high performance in an environment where traffic on the network and the number of users increases continuously.

      Switch features include:

      1. Ports
      1. Performance features
      1. Management

2

  1. Unpacking and Setup

    2. This chapter provides unpacking and setup information for the Switch.

    1. Unpacking

Open the shipping carton of the Switch and carefully unpack its contents. The carton should contain the following items:

  • One Stackable NWay Ethernet Switch

  • Mounting kit: two mounting brackets and screws

  • Four rubber feet with adhesive backing

  • One AC power cord

  • This user’s guide on CD-ROM with a Registration Card

If any item is found missing or damaged, please contact your local D-Link reseller for replacement.

    1. Setup

The setup of the Switch can be performed using the following steps:

  • The surface must support at least 5 kg.

  • The power outlet should be within 1.82 meters (6 feet) of the device.

  • Visually inspect the power cord and see that it is secured fully to the AC power connector.

  • Make sure that there is proper heat dissipation from and adequate ventilation around the Switch. Do not place heavy objects on the Switch.

    1. Desktop or Shelf Installation

When installing the Switch on a desktop or shelf, the rubber feet included with the device must be first attached. Attach these cushioning feet on the bottom at each corner of the device. Allow enough ventilation space between the device and the objects around it.

  1. Figure 2-1. Switch installed on a Desktop or Shelf

    1. Rack Installation

The Switch can be mounted in an EIA standard size, 19-inch rack, which can be placed in a wiring closet with other equipment. To install, attach the mounting brackets on the switch’s front panel (one on each side) and secure them with the screws provided.

  1. Figure 2-2A. Attaching the mounting brackets to the Switch

Then, use the screws provided with the equipment rack to mount the Switch in the rack.

  1. Figure 2-2B. Installing the Switch in an equipment rack

    1. Power on

The Switch can be used with AC power sources 100 - 240 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz. The power switch is located at the rear of the unit adjacent to the AC power connector and the system fan. The Switch’s power supply will adjust to the local power source automatically and may be turned on without having any or all LAN segment cables connected.

After the power switch is turned on, the LED indicators should respond as follows:

  • All LED indicators will momentarily blink. This blinking of the LED indicators represents a reset of the system.

  • The power LED indicator will blink while the Switch loads onboard software and performs a self-test. After approximately 40 seconds, the LED will light continuously to indicate the Switch is in a ready state.

  • The console LED indicator will remain ON if there is a connection at the RS-232 port, otherwise this LED indicator is OFF.

  • The 100M LED indicator may remain ON or OFF depending on the transmission speed.

      1. Power Failure

As a precaution, the Switch should be unplugged in case of power failure. When power is resumed, plug the Switch back in.

3

  1. Identifying External Components

    2. This chapter describes the front panel, rear panel, optional plug-in modules, and LED indicators of the Switch

    1. Front Panel

The front panel of the Switch consists of either 19 or 20 (10/100 Mbps) Ethernet/Fast Ethernet ports, one or two uplink jacks, a slide-in module slot for 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports, an RS-232 communication port (DES-3624i and DES-3624iF only), and LED indicators.

  1. Figure 3-1. Front panel view of the Switches

  • Comprehensive LED indicators display the conditions of the Switch and status of the network. A description of these LED indicators follows (see LED Indicators).

  • An RS-232 DCE console port is used to diagnose the Switch via a connection to a PC and Local Console Management (DES-3624i and DES-3624iF only).

  • Nineteen or 20 high performance NWay ports all operate at 10/100 Mbps for connection to servers and hubs. All ports can be auto-negotiated between 10Mbps or 100Mbps.

  • A slide-in module slot (labeled Slot1) for 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports can accommodate the following modules: 2-port TX, 2-port FX (MT-RJ), or 1-port FX (SC).

  • One or two MDI-II uplink jacks are supported. Port numbers 1 and 2 on the DES-3624 and the DES-3624F are equipped with MDI-X jacks for normal end-node connections and MDI-II jacks for uplink connections. Port number 1 on the DES-3624i and DES-3624iF are equipped with an MDI-X jack for normal end-node connection and an MDI-II jack for uplink connection.

    1. Rear Panel

The rear panel of the DES-3624 and the DES-3624F consist of a slot (labeled Slot2) for a Stacking input/output port and an AC power connector. The rear panel of the DES-3624i and DES-3624iF consist of two slots (labeled Slot2 and Slot3). Slot2 is for Stacking input/output ports Sio1, Sio2, and Sio3. Slot3 is for an optional Gigabit Ethernet uplink (MDI-II) port. The following shows the rear panel of the Switches.

  1. Figure 3-2. Rear panel view of the Switches

  • The optional Gigabit Ethernet slide-in module is an uplink/MDI-II (media dependent interface) port for uplink to another Switch (DES-3624i and DES-3624iF only). Two models are available, one-port and two-port.

  • The Stacking input/output port slide-in module in the rear panel is for stacking to another device to implement a high-port count, manageable Switch. The three-port module is for a master device and a one-port module is for a client device.

  • The AC power connector is a three-pronged connector that supports the power cord. Plug in the female connector of the provided power cord into this connector, and the male into a power outlet. Supported input voltages range from 100 ~ 240 VAC at 50 ~ 60 Hz.

    1. Side Panels

The right side panel of the Switch contains two system fans (see the bottom part of the diagram below). The left side panel contains heat vents.

  1. Figure 3-3. Side panel views of the Switch

  • The system fans are used to dissipate heat. The sides of the system also provide heat vents to serve the same purpose. Do not block these openings, and leave adequate space at the rear and sides of the Switch for proper ventilation. Be reminded that without proper heat dissipation and air circulation, system components might overheat, which could lead to system failure.

    1. Stack Operation

The DES-3624i and the DES-3624iF are intelligent Switches capable of acting as a master for up to three client Switches (DES-3624 and DES-3624F). Each port is referred to by unit ID and port number in your DES-3624 Series stack.

To set up a stack, a one-port Stacking input/output module is needed for each client Switch and a three-port Stacking input/output module is needed for the master Switch. Once the modules have been installed, use a cascade cable to connect each client Switch to the master Switch.

  1. Figure 3-4. Switch stack with one master and three clients

    2. Please note that two client switches can also be connected via the Stacking input/output ports.

    The following diagram displays some possible switch stack connections:

     

  2. Figure 3-5. Switch stack with example of possible connections

    1. Optional Plug-in Modules

      2. The DES-3624i/DES-3624iF Stackable NWay Ethernet Switch is able to accommodate a range of plug-in modules in order to increase functionality and performance.

      1. 100BASE-FX (MT-RJ) Module

  1. Figure 3-6. Two-port, 100BASE-FX (MT-RJ) module

  • Two-port, front-panel module.

  • Connects to 100BASE-FX devices at full- or half-duplex.

  • Supports multi-mode fiber-optic cable connections of up to 412 meters in half-duplex or 2 km in full-duplex mode.

      1. 100BASE-FX (SC) Module

  1. Figure 3-7. One-port, 100BASE-FX (SC) module

  • One-port, front panel module.

  • Connects to a 100BASE-FX device at full- or half-duplex.

  • Supports multi-mode fiber-optic cable connections of up to 412 meters in half-duplex or 2 km in full-duplex mode.

      1. 100BASE-TX Module

  1. Figure 3-8. Two-port, 100BASE-TX module

  • Two-port, front-panel module.

  • Connects to 100BASE-TX devices at full or half duplex.

  • Supports Category 5 UTP or STP cable connections of up to 100 meters.

      1. 1000BASE-SX Gigabit Module

  1. Figure 3-9. One-port, 1000BASE-SX gigabit module

  • One- or two-port, rear-panel module.
  • Connects to 1000BASE-SX devices at full duplex.
  • Allows connections using multi-mode fiber optic cable in the following configurations:

 

62.5m m

62.5m m

50m m

50m m

Modal bandwidth

(min. overfilled launch)

Unit: MHz*km

160

200

400

500

Operating distance

Unit: meters

220

275

500

550

Channel insertion loss

Unit: dB

2.33

2.53

3.25

3.43

      1. 1000BASE-LX Gigabit Module

  1. Figure 3-10. One-port, 1000BASE-LX gigabit module

  • One-port, rear-panel module.
  • Connects to a 1000BASE-LX device at full duplex.
  • Allows connections up to 5 km in length using single-mode fiber optic cable.
    1. LED Indicators

The LED indicators of the Switch include Power, Console, Slot, Giga, Speed, and Link/Act. The following shows the LED indicators for the Switch along with an explanation of each indicator.

  1. Figure 3-11. The Switch LED indicators

  • Power This indicator on the front panel should light green after approximately 2 seconds to indicate the ready state of the Switch when the device is powered on. The LED will blink when the Power-On Self-Test (POST) is running or if the system’s configuration has changed. This LED will light orange when an error occurs.

  • Console This indicator is lit green when the switch is being managed via out-of-band/local console management through the RS-232 console port using a straight-through serial cable. When a secured connection is established, this LED is lit. The indicator blinks when the console RS-232 is accessed.

  • Slot2 This indicator is lit green when a slide-in module is present in the rear panel of the Switch.

  • Slot3 This indicator is lit green when a slide-in module is present in the rear panel of the Switch.

  • Giga1 This indicator is lit green when a link is established. It blinks green when the Gigabit port is active.

  • Giga2 This indicator is lit green when a link is established. It blinks green when the Gigabit port is active.

  • Sio1 This indicator is lit green when a Stacking IO port is present in the rear panel of the Switch.

  • Sio2 This indicator is lit green when a Stacking IO port is present in the rear panel of the Switch.

  • Sio3 This indicator is lit green when a Stacking IO port is present in the rear panel of the Switch.

  • 100M These indicators are illuminated green when a 100 Mbps device is connected to any of the 22+2 or 20+2 ports or uplink port. If a 10 Mbps device is connected to any of the 24 ports or uplink port, these LEDs remain dark. When a port is active, these indicators will blink green.

  • Link/Act These indicators are lit when there is a secure connection (or link) to a device at any of the ports. The LEDs blink whenever there is reception or transmission (i.e. Activity--Act) of data occurring at a port.

4

  1. Connecting The Switch

    2. This chapter describes how to connect the Switch to your Ethernet network.

    1. Switch to End Node

End nodes include PCs outfitted with a 10, 100 or 10/100 Mbps RJ-45 Ethernet/Fast Ethernet Network Interface Card (NIC) and most routers. The RJ-45 UTP ports on NICs and most routers are MDI-II. When using a normal straight-through cable, an MDI-II port must connect to an MDI-X port.

An end node can be connected to the Switch via a two-pair Category 3, 4, 5 UTP/STP straight cable (be sure to use Category 5 UTP or STP cabling for 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet connections). The end node should be connected to any of the twenty-two ports (1x - 22x) of the Switch or to either of the two 100BASE-TX ports on the front-panel module that came preinstalled on the Switch. An end node should not be connected to an Uplink port (unless using a crossover cable), and if the top Uplink port is in use, Port 1x must remain vacant; if the bottom Uplink port is in use, Port 2x cannot be used.

  1. Figure 4-1. Switch connected to an End Node

The LED indicators for the port the end node is connected to are lit according to the capabilities of the NIC. If LED indicators are not illuminated after making a proper connection, check the PC’s LAN card, the cable, switch conditions, and connections.

The following LED indicator states are possible for an end node to switch connection:

  1. The 100M LED indicator comes ON for a 100 Mbps and stays OFF for 10 Mbps.

  2. The Link/Act LED indicator lights up upon hooking up a PC that is powered on.

    1. Switch to Hub or Switch

These connections can be accomplished in a number of ways. The most important consideration is that when using a normal, straight-through cable, the connection should be made between a normal crossed port (Port 1x, 2x, etc.) and an Uplink (MDI-II) port. If you are using a crossover cable, the connection must be made from Uplink to Uplink, or from a crossed port to another crossed port.

  • A 10BASE-T hub or switch can be connected to the Switch via a two-pair Category 3, 4 or 5 UTP/STP straight cable.

  • A 100BASE-TX hub or switch can be connected to the Switch via a four-pair Category 5 UTP/STP straight cable.

If the other switch or hub contains an unused Uplink port, we suggest connecting the other device’s Uplink (MDI-II) port to any of the switch’s (MDI-X) ports (1x - 22x, or one of the 100BASE-TX module ports) using a normal straight-through cable, as shown below.

If the other device does not have an unused Uplink port, make the connection with a normal straight-through cable from one of the Uplink ports on the switch to any normal crossed port on the hub. Alternatively, if you have a crossover cable you can save the Uplink ports for other connections and make this one from a crossed port to another crossed port.

Figure 4-2. Switch connected to a normal (non-Uplink) port on a hub or switch using a straight or crossover cable
      1. 10BASE-T Device

For a 10BASE-T device, the Switch’s LED indicators should display the following:

  • 100M LED speed indicator is OFF.

  • Link/Act indicator is ON.

      1. 100BASE-TX Device

For a 100BASE-TX device, the Switch’s LED indicators should display the following:

  • 100M LED speed indicator is ON.

  • Link/Act is ON.

 

 

 

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