Connecting Network Interface Cables

Use the appropriate type of cable to connect the ports of your switch to another switch or router.

Cable Type Maximum Distance
CAT5E 100 meters
CAT6 100 meters
CAT6A 100 meters

Working carefully, one port at a time, do the following:

  1. Verify that you have identified the correct cable for the port.
  2. Use an alcohol wipe or other appropriate cleaning agent to clean the cable connectors; make sure they are free of dust, oil, and other contaminants.
  3. If you are using optical fiber cable, align the transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) connectors with the correct corresponding connectors on the switch.
  4. Press the cable connectors into their mating connectors on the switch until the cable connector is firmly seated.
  5. Repeat steps 1 through 4 for the remaining cables on this or other switches.
  6. Dress and secure the cable bundle to provide appropriate strain relief and protection against bends and kinks.
Set up local management access, and configure the switch's software, by following the instructions in Basic Configuration for Your 200 Series Switch.