October, 2003

Express Entry
Ethernet Switch
LB9008A-FO-R2

Order toll-free in the U.S. 24 hours, 7 A.M. Monday to midnight Friday: 877-877-BBOX
CUSTOMER
FREE technical support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax 724-746-0746
SUPPORT
Mail order: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
INFORMATION
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: info@blackbox.com
 Express Entry Ethernet Switch LB9008A-FO-R2

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND

CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS
RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and
used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, may cause
interference to radio communication. It has been tested and found to company with the limits for
a Class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC
rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference when the
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case the user at his own
expense will be required to take whatever measures may be necessary to correct the interference.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise emission from digital
apparalus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation of the Canadian Department of
Communications.

Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les limites
applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le Règlement sur le
brouillage radioélectrique publié par le ministère des Communications du Canada.

Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM)

INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD

1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes de que el aparato
eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de operación deben ser
respetadas.
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo, cerca de la tina de
baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca, etc.
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales que sean
recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea recomendado por
el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá a lo descrito
en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser referido a personal de servicio
calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no interfiera su uso. La
colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá, alfombra o superficie similar puede
bloquea la ventilación, no se debe colocar en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por
los orificios de ventilación.

2
 Express Entry Ethernet Switch LB9008A-FO-R2

10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor como radiadores,
registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del tipo descrito en el
instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el aparato.
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la polarización del equipo
no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no sean pisados ni
pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos, poniendo particular atención a los
contactos y receptáculos donde salen del aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las recomendaciones del
fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las lineas de energia.
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea usado por un
largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean derramados sobre la
cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

3
 Express Entry Ethernet Switch LB9008A-FO-R2

About This Manual

This manual describes the Black Box Express Ethernet Switch in these basic sections:
• Product Features
• Installation
• Trouble-shooting
• Glossary of Terms

Product Features
This section examines the key features, the physical features, and the product specifications of each model.

Installation
This section presents step-by-step installation instructions on how to select a site for the switch, connecting to power
& connecting to your network.

Trouble-shooting
This guide leads you through trouble-shooting the most common networking problems.

Glossary
A brief glossary defines the terms used in this manual.

4
 Express Entry Ethernet Switch LB9008A-FO-R2

Table of Contents
About This Manual......................................................................................................................................................4
Product Features..........................................................................................................................................................6
Key Features..............................................................................................................................................................6
Physical Features .......................................................................................................................................................7
Front Panel.............................................................................................................................................................7
Ports...................................................................................................................................................................7
LEDs..................................................................................................................................................................8
Product Specifications ...............................................................................................................................................9
Installation..................................................................................................................................................................10
Selecting a Site for the Switch.................................................................................................................................10
Connecting to Power ...............................................................................................................................................10
Connecting to Your Network...................................................................................................................................10
Trouble-shooting Guide ............................................................................................................................................11
No Power to the Switch. ..........................................................................................................................................11
No Connectivity to the Data Terminal Equipment. .................................................................................................11
Transmission Problems............................................................................................................................................12
Glossary ......................................................................................................................................................................13

5
 Express Entry Ethernet Switch LB9008A-FO-R2

Product Features
This section addresses:
• Key Features
• Physical Features (including LEDs)
• Product Specification

Key Features

• Eight 100BASE-FX switching ports.

• Dip Switch for Full- and Half-Duplex setting on Fiber ports.

• Designed in compliance with IEEE802.3, 100BASE-FX standards.

• Supports 802.3x Flow Control pause packet for Full-Duplex in case buffer is full.

• Supports Back Pressure function for Half-Duplex operation in case buffer is full.

• Supports Store & Forward architecture and performs forwarding and filtering at non-blocking full

wire speed.

• Broadcast Storming Filter function.

• Comprehensive array of LED indicators that communicate the status of the switch and

troubleshooting information.

6
 Express Entry Ethernet Switch LB9008A-FO-R2

Physical Features

Front Panel
The front panel of the rackmout switch has eight fiber ports and an array of LED indicators to provide instant feedback on
status of the switch.

LB9008A-FO-R2

Po we r

Figure 1: Rackmount-size, 8 ports fiber Ethernet switch

Ports

The fiber ports accept 100BASE-FX connections only. They operate at 100Mbps in half-duplex mode and 200Mbps
in full-duplex mode. The distance between this switch and a Data Terminal Equipment is 2 Kilometers using
62.5/125 micron fiber-optic cable with SC connector. If longer distance is desired, please consult Black Box Tech
Support for special order at Tel: 724-746-5500. Fiber switch with multi-mode ST connectors is also available with
model number LB9009A-FO.

7
 Express Entry Ethernet Switch LB9008A-FO-R2

LEDs

The array of LED indicators on the front panel conveys status and configuration information to help you monitor
and troubleshoot the switch.

The following figures illustrate the LED and functions of LB9008A-FO-R2.

1 3

2
LN K/ACT TX RX
Power 100
FDX/COL

2 4

Figure 2: Port status display LEDs of LB9008A-FO-R2.

n Port Status
100BASE-FX Ports
Each port has three LEDs to show status information. The LEDs are identified by a corresponding captions located
beside the LEDs on the port one.

LNK/ACT:
The link indicator is the top LED. It is illuminated whenever the port is connected to another working networked
device.
The LED flashes when the port is transmitting or receiving data.

100:
The middle LED shines whenever the switch detects that the corresponding port is connected to a 100BASE-TX
segment.

FDX/COL:
The lower LED is illuminated when the port is operating in full-duplex mode. When this LED is off, the port is
operating in half-duplex mode.
The LED flashes when the switch detects packet collisions on the port.

o Power
This LED comes on when the switch is connected to a power supply and turned on.

p TX/RX
TX: Transmit Data
RX: Receive Data

q Dip Switch
Full-Duplex: Toggle on to enable Full-Duplex mode for 100BASE-FX ports (Default setting).
Half-Duplex: Toggle down to enable Half-Duplex mode for 100BASE-FX ports.

8
 Express Entry Ethernet Switch LB9008A-FO-R2

Product Specifications

Applicable 10BASE-T, IEEE 802.3

Standards 100BASE-TX/FX, IEEE 802.3u
Ports 10/100BASE-TX or 100BASE-FX
Speed 100BASE-TX: 200Mbps full-duplex, 100Mbps half-duplex
10BASE-TX: 20Mbps full-duplex, 10Mbps half-duplex
100BASE-FX: 200Mbps full-duplex, 100Mbps half-duplex
Performance 14,880/148,800pps forwarding rate per port.
LED Indicators POWER, LNK/ACT, 100, FDX/COL
Dimensions 440 X 205 X 45mm Rack-mount size
Weight 2.8kg (6.2lb)
Power Input 100 ~ 250 VAC, 47/63 Hz, 2A
Power 12 W
Consumption
Operating 32 ~ 104 degrees F (0 ~ 40 degrees C)
Temperature
Humidity 10 ~ 90%, non-condensing
Altitude 10,000 ft (3048 m)
Emissions FCC part 15 Class A, CISPR Class A,
VCCI-I CE Mark
Safety UL

9
 Express Entry Ethernet Switch LB9008A-FO-R2

Installation

Install a Black Box Express Ethernet Switch as a plug-and-play device. No special configuration is required. Details
below are consistent with the installation of any electronic device

Selecting a Site for the Switch

Place the Black Box Express Ethernet Switch where it will not be subjected to extreme temperatures, humidity, or
electromagnetic interference. Specifically, the site you select should meet the following requirements:

• The room temperature should be between 32 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit (0 to 40 degrees Celsius).
• The relative humidity should be less than 90 percent, non-condensing.
• Surrounding electrical devices should not exceed the electromagnetic field (RFC) standards for IEC 801-3,
Level 2 (3V/M) field strength.
• Make sure that the switch receives adequate ventilation. Do not block the ventilation holes on the side of the
switch or the fan exhaust port on the rear of the switch.
• The power outlet should be within 1.8 meters (6 feet) of the switch.

Connecting to Power

Connect the supplied AC power cord to the receptacle on the back of the switch, and then plug the cord into a
standard AC outlet with a voltage range from 100 to 120 VAC. For external power supply units, plug the jack into
the DC receptacle on the front of the unit, and plug the power supply unit into a 110~220 AC outlet.
Turn the switch on by flipping the ON/OFF switch on the rear of the unit to the I (ON) position. The O position is
OFF.

Connecting to Your Network

Copper Port: If you are making a connection to a server or workstation, be sure that it has a properly installed
100BASE-TX network interface card. All the TX ports on Express Ethernet Switch series are quipped with auto
MDIX and can use either straight or crossed over cable when uplink to another switch or hub. The cable must be a
Category 5 shielded or unshielded twisted-pair (STP/UTP) cable for 100BASE-TX, or Category 3, 4, or 5 STP/UTP
cable for 10BASE-T.

Fiber Optic Port: When connecting to a server or workstation, be sure that it has a properly installed 100BASE-FX
network interface card. A fiber optic port consists of two holes, one for transmitting data (TX) and the other for
receiving data (RX). Make sure the TX jack on the target device is connected to the RX jack on the switch, and the
RX jack on the target device is connected to the TX jack on the switch. The cable for fiber ports must be a 62.5/125
micron fiber-optic cable for 100BASE-FX.
Consult the Table below for further details.
Table 1: Cable Specifications

Speed Connector Port Speed Cable Range

Half/Full Duplex
100BASE-TX RJ-45 100/200 Mbps Category 5 UTP 100 meters

10BASE-T RJ-45 10/20 Mbps Category 3, 4, or 5 UTP 100 meters

100BASE-FX ST or SC 200 Mbps 62.5/125 micron fiber-optic cable 2 kilo-meters

10
 Express Entry Ethernet Switch LB9008A-FO-R2

Trouble-shooting Guide

This trouble-shooting guide describes problems that could occur with the Express Ethernet Switch. The guide states
possible reasons for the symptoms, and proper steps to take to solve the problems.

No Power to the Switch.

Symptom: Power cord is connected to the switch, but all LEDs, including the Power LED, are off.

Possible Problem Solution

1. Check both ends of the power cord to make certain that they are securely
Loose power connection or
connected to the power receptacle on the switch and to the power outlet.
faulty power supply
2. Verify that the power outlet has power.

No Connectivity to the Data Terminal Equipment.

Symptom: An Ethernet switch cannot communicate to the directly connected computers or network segments.

Possible Problem Solution

1. Check cables for a secure connection.
2. Verify that the correct type of cable is in use.
• For connection to a PC or a network interface card (NIC), use a straight-
through cable.
• For uplink to another switch or hub, use a cross-wire cable, or use a regular
straight-through cable connected to the uplink port with the uplink button
Incorrect or faulty cabling activated.
• Refer to Table 1 for cable specifications.
1. Verify proper cable preparation.
2. Use a time domain reflectometer (TDR) or other cable-checking device to
verify that the cable has no opens, shorts, or other problems.
3. Swap the cable with another of the same kind to see if the cable is bad.
• Replace or fix the faulty cable as necessary.
Run the diagnostic supplied by the vendor on the NIC to determine if it is
Dysfunctional NIC on a
PC or workstation functioning properly. If it is not, replace it.
Reset the switch by pressing the reset button or turn the switch off, then on
Packet Overflow or
Hardware problem again.

11
 Express Entry Ethernet Switch LB9008A-FO-R2

No Connectivity to Certain Nodes on the Network

Symptom: Data terminal equipment (DTE) connected to the switch can not send or receive information from certain
segments on the same network or across to another LAN or WAN.

Possible Problem Solution

Hardware problem Check for a damaged RJ-45 jack, or fiber SC or ST type connector.

Transmission Problems
Symptom: Connections across a LAN switch are slow or unreliable.
Possible Problem Solution
Express Ethernet Switches are all equipped with auto-negotiation to
communicate with other DTEs on the network for the best available
performance.
Incorrect full- or half-
duplex settings 1. Verify if the connected NIC is equipped with auto-negotiation (this is not the
same as auto-sensing).

2. Change the DIP switch setting if available.

1. Ensure that the proper cable is in use and that the recommended distance is
not exceeded. For information, refer to Table 9.
Exceeded cabling
distance or misused 2. Check the cable distance using a cable tester or TDR. Verify that the cable
cable lengths attached to the switch meet Ethernet/IEEE 802.3 specifications.
3. If the distance is out of specification, reduce the length of the cable or add a
repeater, ensuring no more than four repeaters are attached.
Bad adapter in attached Check the switch port statistics. If excessive errors are found, run the adapter card
device diagnostic utility to determine the problem.

12
 Express Entry Ethernet Switch LB9008A-FO-R2

Trademarks
Any trademarks are acknowledged to be the property of the trademark owners.

Glossary

10BASE-T Networking standard for twisted-pair cabling capable of carrying data at 10 Mbps.
100BASE-TX Networking standard for two pairs of high-quality twisted-pair wires carrying data at 100
Mbps.
100BASE-FX Networking standard for fiber-optic cabling capable of carrying data at 100 Mbps.
auto- Two-part process by which a network device automatically senses the speed and duplex
negotiation capability of another device.
Category 5 Networking standard certifying that a copper wire cable can carry data at up to 100 Mbps.
collision Concurrent Ethernet transmissions from two or more devices on the same segment.
Ethernet Networking standard for transmitting data at 10 Mbps.
Fast Ethernet Networking standard for transmitting data at 100 Mbps.
fiber-optic Cable made of thin glass threads that carry data in the form of light pulses.
cable
full-duplex A communications technique that allows bi-directional, simultaneous transmission between
two devices on a single segment.
half-duplex A communications technique in which one device on a segment transmits while the other
receives, then the process is reversed.
IEEE 802 Set of Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers standards for defining methods of
access and control on LANs.
LAN Local area network. A network where computers are connected in close proximity, such as
in the same building or office park. A system of LANs connected at a distance is called a
wide-area network (WAN).
MAC address Media access control address. A hardware address that uniquely identifies each node of a
network.
Mbps Millions of bits per second.
segment Section of a network bounded by bridges, routers, hubs, or switches. Dividing an Ethernet
into multiple segments is a common way to increase bandwidth on a LAN.
store-and- Switching feature where the port receives the entire incoming frame and stores it in the
forward buffers while checking for runts and error frames before forwarding it to the destination
port.
switch Device that filters and forwards packets between LAN segments.
UTP Unshielded twisted pair; cabling with wires that are twisted around each other. The
individual wires are not insulated.
wire speed The ability to handle the fastest rate of traffic that a generator can deliver without dropping
packets. On a 100 Mbps connection, wire-speed traffic is 148,809 packets per second using
64-byte frames or 8,127 packets per second using 1,518-byte frames.

13