for simplicity, this documentation uses the terms "switch" (first letter upper case) to refer to the des- 1004/des-1008 10/100 fast ethernet switch, and "switch" (first letter lower case) to refer to all ethernet switches, including the des-1004/ des-1008.

    for simplicity and brevity, this manual discusses two 10/100 fast ethernet switch models. the des-1004 is a four port model, and the des-1008 is an eight port model. these models are similar in every respect except for the number of ports. therefore, all information provided in this manual is applicable to both, and at particular points, the differentiating elements between them will be mentioned.