all of the ports on the front of the switch 4200 are auto-mdix, that is they have a cross-over capability. the port can automatically detect whether it needs to operate in mdi or mdix mode. therefore you can make a connection to a port with a straight-through (mdi) or a cross-over cable (mdix).

    the auto-mdix feature only operates when auto-negotiation is enabled.

    if auto-negotiation is disabled, all the switch ports are configured as mdix (cross-over). if you want to make a connection to another mdix port, you need an automatic cross-over cable. many ports on workstations and servers are configured as mdi (straight-through). if you want to make a connection to an mdi port, you need to use a standard straight-through cable. see table 7.

    3com recommends that you use category 5 twisted pair cable - the maximum segment length for this type of cable is 100 m (328 ft).

    1 if you want to install the switch using a category 5e or category 6 cable, 3com recommends that you briefly connect the cable to a grounded port before connecting network equipment. if you do not, the cables electrostatic discharge (esd) may damage the switch's port.

    2 you can create a grounded port by connecting all wires at one end of a utp cable to an earth ground point, and the other end to a female rj-45 connector located, for example, on a switch rack or patch panel. the rj-45 connector is now a grounded port.