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, 3x, etc.) and an uplink (port 1x in mdi-ii mode) 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 two-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 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 the designated mdi-ii port on the switch to any normal crossed port on the hub. alternatively, if you have a crossover cable you can save the mdi-ii (uplink) port for other connections and make this one from a crossed port to another crossed port.