the 10/100 ports can each be connected to either a 10base-t or 100base-tx network. if you have both types of network, you can join them together using the switch allowing all your workstations to communicate.

    alternatively, if you use 10base-t and want to improve network performance by introducing 100base-tx technology, the switch protects your existing workstations because it maintains 10base-t connections to them.