Freedom9 2420 User manual

freeConnect Smart 2420
24-Port 10/100Mbps + 2-Port Combo-SFP
Web Smart Switch
USER’S MANUAL
P/N: S102411200
Rev. 1.0

Copyright and Trademark Information
Freedom9 makes no warranty or representation, expressed or implied, with respect to the
contents or use of this documentation. Freedom9 reserves the right to modify this
documentation at any time without obligation to notify any individual or entity of such
modifications.
© Copyright 2006, freeConnect Smart and the freedom9 company logo are trademarks or
registered trademarks of Freedom9 Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be
photocopied, reproduced, or translated into another language without express prior to written
consent of Freedom9 Inc. Windows is a trademark or registered trademark of Microsoft
Corporation. Other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective
holders.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1ABOUT THIS GUIDE........................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 PURPOSE ....................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 TERMS/USAGE ............................................................................................................................... 1
2INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................. 2
2.1 GIGABIT ETHERNET TECHNOLOGY ................................................................................................... 2
2.2 FAST ETHERNET TECHNOLOGY........................................................................................................ 2
2.3 VLAN (VIRTUAL LOCAL AREA NETWORK)......................................................................................... 2
2.4 FEATURES ...................................................................................................................................... 3
3UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION.................................................................................................... 4
3.1 UNPACKING .................................................................................................................................... 4
3.2 INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................................. 4
3.3 RACK MOUNTING ............................................................................................................................ 4
3.4 CONNECTING NETWORK CABLE....................................................................................................... 5
3.5 AC POWER .................................................................................................................................... 5
4IDENTIFYING EXTERNAL COMPONENTS....................................................................................... 6
4.1 FRONT PANEL................................................................................................................................. 6
4.2 REAR PANEL .................................................................................................................................. 6
5UNDERSTANDING LED INDICATORS .............................................................................................. 8
5.1 POWER AND SYSTEM LEDS............................................................................................................ 8
5.2 PORTS 1~24 STATUS LEDS............................................................................................................ 8
5.3 PORTS 25~26 STATUS LEDS.......................................................................................................... 8
6CONFIGURATION ............................................................................................................................. 10
6.1 INSTALLING THE WEB MANAGEMENT UTILITY .................................................................................. 10
6.2 DISCOVERY LIST........................................................................................................................... 10
6.3 MONITOR LIST ...............................................................................................................................11
6.4 DEVICE SETTING .......................................................................................................................... 12
6.5 TOOLBAR ..................................................................................................................................... 13
6.6 CONFIGURING THE SWITCH ........................................................................................................... 14
6.7 LOGIN .......................................................................................................................................... 14
6.8 MAIN MENU.................................................................................................................................. 16
6.9 CONFIGURING SETUP SETTING...................................................................................................... 16
6.10 MAINTENANCE SETTINGS .............................................................................................................. 21
6.11 LOGOUT ....................................................................................................................................... 23
7TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................... 24
8CERTIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................. 25

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1 About This Guide
Thank you for purchasing the freeConnect Smart 2420. This device integrates 1000Mbps Gigabit
Ethernet, 100Mbps Fast Ethernet and 10Mbps Ethernet network capabilities in a highly flexible
package.
1.1 Purpose
This guide discusses how to install your freeConnect Smart 2420.
1.2 Terms/Usage
In this guide, the term “Switch” (first letter upper case) refers to your freeConnect Smart 2420, and
“switch” (first letter lower case) refers to Ethernet switches in general.

2 Introduction
This chapter describes the features of the freeConnect Smart 2420 and some background information
about Ethernet/Fast Ethernet/Gigabit Ethernet switching technology.
2.1 Gigabit Ethernet Technology
Gigabit Ethernet is an extension of IEEE 802.3 Ethernet utilizing the same packet structure, format,
and support for CSMA/CD protocol, full duplex, flow control, and management objects, but with a
tenfold increase in theoretical throughput over 100-Mbps Fast Ethernet and a hundredfold increase
over 10-Mbps Ethernet. Since it is compatible with all 10-Mbps and 100-Mbps Ethernet environments,
Gigabit Ethernet provides a straightforward upgrade without wasting a company’s existing investment
in hardware, software, and trained personnel.
The increased speed and extra bandwidth offered by Gigabit Ethernet is essential to coping with the
network bottlenecks that frequently develop as computers and their busses get faster and more users
use applications that generate more traffic. Upgrading key components, such as your backbone and
servers to Gigabit Ethernet can greatly improve network response times as well as significantly speed
up the traffic between your subnets.
Gigabit Ethernet enables fast optical fiber connections to support video conferencing, complex
imaging, and similar data-intensive applications. Likewise, since data transfers occur 10 times faster
than Fast Ethernet, servers outfitted with Gigabit Ethernet NIC’s are able to perform 10 times the
number of operations in the same amount of time.
In addition, the phenomenal bandwidth delivered by Gigabit Ethernet is the most cost-effective method
to take advantage of today’s and tomorrow’s rapidly improving switching and routing internetworking
technologies.
2.2 Fast Ethernet Technology
The growing importance of LANs and the increasing complexity of desktop computing applications are
fueling the need for high performance networks. A number of high-speed LAN technologies have
been proposed to provide greater bandwidth and improve client/server response times. Among them,
100BASE-T (Fast Ethernet) provides a non-disruptive, smooth evolution from the current 10BASE-T
technology. The non-disruptive and smooth evolution nature, and the large installed market base,
virtually guarantees cost-effective and high performance Fast Ethernet solutions.
100Mbps Fast Ethernet is a standard specified by the IEEE 802.3 LAN committee. It is an extension of
the 10Mbps Ethernet standard with the ability to transmit and receive data at 100Mbps, while
maintaining the CSMA/CD Ethernet protocol. Since the 100Mbps Fast Ethernet is compatible with all
other 10Mbps Ethernet environments, it provides a straightforward upgrade and takes advantage of
the existing investment in hardware, software, and personnel training.
2.3 VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network)
A VLAN is a group of end-stations that are not constrained by their physical location and can
communicate as if a common broadcast domain, a LAN. The primary utility of using VLAN is to
reduce latency and need for routers, using faster switching instead. Other VLAN uses include:
Security: Security is increased with the reduction of opportunity in eavesdropping on a broadcast
network because data will be switched to only the users within the same VLAN.

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Cost Reduction: VLANs can be used to create multiple broadcast domains, thus eliminating the need
of expensive routers.
Port-based (or port-group) VLAN is the common method of implementing a VLAN, and is the one
supplied in the Switch.
2.4 Features
•24x10/100Mbps Auto-negotiation Fast Ethernet ports
•2x10/100/1000Mbps Auto-negotiation Gigabit Ethernet ports
•2xmini-GBIC (shared with two Gigabit Ethernet ports)
•All RJ45 ports support auto MDI/MDIX, so there is no need to use cross-over cables or an up-link
port
•Half duplex transfer mode for connection speed 10Mbps and 100Mbps
•Full duplex transfer mode for connection speed of 10Mbps, 100Mbps and 1000Mbsps
•Wire speed reception and transmission
•Store-and-Forward switching scheme capability to support rate adaptation and ensure data
integrity
•Up to 8k unicast addresses entities per device, self-learning, and table aging
•2Mbits packet buffer
•Supports IEEE 802.3x flow control for full-duplex mode ports
•Supports Port-based VLAN
•Supports Port-based QoS / IEEE 802.1P based QoS
•Supports Port-based Trunking
•Supports Port-Mirroring
•Supports Port-setting for Speed/Disable, Flow control
•Easy configuration via Web Browser
•Easy setting via Web Management Utility
•Standard 19” Rack-mount size

3 Unpacking and Installation
This chapter provides unpacking and installation information for the Switch.
3.1 Unpacking
Open the box and carefully unpacks its contents. The box should contain the following items:
•One freeConnect Smart 2420
•One AC power cord, suitable for your area’s electrical power connections
•Four rubber feet to be used for shock cushioning
•Screws and two mounting brackets
•CD-ROM with Web Management Utility and User’s Guide
If any item is found missing or damaged, please contact your local reseller for replacement.
3.2 Installation
The site where you install the hub stack may greatly affect its performance. When installing the unit,
consider the following pointers:
•Install the Switch in a fairly cool and dry place. See Technical Specifications for the acceptable
temperature and humidity operating ranges.
•Install the Switch in a site free from strong electromagnetic field generators (such as motors),
vibration, dust, and direct exposure to sunlight.
•Leave at least 4” (10cm) of space at the front and rear of the Switch for ventilation.
•Install the Switch on a sturdy, level surface that can support its weight, or in an EIA standard-size
equipment rack. For information on rack installation, see the next section, Rack Mounting.
•When installing the Switch on a level surface, attach the rubber feet to the bottom of each device.
The rubber feet cushion the Switch and protect the case and surface from scratching.
3.3 Rack Mounting
The Switch can be mounted in an EIA standard-size, 19-inch rack, which can be placed in a wiring
closet with other equipment. Attach the mounting brackets to the switch’s front panel (one on each
side), and secure them with the screws provided (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Attach the brackets to the Switch
Then, use the screws provided with the rack to mount each switch in the rack (Figure 2).

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Figure 2: Mount the Switch in the rack
3.4 Connecting Network Cable
The Switch supports 1000Mbs Gigabit Ethernet that runs in Auto-negotiation mode and 10Mbps
Ethernet or 100Mbps Fast Ethernet that runs both in half and full duplex mode and 1000Mbps Gigabit
Ethernet runs in full duplex mode using four pair of Category 5 Cable (Category 5e Cable or better is
required for Gigabit Ethernet).
These RJ-45 ports support Auto-MDIX meaning that the Switch can automatically switch between
MDI-II and MDI-X types, allowing you to use any cable without worrying about whether it is a straight-
through or crossover RJ-45 cable.
3.5 AC Power
The Switch uses an AC power supply operating at 100-240V AC, 50-60 Hz. The power switch is
located at the rear of the unit adjacent to the AC power connector and the system fan. The switch’s
power supply will adjust to the local power source automatically and the unit can be turned on any
number of Ethernet cable connected to it.

4 Identifying External Components
This chapter describes the front panel, rear panel, and LED indicators of the Switch.
4.1 Front Panel
The figure below (Figure 3) shows the front panels of the Switch.
Figure 3: Front panel of the Switch
LED Indicator:
Comprehensive LED indicators display the status of the switch and the network (see the LED
Indicators section below).
Fast Ethernet Ports (Port 1~24):
These ports support network speeds of 10Mbps and 100Mbps, and can operate in half- and full-duplex
transfer modes. These ports also support automatic MDI/MDIX crossover functionality providing true
“plug and play” capability. You only have to a device to the switch using a straight-through cable,
regardless of whether the device is a computer, switch and hub.
Gigabit Ethernet Ports (Port 25~26):
The Switch is equipped with two Gigabit twisted pair ports, supported auto negotiable
10/100/1000Mbps and auto MDI/MDIX crossover detection function. These two ports can operate in
half-duplex mode for 10/100Mbps and full-duplex mode for 10/100/1000Mbps.
Mini-GBIC Ports (Port 25~26):
The Switch is equipped with two mini-GBIC ports, supporting standard fiber mini-GBIC modules.
These ports use the same ports as the gigabit Ethernet ports. When a mini-GBIC module is plugged
into the switch, the corresponding gigabit Ethernet port will be disabled.
4.2 Rear Panel
Figure 4: Rear panel of the Switch
AC Power Connector:
This is a three-pronged connector that supports the power cord. Plug in the female connector of the
provided power cord into this connector, and the male into a power outlet. Supported input voltage
range is 100-240V AC at 50-60Hz.

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Reset:
The Reset button is used to reset all of the settings back to the factory default.
Note: Be sure that you record the settings of your Switch before performing a reset, as
all settings will be erased after pressing the “Reset” button.

5 Understanding LED Indicators
The front panel LEDs provides instant status feedback and helps monitor and troubleshoot when
needed (Figure 5).
Figure 5: LED indicators of the Switch
5.1 Power and System LEDs
Power: Power Indicator
On: The Switch is receiving power.
Off: The Switch is not receiving power or the power cord has an improper connection.
System: CPU Indicator
Flashing: The CPU is working.
On: The CPU is idling.
Off: The unit is off.
5.2 Ports 1~24 Status LEDs
Link/ACT: Link/Activity
On: The port is successfully connected to an Ethernet network.
Flashing: The port is transmitting or receiving data.
Off: The port is disconnected.
100Mbps
On: The port is connected to a 100Mbps Ethernet connection.
Off: The port is connected to a 10Mbps Ethernet connection or is disconnected.
5.3 Ports 25~26 Status LEDs
Link/ACT: Link/Activity
On: The port is successfully connected to an Ethernet network.
Flashing: The port is transmitting or receiving data.
Off: The port is disconnected.

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1000Mbp
On: The port is connected to a gigabit Ethernet connection.
Off: The port is connected to a 10Mbps or 100Mbps Ethernet connection or is disconnected.
100Mbps
On: The port is connected to a 100Mbps Ethernet connection.
Off: The port is connected to a 10Mbps or 1000Mbps Ethernet connection or is disconnected.

6 Configuration
You can configure features such as VLANs, trunking, and QoS using the Switch’s web interface.
With the provided Web Management Utility, you can easily discover all the Web Smart Switches on
your network, assign IP addresses to them, change the admin password, and upgrade the firmware.
6.1 Installing the Web Management Utility
The following gives instructions guiding you through the installation of the Web Management utility.
1. Insert the Utility CD in the CD-ROM Drive.
1. From the Start Menu on the Windows desktop, choose “Run…”
2. In the “Run…” dialog box, type D:\setup.exe (Where “D:\” is the drive letter of your CD-ROM drive)
and click “OK”.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the utility.
4. Upon completion, go to Program Files ÆWeb Management_Utility and run the Web Management
Utility. (Figure 6).
Figure 6: Web Management Utility
The Web Management Utility is divided into four parts: Discovery List, Monitor List, Device Setting
and Toolbar. The sections below provide details for each section.
6.2 Discovery List
This window displays the list of recognized Web Smart switches that are connected to the network.
Click the “Discovery” button to begin searching for Switches on the network. This process may take
some time, depending on your network configuration.
Once the Switches have been discovered, double-click on an entry, or select a switch and click the
“Add to monitor list” button to move a Switch from the Discovery List to the Monitor List.
Column Heading Definitions:
•MAC Address: The Switch’s MAC Address.
•IP Address: The current IP address of the device.

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•Protocol version: The version of the Utility protocol.
•Product Name: The Switch’s product name.
•System Name: The appointed device system name.
•Location: Where the device is located.
•Trap IP: The IP where Traps are to be sent.
•Subnet Mask: The Subnet Mask of the device.
•Gateway: The Gateway of the device.
6.3 Monitor List
To monitor a Switch, it needs to be added to the Monitor List. You will be able to manage and view
trap events for the Switches in this list.
System word definitions in the Monitor List:
•S: The status of the Switch; an icon ( ) before the switch name indicates that the switch is off or
not accessible.
•IP Address: The current IP address of the device.
•MAC Address: The Switch’s MAC Address.
•Protocol version: The version of the Utility protocol.
•Product Name: The Switch’s product name.
•System Name: The appointed device system name.
•Location: Where the device is located.
•Trap IP: The IP where Traps are to be sent.
•Subnet Mask: The Subnet Mask of the device.
•Gateway: The Gateway of the device.
View Trap: The View Trap function allows you to view events that occur on the Switch.
The icon beside the “View Trap” button indicates if there is a new trap that has not been viewed yet.
When the icon is green, there are no new traps available. When the icon is red, there are new traps
waiting to be viewed (Figure 7).
Figure 7: Trap Indicator
When the “View Trap” button is clicked, a Trap Information window will appear showing the trap
information including the Time, Device IP and the Event that occurred (Figure 8).
The symbol “ ” represents traps that have not been viewed yet. This symbol will disappear after you
review and click on the event record.

Figure 8: Trap Information
Note: In order to receive Trap information, the Switch has to be configured with the
proper Trap IP and Trap Events in the Web browser, which are available in the Trap
Setting Menu. Refer to the appropriate section for details.
Add Item: Allows you to add a Switch to the Monitor List manually by entering the IP Address of the
device that you want to monitor.
Delete Item: Allows you to delete the Switch from the Monitor List.
6.4 Device Setting
You can configure the Switch by using the buttons in the Device Setting section at the bottom of the
window.
Configuration Setting: From this window, you can set the IP Address, Subnet Mask, Gateway, Set
Trap to (Trap IP Address), System Name and Location of the Switch.
Select the device in the Discovery list or Monitor List and click “Configuration Setting”. The
Configuration Setting window will open (Figure 9). After making the desired changes, you enter the
password for the Switch and click “Set” to save the changes to the Switch.
Figure 9: Configuration Setting Window
Password Change: This option allows you to change the password for the Switch. After clicking the
button to open the Change Password Window (Figure 10), enter the new password in both the “New
password” field and “Confirm password” field. You also have to enter the current password for the
Switch in the “Original password” field. Click “Set” to save the changes.

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Figure 10: Password Change
Firmware Upgrade: If a new firmware becomes available, use this option to perform a firmware
upgrade on the device (Figure 11). You will need to enter the location of the file on the local computer,
as well as the password for the Switch in order to perform an upgrade.
Warning: Do not turn off the Switch or the computer while a firmware upgrade is in
process, it may result in corruption of the firmware on the Switch.
Figure 11: Firmware Upgrade
Web Access: Double click on a Switch in the Monitor List, or select a device in the Monitor List and
click the “Web Access” button to open its web interface in a web browser window.
6.5 Toolbar
The toolbar in the Web Management Utility has four main tabs: File, View, Options and Help.
In the “File” tab, there are Monitor Save, Monitor Save As, Monitor Load and Exit.
•Monitor Save: Saves the current Monitor List as the default. The next time the Web Management
Utility is run, the default list will be loaded automatically.
•Monitor Save As: Saves the current Monitor List as a file on the local computer at the specified
filename and file path. This file can be loaded in the future to retrieve the list.
•Monitor Load: Load a previously saved Monitor List (using the “Monitor Save As” option).
•Exit: Exit the Web Management Utility.
The “View” tab allows you to view and clear the event trap logs for the Switch.
•View Log: To show the event of the Web Management Utility and the device.
•Clear Log: Clears the event trap log.
In the “Option” tab, the Refresh Time function allows you to set how often the utility will update the
information displayed. Available options are: 15 secs, 30 secs, 1 min, 2 min, 5 min.
In the “Help” tab, the About option displays the current version of the Web Management Utility.

6.6 Configuring the Switch
The freeConnect Smart 2420 has a web interface to allow for easy configuration of the Switch. A
network administrator can manage and monitor the switch from anywhere on the LAN. This section
describes how to configure the Switch’s advanced functions, including:
•Port setting (Speed/Disable, Duplex mode, Flow Control and Port base QoS)
•Virtual LAN Group setting (VLAN)
•Trunking
•Port Mirroring
•System Setting
•Device status
6.7 Login
Before you access the web interface, note that you must be connected to the Switch via a network
connection, and your computer must be on the same IP subnet as the switch. For example, since the
default network address of the default IP address of the Web Smart Switch is 192.168.0.1, then the
manager PC should be set at 192.168.0.x (where x is a number between 2 and 254), with a subnet
mask of 255.255.255.0.
1. Open your web browser (Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher is recommended).
2. Enter the IP address of the Switch in the “Address” field. The default is http://192.168.0.1.
When the “Login” page appears (Figure 12), enter the password (the default is "admin") and
click “Login” to log into the Switch.
Figure 12: Login Screen
Once logged in, the main menu will be displayed along with a screen showing the status of the device
(Figure 13).

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Figure 13: Device Status

6.8 Main Menu
The main menu on the left side of the screen (Figure 14) has the following options: Port Settings,
VLAN Settings, Trunk Setting, Mirror Setting, Device Status, Statistic, System Settings, Trap Setting,
Password Setting, Backup Setting, Reset Setting. Click on the item that you want to configure to open
the respective window. The sections below provide details for each option.
Figure 14: Main menu
6.9 Configuring Setup Setting
There are four items in the Main Menu: Port Settings, VLAN Settings, Trunk Settings, Mirror
Settings.
6.9.1 Port Settings
The Port Setting page (Figure 15) displays the status of the ports. Click on a port number to change
the settings (Speed, Flow Control, Rate Control Ingress and Egress) for that port. When you need to
refresh the information on the page, press the “Refresh” button.
The Link Status column shows the speed and duplex of the port, or “Down” if the port is
disconnected.

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Figure 15: Port Setting Page
After clicking on a port number, the screen below (Figure 16) will open, allowing you to set the
Speed/Disable, Flow Control and QoS settings of the port.
Figure 16: Port Configuration
Speed/Disable:
This setting has six modes: 100M Full, 100M Half, 10M Full, 10M Half, Auto, Disable. The first four
allow you to manually set the speed and duplex, Auto sets the port to detect the connection type
automatically, and Disable shuts down the port.
Flow Control:
This setting determines whether or not the Switch will handle flow control. Select Enable to avoid data
transfer overflows. Select Disable to turn off flow control.
When the port is set to full duplex mode, the flow control will automatically be set to Disable. If the
port is set to half duplex mode, the flow control will automatically be set to Enable.