cisco catalyst 2960

[jason-castillo]

Would appreciate any help regarding these questions from a newbie.  The 2960 has 24 10/100 ports and 2 uplink ports 10/100/1000.

1)  I believe 10/100 Ethernet uses 4 wires and 1000 Ethernet uses 8 wires.  Will the uplink ports connect all 8 of its wires across the 10/100 ports?

2)  Can a 10/100 port connect to another switch using a crossover cable?  If so, what happens if a 10/100 port is connected to a 1000 port?  Would any damage to the switch occur?

Thanks.

[Leo Laohoo]

1)  I believe 10/100 Ethernet uses 4 wires and 1000 Ethernet uses 8 wires.  Will the uplink ports connect all 8 of its wires across the 10/100 ports?

Depends.  If both uplink ports are 1Gig and you have a Cat5 cable with 2 pairs terminated (4 links) then the speed will only negotiate to 100mbps.

2)  Can a 10/100 port connect to another switch using a crossover cable?  If so, what happens if a 10/100 port is connected to a 1000 port?  Would any damage to the switch occur?

As long as you leave speed and duplex setting to auto and MDI/MDI-X will kick in automatically.