How to Access a Linksys Switch

The Linksys Gigabit 5-Port Workgroup Switch is used to enable network connections between computers. The switch provides Ethernet connectivity between devices connected to it with Ethernet cables. The switch may also provide Internet access to attached devices if the switch is connected to an external router. You can access a Linksys switch and the devices attached to it using an Ethernet cable.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ethernet cable

1. Plug one end of an Ethernet cable into the Ethernet port on your computer and the other end into any unused port in the orange panel on the back of the switch. The ports are numbered.

2. Check the LEDs on the front of the switch. The light whose number corresponds to the port you chose on the back of the switch should be lit. If not, unplug and replug both ends of the Internet cable to ensure a firm connection.

3. Confirm that the computer you have connected the switch can access other computers on the network. Networked computers will be visible in different locations depending on your computer's operating system. For example, networked computers appear in the Network Neighborhood list in Windows XP.

4. Confirm that the computer you connected has access to the Internet if other computers connected to the switch have Internet access. Open a web browser and browse to any Internet site. If the switch is not connected to a router or similar Internet connectivity device Internet access will not be available.

References

• Linksys Gigabit 5-Port Workgroup Switch user guide in PDF format

Resources

• Linksys Gigabit 5-Port Workgroup Switch homepage