ES-2108/ES-2108-G User’s Guide
Chapter 1 Getting to Know Your Switch 25
Cluster management (also known as iStacking) allows you to manage switches through
one switch, called the cluster manager. The switches must be directly connected and be in
the same VLAN group so as to be able to communicate with one another.
• Configuration and Firmware Maintenance
You can backup or restore the switch configuration or upgrade the firmware on the
switch.
1.3 Hardware Features
This section describes the ports on the switch.
Ethernet Ports
The ports allow the switch to connect to another Ethernet devices.
Gigabit Ethernet Port
Avaliable on the ES-2108-G, the port allows the switch to connect to another WAN switch.
Mini-GBIC Slot
Install SPF transceivers in this slot to connect to other Ethernet switches at longer distances
than the Ethernet port.
Console Port
Use the console port for local management of the switch.
1.4 Applications
This section shows a few examples of using the switch in various network environments.
1.4.1 Backbone Application
In this application, the switch is an ideal solution for small networks where rapid growth can
be expected in the near future.
The switch can be used standalone for a group of heavy traffic users. You can connect
computers directly to the switch’s port or connect other switches to the switch.
In this example, all computers can share high-speed applications on the server. To expand the
network, simply add more networking devices such as switches, routers, computers, print
servers etc.
