MERCUSYS Unmanaged Rackmountable Switches Installation Guide

About this Installation Guide

This Installation Guide describes the hardware characteristics, installation methods, and points to consider during installation. It is structured as follows:

Audience

This Installation Guide is intended for:

Conventions

IconMeaning
⚠️Remind to be careful. A caution indicates a potential that may result in device damage.
ℹ️Remind to take notice. The note contains helpful information for better product use.

Related Document

This Installation Guide is also available in PDF on the MERCUSYS website. For the latest documentation and product information, visit the official website: https://www.mercusys.com.

Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 Product Overview

The Unmanaged Switch offers a low-cost, easy-to-use, high-performance, seamless, and standard upgrade for networks to 100 Mbps or 1000 Mbps. Models MS118CP/MS120GP/MS126CP/MS128GP also function as Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE). Some RJ45 ports support Power over Ethernet (PoE) to automatically detect and supply power to compliant Powered Devices (PDs) according to IEEE 802.3af and IEEE 802.3at standards.

Note:

  • PSE is a device (like a switch or hub) that provides power in a PoE setup.
  • PoE is a technology transmitting electrical power and data over twisted-pair cable in an Ethernet network.
  • PD is a device powered by a PSE, consuming energy (e.g., IP telephones, wireless LAN access points, network cameras, network hubs, embedded computers).

1.2 Appearance

Front Panel

The front panels of the switches are shown in the following figures:

  • Figure 1-1: Front Panel of MS116GS - Shows the MERCUSYS MS116GS 16-Port Gigabit Switch with LEDs and a DIP Switch.
  • Figure 1-2: Front Panel of MS124GS - Shows the MERCUSYS MS124GS with 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Ports and a DIP Switch.
  • Figure 1-3: Front Panel of MS118CP - Shows the MERCUSYS MS118CP, a 16-Port 10/100Mbps + 2-Port Gigabit Rackmount Switch with 16-Port PoE+. Features include LEDs, DIP Switch, 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Ports, PoE Status, PoE Max indicators, and 10/100Mbps RJ45 Ports. It also indicates ports for DIP Switch functions like Isolation, Loop Prevention, Extend, Priority, and Recovery.
  • Figure 1-4: Front Panel of MS120GP - Shows the MERCUSYS MS120GP, a 20-Port Gigabit Rackmount Switch with 16-Port PoE+. Features include LEDs, DIP Switch, 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Ports, PoE Status, PoE Max indicators, and 1000 Mbps ports.
  • Figure 1-5: Front Panel of MS126CP - Shows the MERCUSYS MS126CP, a 24-Port 10/100Mbps + 2-Port Gigabit Rackmount Switch with 24-Port PoE+. Features include LEDs, DIP Switch, 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Ports, PoE Status, PoE Max indicators, and 10/100 Mbps ports.
  • Figure 1-6: Front Panel of MS128GP - Shows the MERCUSYS MS128GP, a 28-Port Gigabit Rackmount Switch with 24-Port PoE+. Features include LEDs, DIP Switch, 10/100Mbps RJ45 Ports, 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Ports, and SFP Ports.

DIP Switch Explanation

SwitchIndication
IsolationOff: Ports can transmit data with each other.
On: The isolated ports cannot transmit data with other downlink ports. They can transmit data only with the uplink ports.
Loop Prevention
(For MS116GS/MS124GS)
Off: (default) The switch will not monitor or address loop-related issues.
On: The switch will monitor and address loop-related issues within the network structure to prevent disruptions caused by redundant pathing.
Extend
(For MS118CP/MS120GP/
MS126CP/MS128GP)
Off: For MS118CP and MS126CP, ports run at 10/100 Mbps; for MS120GP and MS128GP, ports run at 10/100/1000 Mbps. They support PoE power supply up to 100 m away.
On: Ports run at 10 Mbps and support PoE power supply up to 250 m away.
Priority
(Only for MS118CP)
Off: All ports transmit data with the same priority.
On: Specific ports transmit data with higher priority than other ports.
Recovery
(For MS118CP/MS120GP/
MS126CP/MS128GP)
Off: PoE Auto Recovery function is disabled.
On: The switch constantly detects the working status of a PoE powered device (PD). If the switch finds the PD works abnormally, it will reboot it.

Note:

  • Numbers indicate ports where features take effect (e.g., Extend 1-8 enables Extend mode for ports 1-8).
  • By default, ports 1-4 of MS120GP, 1-8 of MS126CP, and 1-4 of MS128GP have higher priority during network congestion. It is recommended to connect key network devices (cameras, APs, etc.) to these ports.

LED Indication

LEDIndication
Power or PWROn: The switch is powered on.
Off: The switch is powered off or power supply is abnormal.
Flashing: Power supply is abnormal/Loop Prevention function is enabled (Only for MS116GS/MS124GS).
1000Mbps
(Only for MS116GS)
On: Running at 1000 Mbps.
Off: Running at 10/100 Mbps or no device is linked to the port.
Link/Act
(General)
On: A device is linked to the port and running properly.
Flashing: Transmitting or receiving data.
Off: No device is linked to the port.
Link/Act
(Port 17-18/17F-18F of MS118CP & Port 25-26/25F-26F of MS126CP)
Green On: Running at 1000 Mbps but no activity.
Green Flashing: Running at 1000 Mbps and transmitting/receiving data.
Yellow On: Running at 100/10 Mbps but no activity.
Yellow Flashing: Running at 100/10 Mbps and transmitting/receiving data.
Off: No device is linked to the port.
PoE Status
(For MS118CP/MS120GP/MS126CP/MS128GP)
On: The port is connecting and supplying power to a PD.
Flashing: PoE power circuit may be shorted, power current overloaded, non-standard PD connected, or port power limit exceeded.
Off: No PD connected or no power supplied according to port limits.
PoE Max
(For MS118CP/MS120GP/MS126CP/MS128GP)
On: Remaining PoE power is ≤ 7 W.
Flashing: Remaining PoE power remains ≤ 7 W after LED is on for 2 minutes.
Off: Remaining PoE power is > 7 W.

Note: SFP ports support only 1000 Mbps SFP module connections and show Green On/Green Flashing/Off LED indications.

Port Descriptions

10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Port: Designed for devices with 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps, or 1000 Mbps bandwidth. PoE ports (1–16 of MS120GP/1–24 of MS128GP) can provide power for PDs.

10/100Mbps RJ45 Port: Designed for devices with 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps bandwidth. PoE ports (1–16 of MS118CP/1–24 of MS126CP) can provide power for PDs.

SFP Port: Designed for SFP module installation. MS118CP/MS120GP/MS126CP/MS128GP models have 2 SFP ports supporting 1000 Mbps SFP module connections. On MS118CP and MS126CP, an SFP Port and its associated 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 Port form a "Combo" port, meaning they cannot be used simultaneously.

1.2 Appearance (Rear Panel)

The rear panel is shown in the following figure (example shown with MS126CP):

  • Figure 1-7: Rear Panel - Depicts the rear panel with a Kensington Security Slot, Grounding Terminal, and Power Socket.

Kensington Security Slot

Secure a lock (not provided) into the security slot to prevent device theft.

Note: MS116GS and MS124GS do not have a Kensington security slot.

Grounding Terminal

The switch includes a lightning protection mechanism. Grounding can also be achieved through the PE (Protecting Earth) cable of the AC cord or a Ground Cable.

Power Socket

Plug the female connector of the power cord into the power socket and the male connector into an AC outlet. Ensure the power supply voltage meets the input voltage requirement (100–240 V~ 50/60 Hz).

Caution: You should use the provided power cord.

Chapter 2 Installation

2.1 Package Contents

Verify the package contains the following items. Contact your distributor if any item is damaged or missing. Figures are for demonstration; actual items may vary in appearance and quantity.

  • One Switch: The main network switch unit.
  • Power Cord: For connecting the switch to a power source.
  • Installation Guide: This document.
  • Mounting Brackets, Screws and Rubber Feet: Hardware for desktop or rack mounting.

2.2 Safety Precautions

To prevent device damage and bodily injury from improper use, observe the following rules:

  • Keep the power off during installation.
  • Wear an ESD-preventive wrist strap with good skin contact and proper grounding.
  • Use only the provided power cord.
  • Ensure the supply voltage matches the switch's rear panel specifications.
  • Install the switch in a well-ventilated environment with unobstructed ventilation holes.
  • Do not open or remove the switch cover.
  • Before cleaning, disconnect the power supply. Clean with a dry cloth; do not use liquid cleaners.
  • Place the device with its bottom surface downward.

Site Requirements

Temperature/Humidity

Maintain appropriate temperature and humidity levels in the equipment room. Extreme humidity can cause insulation issues, leakage, mechanical changes, and corrosion. High temperatures accelerate insulation aging, shortening the device's service life. Refer to Appendix B Specifications for optimal conditions.

Clearness

Dust accumulation can cause poor contact of metal points due to static electricity. While the device has static prevention measures, strong static electricity can damage internal circuits. To mitigate static effects:

  • Dust the device regularly and keep indoor air clean.
  • Ensure the device is well-grounded to transfer static electricity.
Electromagnetic Interference

Capacitance and inductance can be affected by external interferences. To reduce interference:

  • Use a power supply that effectively filters the power grid.
  • Keep the device away from high-frequency and strong-current devices (e.g., radio transmitters).
  • Use electromagnetic shielding if necessary.
Lightning Protection

Lightning can cause extremely high voltage currents that can damage electronic devices. Implement effective lightning protection measures:

  • Ensure the rack and device are well-earthed.
  • Ensure the power socket has good ground contact.
  • Use a reasonable cabling system to avoid induced lightning.
  • Use a signal SPD (Surge Protective Device) for outdoor wiring.

2.3 Installation Tools

  • Phillips screwdriver
  • ESD-preventive wrist strap
  • Cables

Note: These tools are not included and must be purchased separately.

2.4 Product Installation

Desktop Installation

To install the device on a desktop:

  1. Place the device on a flat, stable surface capable of supporting its weight.
  2. Remove the adhesive backing from the rubber feet.
  3. Attach the rubber feet to the bottom of the switch to prevent slipping. (Described visually in Figure 2-1: Desktop Installation, showing feet attached to the bottom of the device).

Rack Installation

To install the device in an EIA standard-sized, 19-inch rack:

  1. Check the grounding system's efficiency and the rack's stability.
  2. Secure the supplied rack-mounting brackets to each side of the device using screws, as illustrated in Figure 2-2: Bracket Installation (showing brackets attached to the switch).
  3. Use suitable screws (not provided) to secure the brackets to the rack, as shown in Figure 2-3: Rack Installation (showing the switch mounted in a rack).

Caution:

  • Leave 5 to 10 cm gaps around devices for air circulation.
  • Avoid placing heavy items on the device.
  • Mount devices from the bottom to the top of the rack, ensuring clearance between devices for heat dissipation.

Chapter 3 Connection

3.1 Ethernet Port

Connect an Ethernet port of the switch to a computer using an RJ45 cable, as shown in Figure 3-1: Connecting the RJ45 Port (illustrating an RJ45 port on the switch connected via an RJ45 cable to a computer's Ethernet port).

3.2 SFP Port

The following figure demonstrates connecting an SFP port to an SFP module.

Figure 3-2: Inserting the SFP Module shows an SFP module being inserted into an SFP slot on the switch.

Note: MS118CP/MS120GP/MS126CP/MS128GP models have 2 SFP ports supporting 1000 Mbps SFP module connections.

3.3 Verify Installation

After installation, verify the following:

  • Ensure 5 to 10 cm clearance around the device for adequate airflow.
  • Confirm the power supply voltage meets the device's input voltage requirements.
  • Verify the power socket, device, and rack are well-grounded.
  • Ensure the device is correctly connected to other network devices.

3.4 Power On

Plug the provided power cord into the switch's power socket and the other end into a power outlet, as shown in Figure 3-3: Connecting to Power Supply (illustrating the power cord connection sequence).

Note: The figure is illustrative; your region's plug and socket may differ.

3.5 Initialization

Upon powering on, the device performs a Power-On Self-Test (POST). During this test, LED indicators will behave as follows:

  1. The PWR/Power LED indicator will light up.
  2. All port LED indicators will flash momentarily and then turn off after initialization is complete.

Appendix A Troubleshooting

Q1. Why is the Power LED not lit?
The Power LED should be lit when the power system is normal. If it's off, check:
  1. Ensure the AC power cord/adapter is securely connected to the switch and power source.
  2. Verify the power supply voltage meets the switch's input voltage requirements.
  3. Confirm the power source is on.
Q2. Why is the Link/Act LED not lit when a device is connected?
Check the following:
  1. Ensure cable connectors are firmly plugged into the switch and the device.
  2. Verify the connected device is powered on and functioning correctly.
  3. The cable length must be less than 100 meters (328 feet). If Extend Mode is enabled, it should be less than 250 meters (820 feet).
Q3. Why are PoE ports not supplying power for PoE devices?
If the total power consumption of connected PoE devices exceeds the maximum, ports with smaller numbers have higher priority. The system may cut power to ports with larger numbers to ensure supply to higher-priority ports. For example, if MS118CP ports 1-5 and 7 consume 28W, and a 25W device is added to port 6, port 7's power might be cut to compensate for the overload.
Q4. What should I notice before using the PoE Auto Recovery feature?
  1. Before upgrading a connected PoE powered device (PD), disable PoE Auto Recovery to prevent PD damage.
  2. In scenarios where a PD sends no data packets for a long period (e.g., an IPC in sleep mode), disable PoE Auto Recovery to avoid repeated PD reboots.

Appendix B Specifications

ItemContent
StandardsIEEE 802.3i, IEEE 802.3u, IEEE 802.3ab, IEEE 802.3x
IEEE 802.1p (Only for MS116GS/MS124GS)
IEEE 802.3z, IEEE 802.3af, IEEE 802.3at (Except for MS116GS/MS124GS)
Transmission Medium10BASE-T: 2-pair UTP/STP of Cat. 3 or above (max 100 m)
100BASE-TX: 2-pair UTP/STP of Cat. 5 or above (max 100 m)
1000BASE-T: 4-pair UTP/STP of Cat. 5e or above (max 100 m)
1000BASE-LX (Only for MS120GP/MS126CP/MS128GP)
1000BASE-SX/LX10/BX10 (Only for MS118CP/MS120GP/MS126CP/MS128GP)
Frame Forward Rate10Base-T: 14881 pps/Port
100Base-X: 148810 pps/Port
1000Base-T: 1488095 pps/Port
1000BASE-X: 1488095 pps/Port (Only for MS118CP/MS120GP/MS126CP/MS128GP)
LEDsMS116GS: Power, Link/Act, 1000 Mbps
MS124GS: Power, Link/Act
MS118CP: PWR, Link/Act, PoE Status, PoE Max
MS120GP: PWR, Link/Act, PoE Status, PoE Max
MS126CP: PWR, Link/Act, PoE Status, PoE Max
MS128GP: PWR, Link/Act, PoE Status, PoE Max
Power Supply100-240VAC, 50/60Hz
CertificationCE, RoHS
Operating TemperatureMS116GS/MS124GS/MS118CP: -5 °C to 50 °C (23 °F to 122 °F)
MS120GP: -10 °C to 50 °C (14 °F to 122 °F)
MS126CP/MS128GP: -10 °C to 45 °C (14 °F to 113 °F)
Storage Temperature-40 °C to 70 °C (-40 °F to 158 °F)
Operating Humidity10% to 90% RH Non-condensing
Storage Humidity5% to 90% RH Non-condensing

Safety and Compliance

CE Mark Warning: This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, it may cause radio interference, requiring user measures.

EU Declaration of Conformity: Mercusys declares compliance with essential requirements of directives 2014/30/EU, 2014/35/EU, 2011/65/EU, and (EU)2015/863. Original declaration available at https://www.mercusys.com/en/ce/.

UK Declaration of Conformity: Mercusys declares compliance with essential requirements of Electromagnetic Compatibility Regulations 2016 and Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016. Original declaration available at https://www.mercusys.com/support/ukca/.

VCCI-A: Compliance with Japanese standards.

Safety Information:

Please read and follow this safety information. Improper use may lead to accidents or damage. Use the product with care at your own risk.

This equipment is not suitable for use in locations where children are likely to be present.

Recycling Information: This product bears the WEEE selective sorting symbol, indicating it must be handled according to European directive 2012/19/EU for recycling or dismantling to minimize environmental impact. Users can return the product to a recycling organization or retailer when purchasing new equipment.

Symbol Explanations:

Models: Unmanaged Rack Mountable Switches, Unmanaged Rack Mountable Switches, Rack Mountable Switches, Switches

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References

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