Each port automatically detects which speed is needed by the connected device and provides the adequate speed. As opposed to regular 10-Gigabit switches that will only provide 1-Gigabit connectivity to any device that require less than 10-Gigabit, the switch gives the exact speed required, with no downgrade. Also, the NETGEAR Multi-Gigabit switch ports can connect regular CAT5e Ethernet cables, without the need to upgrade to CAT6 wiring, therefore reducing wiring costs and hassle. Access, aggregation or collapsed core: you can now have your PCs, printers and routers/firewalls connected at 1G and aggregate Multi-Gigabit Ethernet devices on the same switch, all line-rate. 10G copper and fiber ports are ready for local servers and storage, or high-speed aggregation to your network core.