Alloy NS-16T01FS, User Manual

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I
NTRODUCTION
This chapter describes the features of the 16-Port 10/100Mbps
Fast Ethernet Smart Switch and some background information
about Ethernet/Fast Ethernet and Switching technology.
Fast Ethernet Technology
The growing importance of LANs and the increasing complexity
of desktop computing applications are fueling the need for high
performance networks. A number of high-speed LAN
technologies have been proposed to provide greater bandwidth
and improve client/server response times. Among them,
100BASE-T (Fast Ethernet) provides a non-disruptive, smooth
evolution from the current 10BASE-T technology. The non-
disruptive and smooth evolutionary nature, and the dominant
potential market base, virtually guarantee cost-effective and high
performance Fast Ethernet solutions.
100Mbps Fast Ethernet is a standard specified by the IEEE 802.3
LAN committee. It is an extension of the 10Mbps Ethernet
standard with the ability to transmit and receive data at 100Mbps,
while maintaining the CSMA/CD Ethernet protocol. Since
100Mbps Fast Ethernet is compatible with all other 10Mbps
Ethernet environments, it provides a straightforward upgrade and
takes advantage of the existing investment in hardware, software,
and personnel training.