AOpen AOW-216, User Manual

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I
NTRODUCTION
This chapter describes the features of the AOpen Rack-
Mountable switch and some background information about
switching technology.
Fast Ethernet Technology
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. 100Mbps Fast Ethernet is a new
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 the 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.
Switching Technology
Switching is a cost-effective way of increasing the total network
capacity available to users on a local area network. A switch
increases capacity and decreases network loading by dividing a
local area network into different segments, which don’ t compete
with each other for network transmission capacity.
The switch acts as a high-speed selective bridge between the
individual segments. Without interfering with any other