I
NTRODUCTION
This chapter describes the features of this AOpen SOHO
Switch and some background information about
Ethernet/Fast Ethernet 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.