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1.
Product Overview
1.1
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 evolution nature, and the
dominating potential market base, virtually guarantee cost effective and high
performance Fast Ethernet solutions in the years to come.
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.
1.2
Switching Technology
Another approach to pushing beyond the limits of Ethernet technology is the
development of switching technology. A switch bridge Ethernet packets at the MAC
address level of the Ethernet protocol transmitting among connected Ethernet or
Fast Ethernet LAN segments.
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.
The switch, without interfering with any other segments, automatically forwards
traffic that needs to go from one segment to another. By doing this the total
network capacity is multiplied, while still maintaining the same network cabling and
adapter cards.
For Fast Ethernet networks, a switch is an effective way of eliminating problems of
chaining hubs beyond the “two-repeater limit.” A switch can be used to split parts
of the network into different collision domains, making it possible to expand your
Fast Ethernet network beyond the 205-meter network diameter limit for 100BASE-
TX networks. Switches supporting both traditional 10Mbps Ethernet and 100Mbps
