5
Ethernet Switching Technology
Ethernet Switching Technology dramatically boosted the total
bandwidth of a network, eliminated congestion problems inherent
with Carrier Sense multiple access with Collision Detection
(CSMA/CD) protocol, and greatly reduced unnecessary
transmissions.
This revolutionized networking. First, by allowing two-way,
simultaneous transmissions over the same port (Full-duplex), which
essentially doubled the bandwidth. Second, by reducing the collision
domain to a single switch-port, which eliminated the need for carrier
sensing. Third, by using the store-and-forward technology’s
approach of inspecting each packet to intercept corrupt or redundant
data, switching eliminated unnecessary transmission that slow the
network. By employing address-learning, which replaced the
inefficient receiving port.
Auto-negotiation regulates the speed and duplex of each port, based
on the capability of both devices. Flow-control allows transmission
from a 100Mbps node to a 10Mbps node without loss of data.
Auto-negotiation and flow-control may require disablement for some
networking operations involves legacy equipment. Disabling the
auto-negotiation is accomplished by fixing the speed or duplex of a
port.
Ethernet Switching Technology supplied higher performance at
costs lower than other solutions. Wider bandwidth, no congestion,
and the reduction in traffic is why switching is replacing expensive
routers and inefficient hubs as the ultimate networking solution.
Switching brought a whole new way of thinking to networking.
