
Gigabit Ethernet Technology
Gigabit Ethernet/82543 PMC Installation and Use
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High Performance
In workgroup environments, Gigabit Ethernet can handle combined
demands of multiple LAN users and the peak traffic created by high-
performance PCs and sophisticated applications that require significant
bandwidth.
Standards-Based Technology
The standard for Gigabit Ethernet technology is set by the IEEE 802.3
Committee, the same committee that developed the original Ethernet
standard and the Fast Ethernet standard. This technology is a simple
extension of 10/100 Base-T Ethernet. Gigabit Ethernet uses the Carrier
Sense Multiple Access/Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) protocol, defined
in the Ethernet Media Access Control (MAC) layer.
The 1000 Base-T MAC is a scaled up version of the MAC used in 10 and
100 Mb/s Ethernet. In other words, 1000Base-T is conventional Ethernet,
only faster. It is reliable, robust, and economical. Additionally, the
technologies can be offered with shared or switched Ethernet connections.
Shared environments provide a total of 10, 100, or 1000 Mb/s to all
stations attached to a hub. They are ideal for a medium-size workgroup
with occasional peak bandwidth demands. Shared Ethernet delivers the
bandwidth economically.
Cost-Effective Migration
The seamless compatibility between 10/100/1000 Base-T and prior
Ethernet implementations allows easy migration to high-speed
connections because of:
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LAN cabling
10/100/1000 Base-Tx Ethernet can run on the most common
unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) Ethernet wiring: 1000 BaseTx (1000
Mb/s) on Category 5e cabling, 100 BaseTx (100 Mb/s) on Category 5
cabling, and 10 BaseTx (10 Mb/s) on Category 3, 4, or 5 cabling.
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Administrative expertise