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Chapter 1 Introduction
This chapter describes the features of the Switch and some
background information about Ethernet/Fast Ethernet switching
technology.
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.
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
