TRENDnet TEG-S224TX, User Manual, Page: 9 / 23

3
I
NTRODUCTION
This chapter describes the features of the Switch. This section
also provides some background information about Gigabit
Ethernet and 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
pot ential market base, virtually guarantee cost-effective and high
performance Fast Ethernet solutions.
100Mbps Fast Ethernet is a 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.