4
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.
