Modular Ethernet Switch User’s Guide
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Introduction
cabling, outfitting your network with a powerful 1000Mbps-capable backbone/server connection creates a
flexible foundation for the next generation of network technology products.
Switching Technology
Another key development pushing the limits of Ethernet technology is in the field of switching technology. A
switch bridges Ethernet packets at the MAC address level of the Ethernet protocol transmitting among
connected Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet LAN segments.
Switching is a cost-effective way of increasing the total network capacity available to users on a local area
network. A switch increases capacity and decreases network loading by making it possible for a local area
network to be divided into different
segments
which don’t compete with each other for network transmission
capacity, giving a decreased load on each.
The switch acts as a high-speed selective bridge between the individual segments. Traffic that needs to go
from one segment to another (from one port to another) is automatically forwarded by the switch, without
interfering with any other segments (ports). This allows the total network capacity to be multiplied, while
still maintaining the same network cabling and adapter cards.
For Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet networks, a switch is an effective way of eliminating problems of
chaining hubs beyond the “two-repeater limit.” A switch can be used to split parts of the network into
different collision domains, for example, making it possible to expand your Fast Ethernet network beyond the
205 meter network diameter limit for 100BASE-TX networks. Switches supporting both traditional 10Mbps
Ethernet and 100Mbps Fast Ethernet are also ideal for bridging between existing 10Mbps networks and new
100Mbps networks.
Switching LAN technology is a marked improvement over the previous generation of network bridges, which
were characterized by higher latencies. Routers have also been used to segment local area networks, but the
cost of a router and the setup and maintenance required make routers relatively impractical. Today’s
switches are an ideal solution to most kinds of local area network congestion problems.
Features
The DES-6000 Modular switch is designed for easy installation and high performance in an environment
where traffic on the network and the number of users increases continuously.
Switch features include:
Chassis
The chassis is the main unit that modules and power supplies are installed into. A CPU module and a power
supply module come preinstalled in the chassis.
Chassis features include:
♦
Eight slots for installing networking modules (plus one slot reserved for the CPU)
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Two slots for installing redundant power supply modules
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21.3 Gigabit/sec. (Gbps) backplane switching fabric
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Hot-swappable design for power supply modules
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Networking modules warm-swappable (except CPU module)
