100Mbps Fast Ethernet Introduction
Computers today have become increasingly powerful, with the capability to accommodate very sophisticated uses such as multimedia applications, video- conferencing, and CAD/CAM. To utilize these technologically advanced applications more efficiently, there is also a growing demand for faster networks that can handle heavy network traffic.
Recognizing this need for greater bandwidth and lower latency, a variety of technologies such as FDDI, ATM, and 100Mbps Fast Ethernet have been adopted by many vendors. 100Mbps Fast Ethernet technology stands out as the most inexpensive and smoothest migration path for existing 10Mbps Ethernet users.
100Mbps Fast Ethernet is a relatively new standard specified by the IEEE
802.3networking standards 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 without wasting the company’s existing investment in hardware, software, and trained personnel.
100BASE-TX Technology Overview
This section briefly describes a few of the technical aspects of using a 100Mbps Ethernet network.
Cables and Connectors
Category 5 unshielded
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