LevelOne LevelOne 8+8 POE 10/100 Mbps Web Smart Switch Introduction, Fast Ethernet Technology

INTRODUCTION

This chapter describes the features of the FSW-1670TX8+8POE 10/100Mbps Web Smart 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 guarantees cost-effective and high performance Fast Ethernet solutions.

100Mbps Fast Ethernet is a standard specified by the IEEE

802.3LAN 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.

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