3Com 3CSOHO100 manual Client/Server Networks, Ethernet and Fast Ethernet Networking Protocols

14CHAPTER 1: GETTING STARTED

Client/Server Networks

A client/server network is ideal for organizations that require fast network access for large applications such as multimedia, databases, and video.

In a client/server network, all shared applications and files are stored on one central computer known as the server. Network users (client PCs) can store their own files on their own PCs, and then use the server to access shared files and peripherals, such as printers, fax machines, and modems.

The client PCs on a client/server network require an operating system such as Windows 95, Windows 98, or Windows NT. The servers on a client/server network require a NOS such as Windows NT or NetWare.

Ethernet and Fast Ethernet Networking Protocols

Ethernet and Fast Ethernet are local area network (LAN) protocols, or specifications, that define the signaling of the network and specify how data is placed on and retrieved from the network.

Fast Ethernet is the same as Ethernet, except for the speed:

■Ethernet has a data transfer rate of 10 Mbps (megabits per second).

■Fast Ethernet has a data transfer rate of 100 Mbps.

The OfficeConnect NIC is compatible with both Ethernet and Fast Ethernet networks. It automatically connects to the network at 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps, depending on the speed of the connected network hub or switch.

For more information on Ethernet and Fast Ethernet, see Appendix A.

For more information on networking, see the

Network Assistant CD included in your package.