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LAN EMULATION OVERVIEW

This chapter describes the LAN emulation technology that provides an interface between Ethernet and FDDI packet-based networks and ATM cell-based networks.

This chapter contains the following sections:

General Definition of LAN Emulation

LAN Emulation Components

LAN Emulation Data Exchange

LAN Emulation Connections

LAN Emulation Operation

This chapter provides a general overview of fundamental LAN emulation concepts and terminology. For more detailed information on LAN emulation, refer to ATM Forum specifications LANE 1.0.

General Definition LAN Emulation (LANE) provides an interface between traditional LANs

of LAN Emulation and ATM networks. LAN emulation is defined by ATM specifications LANE 1.0.

An ATM emulated LAN conforms to IEEE 802.3 for Ethernet LANs.

The use of LAN emulation bridge allows you to use a high-speed ATM backbone to connect existing (legacy) Ethernet LANs. Figure 2-1 illustrates the basic function of LAN emulation.

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3Com 5000 ATM manual LAN Emulation Overview