| Ethernet | Fast Ethernet |
|
|
|
Speed | 10Mbps | 100Mbps |
Cost | x | 2x or less |
IEEE 802.3 Standard | CSMA/CD | CSMA/CD |
Topology | Star or Bus | Star |
Cable Supported | UTP, Coax, Fiber | UTP, Fiber |
Cable Specification | ||
| ||
| ||
Maximum distance of | 100 meters | 100 meters |
UTP link |
|
|
Collision domain | 500 meters | 210 meters |
diameter (maximum |
|
|
distance w/UTP) |
|
|
Maximum network | Unlimited | Unlimited |
diameter (using |
|
|
switches/routers) |
|
|
Media Independent | Yes (AUI) | Yes (MII) |
Interface |
|
|
Full duplex Signaling | Yes | Yes |
|
|
|
Table Chapter 1 -1, Ethernet vs. Fast Ethernet
Switching Technology
Another approach to pushing beyond the limits of Ethernet is the development of Switching technology. A switch works in the MAC address level, bridging multiple Ethernet segments to prevent unnecessary network traffic from passing one another. In a properly subdivided switched LAN, the net result is a full and transparent bandwidth for each segment.
Switched Ethernet vs. Legacy Ethernet is analogous to using private telephone lines vs. party lines. By connecting to a switched port, each Ethernet segment has dynamic full
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