Introduction
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new devices to the network, change device addresses, and remove
devices from the network without having to reconfigure the
SmartSTACK 10 ELS10-26.
The Open System Interconnection (OSI) Reference Model,
developed by the International Standards Organization (ISO),
identifies the levels of functionality inherent in each of its seven
layers. The SmartSTACK 10 ELS10-26 operates at the Media Access
Control (MAC) sub-layer of the Data Link layer. Figure 1-2 shows
the OSI Reference Model.
Figure 1-2. OSI Reference Model
Because the SmartSTACK 10 ELS10-26 does not process any
Network Layer information, it provides a high level of
performance in terms of packet throughput. In addition, the
SmartSTACK 10 ELS10-26 does not need to learn network
topology, requiring less programming and configuration time.
Store and Forward Switching As an intelligent Ethernet switch, the SmartSTACK 10 ELS10-26
uses store and forward switching. Store and forward switching
allows the SmartSTACK 10 ELS10-26 to temporarily store packets
until network resources, typically an unused link, are available for
forwarding. This allows for complete error checking, and limits the
amount of time between when a device requests access to the
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Application
Session
Transport
Network
Data Link
Physical
ELS10-26 operates at Layer 2