10/100 Fast Ethernet Switch User’s Guide

Switching Technology

Another approach to pushing beyond the limits of Ethernet technology is the development of switching technology. A switch bridge's Ethernet packets at the MAC address level of the Ethernet protocol transmitting among connected Ethernet or Fast Ethernet LAN segments.

Switching is a cost-effective way of increasing the total network capacity available to users on a local area network. A switch increases capacity and decreases network loading by making it possible for a local area network to be divided into different segments which don’t compete with each other for network transmission capacity, giving a decreased load on each.

The switch acts as a high-speed selective bridge between the individual segments. The switch, without interfering with any other segments automatically forwards traffic that needs to go from one segment to another. This allows the total network capacity to be multiplied, while still maintaining the same network cabling and adapter cards.

For Fast Ethernet networks, a switch is an effective way of eliminating problems of chaining hubs beyond the two-repeater limit.” A switch can be used to split parts of the network into different collision domains, making it possible to expand your Fast Ethernet network beyond the 205-meter network diameter limit for 100BASE-TX networks. Switches supporting both traditional 10Mbps Ethernet and 100Mbps Fast Ethernet are also ideal for bridging between existing 10Mbps networks and new 100Mbps networks.

Switching LAN technology is a marked improvement over the previous generation of network bridges, which were characterized by higher latencies. Routers have also been used to segment local area networks, but the cost of a router and the setup and maintenance required make routers relatively impractical. Today switches are an ideal solution to most kinds of local area network congestion problems.

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Introduction

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D-Link DES-1012 manual Switching Technology
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DES-1012 specifications

The D-Link DES-1012 is a robust solution that delivers reliable and efficient networking capabilities, making it ideal for small to mid-sized business environments. This 10/100 Mbps Ethernet switch is designed to provide high-performance data transfer, ensuring smooth communication within networks.

One of the primary features of the D-Link DES-1012 is its 12 10/100 Mbps Auto-Negotiation ports. These ports automatically detect the network speed of connected devices, allowing for easy and efficient integration into existing network infrastructures. The switch's plug-and-play design eliminates the need for extensive configuration or setup, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise.

The DES-1012 supports various network technologies, enhancing its versatility in different environments. It uses (Store-and-Forward) switching, which ensures the integrity of data being transmitted by checking for errors before forwarding packets. This feature is essential in minimizing data loss and ensuring reliable communication between devices. Additionally, the switch offers full-duplex communication, allowing data to be sent and received simultaneously, effectively doubling the bandwidth and improving overall network performance.

Energy efficiency is another key characteristic of the D-Link DES-1012. The switch is designed to reduce power consumption without compromising performance, making it an environmentally friendly choice for businesses looking to lower their energy costs. It achieves this through features like IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet, which intelligently manages power usage based on the amount of network traffic.

Furthermore, the D-Link DES-1012 incorporates QoS (Quality of Service) functionality, prioritizing critical applications and ensuring that bandwidth for voice, video, and data traffic is managed effectively. This feature is particularly beneficial in scenarios where real-time communication is vital, such as VoIP calls and video conferencing.

In conclusion, the D-Link DES-1012 is a well-rounded Ethernet switch that combines efficiency, performance, and ease of use. Its 12 ports, support for essential networking technologies, commitment to energy efficiency, and QoS functionality ensure that it meets the demands of modern business networks. Whether for expanding existing networking capabilities or establishing new ones, the DES-1012 proves to be a reliable choice.
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