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B. PRODUCT INTRODUCTION This chapter describes the features of the Switch and some background
information about Ethernet/Fast Ethernet switching technology.
Fast Ethernet Technology
The growing importance of LANs and the increasing complexity of
desktop computing applications are fueling the need for high
performance networks. A number of high-speed LAN technologies have
been proposed to provide greater bandwidth and improve client/server
response times. Among them, 100BASE-T (Fast Ethernet) provides a
non-disruptive, smooth evolution from the current 10BASE-T technology.
The non-disruptive and smooth evolution nature, and the dominating
potential market base, virtually guarantee cost effective and high
performance Fast Ethernet solutions in the years to come.
100Mbps Fast Ethernet is a new standard specified by the IEEE 802.3
LAN committee. It is an extension of the 10Mbps Ethernet standard
with the ability to transmit and receive data at 100Mbps, while
maintaining the CSMA/CD Ethernet protocol. Since the 100Mbps Fast
Ethernet is compatible with all other 10Mbps Ethernet environments, it
provides a straightforward upgrade and takes advantage of the existing
investment in hardware, software, and personnel training.
Switching Technology
Another approach to pushing beyond the limits of Ethernet technology
is the development of switching technology. A switch bridge 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 dividing a local area network
into different segments, which don’t compete with each other for
network transmission capacity.
The switch acts as a high-speed selective bridge between the individual