Linksys EZXS55W v2, EZXS88W v2, EZXS16W manual About Fast Ethernet, Tips on Switching Your Network

Instant EtherFast® Series

Tips on Switching Your Network

Here are some of the ways your new EtherFast 10/100 Workgroup Switch can help you optimize your network speed.

• Speed up Nodes From Your 10BaseT Network

In a 10BaseT network, connect your hubs, file servers, and key users, such as network administrators directly to your Switch to channel dedicated band- width in full-duplex mode (if operating in full-duplex) to each station. The Switch will have dedicated communication with all its connections simultane- ously, whereas a hub can only communicate in half duplex transfer mode and broadcasts information to all ports.

• Conserving Bandwidth with 10Mbps & 100Mbps Segments

10BaseT and 100BaseTX hardware are not readily compatible, but your 10/100 Switch can designate network segments of different speeds. This allows you to run one 10Mbps segment to serve users without a need for con- siderable speed, and a faster 100Mbps segment devoted to users who depend heavily on graphics, multimedia, database, or other speed-intensive applica- tions. With switched segmentation, your 100Mbps users will not be slowed down by the users on the 10Mbps segment.

• Run 10Mbps Peripherals in Your Fast Ethernet Network

Most of the network peripherals in place today run at 10Mbps, since 10BaseT has been the standard network speed to date. These peripherals, designed to operate at 10Mbps, cannot readily communicate with 100BaseTX equipment. A 10Mbps interface is also required for cable and DSL connections, which are quickly becoming very popular ways to access the Internet. Your 10/100 Switch provides your 10BaseT equipment and cable and DSL lines with a 10Mbps interface while still running your Fast Ethernet devices at 100Mbps.

• Strengthen Data Transfers Through Signal Regeneration

Your Switch functions as a repeater, which regenerates data signals as they pass through it. This feature acts as a safeguard to deter data loss and ensure that transmissions arrive at their destination intact. Switches positioned between hubs can preserve your data’s integrity and eliminate your need to buy and use repeaters in your Fast Ethernet network.

10/100 Workgroup Switches

About Fast Ethernet

History of Fast Ethernet

Standard Ethernet has been the most popular networking technology during this past decade, with a maximum data throughput of 10Mbps. But the Ethernet standard has fallen out of favor as today’s massive graphics, multi- media, and other data-intensive applications have magnified the problem of lagging network performance.

Fast Ethernet now dominates as the most viable and economical solution to resolve the problem of network speed over all other market alternatives. Capable of sending and receiving data at 100 Mbps, its bandwidth more than accommodates even the most intensive real-time applications.

Also known as 100BaseTX, Fast Ethernet supports high speed signaling and gives users an efficient and affordable solution for upgrading their present network to the upcoming standard speed of 100Mbps. 100BaseTX data pack- ets are transmitted over two pairs of UTP Category 5 cabling, just like the 10BaseT system. It uses identical data error control and management infor- mation as 10BaseT transmissions as well.

Because Fast Ethernet is based on similar technology to standard Ethernet, the issue of migrating from 10Mbps to the higher Fast Ethernet speed requires virtually no effort with the right piece of equipment. All it takes is your EtherFast 10/100 Workgroup Switch to coordinate your network hard- ware, and you’re ready to run a top-notch system.

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