C H A P T E R 1

Sun GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter

Overview

This chapter provides a description of the Sun GigaSwift Ethernet UTP and MMF adapter hardware and software. This chapter includes the following sections:

■“Hardware Overview” on page 1

■“Hardware and Software Requirements” on page 4

■“Patch Requirements” on page 4

■“Product Features” on page 5

Hardware Overview

The adapter relieves congestion experienced at the backbone and server levels by today’s networks, while providing a future upgrade path for high-end workstations that require more bandwidth than Fast Ethernet can provide.

Sun GigaSwift Ethernet MMF Adapter

The Sun GigaSwift Ethernet MMF adapter is a low-profile, single-port gigabit Ethernet fiber optics PCI bus card. It operates in 1000 Mbps Ethernet networks only.

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Sun Microsystems GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter manual Hardware Overview, Sun GigaSwift Ethernet MMF Adapter
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GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter specifications

The Sun Microsystems GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter is a high-performance network interface card that was designed to provide advanced connectivity solutions for enterprise environments. Launched in the early 2000s, this adapter caters to the increasing demands for speed and efficiency in networking, especially amidst the rise of data-intensive applications.

One of the standout features of the GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter is its capability to support gigabit Ethernet technology, delivering data transfer rates of up to 1 Gbps. This allows organizations to boost their network throughput significantly, ensuring that bandwidth-intensive applications, such as video conferencing, online collaboration, and large file transfers, can be handled without significant lag or disruption.

The adapter utilizes a PCI-X interface, which enhances its performance compared to traditional PCI interfaces. This allows for higher bandwidth operations, making the GigaSwift suitable for servers and workstations that require robust connectivity. It is backward compatible with earlier Ethernet standards, which means it can seamlessly communicate with existing network infrastructures, preserving investments in legacy technologies.

Another critical characteristic of the GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter is its support for various networking protocols. It is designed to operate in diverse networking environments, supporting both full-duplex and half-duplex modes, which maximizes its efficiency in data transmission. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for heterogeneous networks where different devices and standards coexist.

Furthermore, the adapter features advanced error detection and correction technologies, ensuring reliable transmission of data over the network. With features such as flow control and jumbo frame support, it enhances the efficiency and performance of large-scale data transfers.

The GigaSwift also comes equipped with diagnostic and management utilities, allowing network administrators to monitor the network performance effectively. This is crucial for identifying bottlenecks and optimizing network configurations to ensure peak operational efficiency.

Overall, the Sun Microsystems GigaSwift Ethernet Adapter is an essential tool for businesses looking to upgrade their networking infrastructure. Its combination of speed, versatility, and reliability allows enterprises to adopt next-generation networking solutions while maintaining compatibility with existing systems, ultimately contributing to a more robust and efficient IT environment.
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