Alloy NS-16T Manuel de l'utilisateur - Page 6

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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.

100Mbps Fast Ethernet is a 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 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 bridges 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 segments. The

switch, without interfering with any other segment, automatically forwards traffic that needs

to go from one segment to another. By doing this the total network capacity is 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

the existing 10Mbps networks and the new 100Mbps networks.

Switching LAN technology is a marked improvement over the previous generation of

network bridges, which were characterised by higher latencies. Routers have also been

used to segment local area networks, but the cost of a router, the setup and maintenance

required make routers relatively impractical. Today switches are an ideal solution to most

kinds of local area network congestion problems.