D-Link DES-1316 [7/53] Introduction

INTRODUCTION

This chapter describes the features of the Web Smart 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 guarantees

cost-effective and high performance Fast Ethernet solutions.

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 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 bridges

Ethernet packets at the MAC address level of the Ethernet protocol