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NTRODUCTION
This chapter describes the features of the 16-Port 10/100Mbps
Fast Ethernet Smart Switch and some background
information about Ethernet/Fast Ethernet and
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.
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