LevelOne LevelOne 8+8 POE 10/100 Mbps Web Smart Switch Network Hardware User Manual


 
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INTRODUCTION
This chapter describes the features of the FSW-1670TX
8+8POE 10/100Mbps 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.