D-Link DGS-3308FG Product Manual - Page 13

8-port Gigabit Ethernet Switch User's Guide installed. Many network segments display poor performance, but the Ethernet wire is only carrying a fraction of its total traffic capacity. The problem is not the network, but the ability of the connected devices to utilize the full capacity of the network. The DGS-3308 can eliminate network bottlenecks to high-traffic areas, and improve the utilization of the network's installed bandwidth. The Functions of a Layer 3 Switch Traditional routers, once the core components of large networks, became an obstacle to the migration toward nextgeneration networks. Attempts to make software-based routers forward packets more quickly were inadequate. A layer 3 switch does everything to a packet that a traditional router does: • Determines forwarding path based on Layer 3 information • Validates the integrity of the Layer 3 header via checksum • Verifies packet expiration and updates accordingly • Processes and responds to any optional information • Updates forwarding statistics in the Management Information Base • Applies security controls A Layer 3 switch can be placed anywhere within a network core or backbone, easily and cost-effectively replacing the traditional collapsed backbone router. The DGS-3308 Layer 3 switch communicates with a WAN router using a standard Gigabit Ethernet or GBIC-based port. Multiple DGS-3308 switches can be linked via the Gigabit Ethernet ports. Features The DGS-3308 was designed for easy installation and high performance in an environment where traffic on the network and the number of users increase continuously. Switch features include: Ports • Six 1000BASE-SX (SC-type fiber transceiver) for the DGS-3308FG or six 1000BASE-T (10/100/1000M Fast/Gigabit Ethernet) for the DGS-3308TG. • Two GBIC-based Gigabit Ethernet ports. • Fully compliant with IEEE 802.3z. • Fully compliant with IEEE 802.3 10BASE-T, IEEE 802.3u 100BASE-TX, and IEEE 802.3ab 1000BASE-T (DGS- 3308TG only). • Support Full Duplex operations. • Supports auto-negotiation for 10M/100M/1000M speed (DGS-3308TG only). • IEEE 802.3x compliant Flow Control support for full duplex. • Supports Head of Line Blocking. 3