D-Link DES-105 Manual - Page 4

INTRODUCTION Fast Ethernet Technology The growing importance of LANs and the increasing complexity of desktop computing applications are fueling the need for high performance networks. 100BASE-T (Fast Ethernet) provides a cost-effective and highperformance solution for small workgroups, SMBs (Small to Medium Businesses), and any network supporting bandwidth-intensive applications. Fast Ethernet technology operates at 10 times the speed of traditional Ethernet, offering maximum performance and enhanced capability for existing Ethernet-based networks. 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 Switching is a cost-effective way of increasing the total network capacity available to users on a LAN. If an Ethernet network begins to display symptoms of congestion, low throughput, slow response times, and high rates of collision, installing a switch to a network can preserve much or all of the existing network's cabling and workstation interface card infrastructure, while still greatly enhancing the throughput for users. A switch is a viable solution even if demanding applications, such as multimedia production and video conferencing, are on the horizon. The most promising techniques, as well as the best return on investment, could well consist of installing the right mixture of Ethernet switches. A switch increases capacity and decreases network loading by dividing a local area network into different LAN segments. Dividing a LAN into 2