D-Link DFE-908 User Guide - Page 17

Dual-Speed Stackable Hubs User's Guide 100BASE-TX Technology Overview 100Mbps Fast Ethernet Introduction Computers today have become increasingly powerful, with the capability to accommodate very sophisticated uses such as multimedia applications, video-conferencing, and CAD/CAM. To utilize these technologically advanced applications more efficiently, there is also a growing demand for faster networks that can handle heavy network traffic. Recognizing this need for greater bandwidth and lower latency, a variety of technologies such as FDDI, ATM, and Fast Ethernet (100Mbps) have been adopted by many vendors. Fast Ethernet technology stands out as the most inexpensive and smoothest migration path for existing 10Mbps Ethernet users in part because it does not require a protocol translation when sharing data with 10Mbps Ethernet. Fast Ethernet is a relatively new 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 Fast Ethernet is compatible with all 10Mbps Ethernet environments, it provides a straightforward upgrade without wasting the company's existing investment in hardware, software, and trained personnel. Cables and Connectors Category 5 unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cables and shielded twisted-pair (STP) cables are both supported. Cat 5 UTP cable uses the same RJ-45 connector used with 10BASE-T, wired in the same configuration. Please note that the punch-down blocks in the wiring closet must also be Category 5 certified. Where these blocks do not meet the standard, an upgrade is necessary. Introduction 5