Alloy Computer Products NS-16T01FS Manuel D’Utilisation

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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 evolutionary nature, and the dominant 
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  
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.