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I
NTRODUCTION
This section describes the features of the Gigabit Ethernet
Switch, as well as providing some background information about
Gigabit Ethernet and switching technology.
Gigabit Ethernet Technology
Gigabit Ethernet is an extension of IEEE 802.3ab Ethernet
utilizing the same packet structure, format, and support for
CSMA/CD protocol, full duplex, flow control, and management
objects, but with a tenfold increase in theoretical throughput
over 100Mbps Fast Ethernet and a hundredfold increase over
10Mbps Ethernet. Since it is compatible with all 10Mbps and
100Mbps Ethernet environments, Gigabit Ethernet provides a
straightforward upgrade without wasting a company's existing
investment in hardware, software, and trained personnel.
The increased speed and extra bandwidth offered by Gigabit
Ethernet is essential for coping with the network bottlenecks
that frequently develop as computers and their busses get faster
and more users use applications that generate more traffic.
Upgrading key components, such as your backbone and servers
to Gigabit Ethernet can greatly improve network response times
2
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