Ethernet Interface; Ethernet Interface Configuration; Chapter 2 Lan Interface Configuration; Introduction To Ethernet Interface - 3Com 3C13636 Configuration Manual

3Com Router 3000 Ethernet Family
Configuration Guide

Chapter 2 LAN Interface Configuration

The local area network (LAN) mainly includes Ethernet and Token-Ring network.
Currently, Ethernet has become the most important LAN networking technology thanks
to its high flexibility, relative simplicity and easy implementation.
So far, LAN interfaces supported by V 2.41 are Ethernet interfaces which include the
traditional Ethernet interface and the FE interface.

2.1 Ethernet Interface

2.1.1 Introduction to Ethernet Interface

I. Ethernet interface types
Fast Ethernet (FE) interfaces supported by 3Com Routers include electrical and optical
interfaces, complying with 100Base-TX and 100Base-FX physical layer criteria
respectively. The supported Gigabit Ethernet (GE) interfaces also include electrical and
optical interfaces. GE electrical interfaces comply with 1000Base-T criterion, and GE
optical interfaces comply with 1000Base-LX and 1000Base-SX criteria.
II. Operating speed and mode
FE electrical interfaces can work at the speeds of 10Mbps and 100Mbps; GE electrical
interfaces can work at the speeds of 10Mbps, 100Mbps, and 1000Mbps.
In terms of operating modes, both FE and GE electrical interfaces support half and full
duplex modes.
To simplify system configuration and management, both FE and GE electrical
interfaces support auto-negotiation, allowing them to negotiate with other network
devices for the optimum working modes and rates.
Optical interfaces can only work in full duplex modes and their speeds cannot be
changed. FE optical interfaces can only work at the speed of 100Mbps and GE optical
interfaces can only work at 1000Mbps.
III. Supported frame formats
Both FE and GE interfaces support the Ethernet frames in Ethernet_II or
Ethernet_SNAP format, and can automatically identify their formats. They send frames
in Ethernet_II format.

2.1.2 Ethernet Interface Configuration

Ethernet Interface configuration includes:
3Com Corporation
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Chapter 2 LAN Interface Configuration