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Modular L3 Ethernet Switch User's Guide
internetworking technologies. And with expected advances in the coming years in silicon
technology and digital signal processing that will enable Gigabit Ethernet to eventually operate
over unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cabling, outfitting your network with a powerful 1000Mbps-
capable backbone/server connection creates a flexible foundation for the next generation of
network technology products.

Switching Technology

Another key development pushing the limits of Ethernet technology is in the field of switching
technology. A switch bridges Ethernet packets at the MAC address level of the Ethernet protocol
transmitting among connected Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet LAN segments.
Switching is a cost-effective way of increasing the total network capacity available to users on a
local area network. A switch increases capacity and decreases network loading by making it
possible for a local area network to be divided into different segments which don't compete with
each other for network transmission capacity, giving a decreased load on each.
The switch acts as a high-speed selective bridge between the individual segments. Traffic that
needs to go from one segment to another (from one port to another) is automatically forwarded
by the switch, without interfering with any other segments (ports). This allows the total network
capacity to be multiplied, while still maintaining the same network cabling and adapter cards.
For Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet networks, a switch is an effective way of eliminating
problems of chaining hubs beyond the "two-repeater limit." A switch can be used to split parts of
the network into different collision domains, for example, making it possible to expand your Fast
Ethernet network beyond the 205-meter network diameter limit for 100BASE-TX networks.
Switches supporting both traditional 10Mbps Ethernet and 100Mbps Fast Ethernet are also ideal
for bridging between existing 10Mbps networks and new 100Mbps networks.
Switching LAN technology is a marked improvement over the previous generation of network
bridges, which were characterized by higher latencies. Routers have also been used to segment
local area networks, but the cost of a router and the setup and maintenance required make routers
relatively impractical. Today's switches are an ideal solution to most kinds of local area network
congestion problems.

Features

The DES-6300 is a high performance modular switch platform that allows a customized array of
Layer 2 and Layer 3 functions to be easily installed and managed in a single device. The Switch
is ideal for expanding enterprise networks and environments where traffic volume and needs
fluctuate.
Switch features include:

Chassis

The chassis is the main unit that modules and power supplies are installed into. A CPU module
and a power supply module come preinstalled in the chassis.
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