About Fast Ethernet; Package Contents - Linksys EtherFast PCM100 v2 User Manual

About Fast Ethernet

In recent years, Fast Ethernet has emerged as the fastest growing network
topology around. Operating at an incredible 100 million bits per second
(100Mbps), and sometimes referred to as 100BaseTX, Fast Ethernet is more
than fast enough to handle the latest speed-dependent applications like video,
multimedia, and Internet connectivity.
Fast Ethernet is ten times faster than regular Ethernet networks. Also known as
10BaseT, regular Ethernet networks typically run at 10Mbps.
Unfortunately because of their speed and other technological differences,
Ethernet and Fast Ethernet cannot be readily mixed together in most cases. A
10BaseT network adapter, for example, cannot be attached directly to a Fast
Ethernet network. In environments where 10BaseT and Fast Ethernet need to
be mixed together - in migration scenarios, for example, where file servers are
moved to 100Mbps speeds for better performance - a switch or a dual-speed
hub can be used to connect network segments of disparate speeds together.
The EtherFast 10/100 PC Cards will run with both 10BaseT and 100BaseTX
networks without any special settings, allowing you to plug into virtually any
network while at the office or on the road, regardless of speed. When a network
cable is plugged in, the EtherFast Card automatically determines the speed,
duplex, and polarity of the arriving network packets and adjusts itself accord-
ingly. Also known in the industry as NWAY, this "live wire" ability also allows
network cables to be swapped * with the EtherFast Card while it's turned on--the
card will automatically reconnect itself to the network as soon as a new cable
is plugged in.
*
When used with Plug-and-Play Operating Systems
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Instant EtherFast Series
®
EtherFast 10/100 PC Cards
®
Package Contents for the EtherFast
10/100 Integrated PC Card (PCM100 V2)
• EtherFast 10/100 PC Card
• One Driver Disk
• One User Guide and Registration Card
Package Contents for the EtherFast
10/100 PC Card (PCMPC100 V3)
• EtherFast 10/100 PC Card
• One Dongle Cord
• One Driver Disk
• One User Guide and Registration Card
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