Chapter 3 - What is Fast Ethernet?
Historical Background
Fast Ethernet was developed in the early nineties as an answer to the bottle-
necking problems encountered by older Ethernet networks. Ethernet is a network-
ing technology that was developed in the early seventies.
Ethernet networks carried data signals through thick passive cables at a
10Mbps speed. However, signals were delivered to all nodes in the network at the
same time, which resulted in frequent collisions and a lag in general network per-
formance.
Fast Ethernet, in contrast, transmits data at a rate of 100Mbps. This perfor-
mance boost is needed for users of CAD/CAM applications, videoconferencing,
and the exchange of large files.
Apart from increasing available bandwidth, Fast Ethernet systems also bring
the advantage of using the same network operating system as do Ethernet net-
works. Moreover, it is backwards compatible with Ethernet equipment.
Ethernet and Fast Ethernet Standards
Standards for Ethernet and Fast Ethernet systems are issued by the Institute of
Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). The standard for Ethernet twisted-pair
networks is known as the IEEE802.3 standard, or 10BASE-T.
Its successor, Fast Ethernet, is governed by the IEEE802.3u standard or
100BASE-TX. Your hub complies with the 100BASE-TX standard.
To set up a network with a Fast Ethernet Dual-Speed Hub, all nodes have to be
connected to the hub through 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX compliant adapters (built-in
or plug-in versions) or network interface cards (NIC).
As for the network operating system, any Ethernet-compatible system can be
used as well as NICs' drivers.
Cable Required
Twisted-pair cabling is ordinary copper wire that connects home and (some)
business computers to the network. To reduce crosstalk or electromagnetic induc-
tion between pairs of wires, two insulated copper wires are twisted around each
other. Each signal on twisted-pair wiring requires both wires. For some business
locations, the twisted-pair is enclosed in a shield that functions as a ground. This is
What Is Fast Ethernet?
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