Fast Ethernet
Fast Ethernet is a term used to describe Ethernet technology that supports data transmission speeds of up to 100 megabits per second (Mbps). It is an improvement over the original Ethernet standard, which had a maximum speed of 10 Mbps. Fast Ethernet was introduced to meet the growing demand for higher network speeds in local area networks (LANs) and to support bandwidth-intensive applications.
Key features and characteristics of Fast Ethernet include:
Speed: Fast Ethernet provides a data transmission rate of 100 Mbps, which is ten times faster than the original Ethernet standard. This increased speed allows for faster file transfers, smoother multimedia streaming, and improved network performance.
Compatibility: Fast Ethernet is backward compatible with existing Ethernet networks, allowing organizations to upgrade their networks without replacing existing infrastructure. Fast Ethernet equipment can typically operate at both 10 Mbps (Ethernet) and 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet) speeds, ensuring compatibility with older devices.
Duplexing: Fast Ethernet supports both half-duplex and full-duplex communication modes. In half-duplex mode, devices can either transmit or receive data at a time, while in full-duplex mode, devices can transmit and receive data simultaneously, effectively doubling the potential throughput.
Media Types: Fast Ethernet supports various types of physical media for network connections, including twisted-pair copper cables (e.g., Category 5 or better), fiber optic cables, and coaxial cables. Different types of media have different maximum cable lengths and transmission characteristics.
Standards: Fast Ethernet is defined by the IEEE 802.3u standard, which specifies the physical layer (PHY) and media access control (MAC) layer specifications for 100 Mbps Ethernet networks. The standard outlines specifications for different types of physical media and signaling methods used in Fast Ethernet networks.
Applications: Fast Ethernet is widely used in LAN environments, including businesses, educational institutions, government organizations, and homes. It supports a wide range of applications, including file sharing, internet access, video conferencing, multimedia streaming, and online gaming.
Transition to Gigabit Ethernet: While Fast Ethernet provided a significant speed increase over traditional Ethernet, it eventually became surpassed by Gigabit Ethernet, which offers data transmission speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps). As a result, many organizations have upgraded their networks to Gigabit Ethernet to meet the growing demand for higher bandwidth and performance.
Overall, Fast Ethernet played a crucial role in improving network speeds and performance in LAN environments, providing a cost-effective solution for organizations seeking higher data transmission rates than traditional Ethernet networks could offer.
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