Optibase MGW 2400 WMT - Manual (Page 133)

Appendix C • Optimizing your Network
Network Configurations that are friendly to
Streaming
100BaseT Switched Networks
More bandwidth is always better than less bandwidth.
100BaseT appliances have more features and more capabilities
than 10BaseT appliances. While it is true that a 10BaseT
network can theoretically support the streaming of an MPEG-1
SIF stream at 1-1.2 Mbps, this will effectively use 30% to 40%
of available bandwidth, rendering the network ineffective.
In 100BaseT networks, each client occupies its own collision
plane, allowing it to take full advantage of the bandwidth
available. Many 100BaseT switches and network cards have
added features including the ability to "talk" to the network in
full duplex mode, allowing them to send and receive data at the
same time. Many 100BaseT switches also support some Level
III capabilities, including the ability to manage IGMP groups.
100BaseT Hub and Switched Networks
100BaseT Hub and switched networks can also be used for
streaming. This hybrid network can support streaming if it is
not over utilized and deploys 100BaseT hubs. This type of
network can contain "dead spots" - areas that cannot receive the
stream or receive it poorly. Dead spots need to be dealt with by
altering some of the network connections or by replacing the
errant Hub with a switch.
ATM
ATM can be implemented either as a backbone solution or as an
entire network solution. In the backbone scenario, ATM is used
to connect departments, floors, or any part of the organization
that is distant from the main server center. In the network
scenario, ATM is used as the entire LAN, WAN or MAN
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