Atlantis Land NETMASTER F8POE - Manual (Page 22)

22
1.2 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 or fast 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 is automatically forwarded by
the switch, without interfering with any other segments. This allows the total network
capacity to be multiplied, while still maintaining the same network cabling and adapter
cards.
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.
1.3 Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Power over Ethernet (PoE) integrates power and data onto one single cabling
infrastructure, eliminating the need to have AC power available at all locations.
Power and Data is integrated onto the same cable, supporting category 5/5e up to 100
Meters, PoE will provide power to PoE compatible device, such as IP telephones,
wireless LAN access points and IP security cameras.
PoE is already widely adopted in the market, saving up to 50% of overall installation
costs by eliminating the need to install separate electrical wiring and power outlets.
2. Features
• 8 ×10/100Mbps Auto-negotiation Fast Ethernet RJ45 ports with 4-port PoE
function (port-1 ~ port-4)