UNICOM Electric FEP-32024T - Manual (Page 6)

3
Ethernet Switching Technology
Ethernet Switching Technology dramatically boosted the total bandwidth of a
network, eliminated congestion problems inherent with Carrier Sense
multiple access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) protocol, and greatly
reduced unnecessary transmissions.
This revolutionized networking in a number of ways. First, by allowing two-
way, simultaneous transmissions over the same port (Full-duplex) which
essentially doubled the bandwidth. Second, by reducing the collision domain
to a single switch-port which eliminated the need for carrier sensing. Third,
by using the store-and-forward technology’s approach of inspecting each
packet to intercept corrupt or redundant data and switching eliminated,
unnecessary transmissions that slow the network. Also employing an
address learning function, Ethernet replaced inefficient receiving ports.
Auto-negotiation regulates the speed and duplex of each port, based on the
capability of both devices. Flow-control allows transmission from a 100Mbps
node to a 10Mbps node without loss of data. Auto-negotiation and flow-
control may require disablement of some networking operations that involve
legacy equipment. Disabling the auto-negotiation is accomplished by
manually setting the speed or duplex of a port.
Ethernet Switching Technology supplied higher performance at costs lower
than other solutions. Wider bandwidth, no congestion, and the reduction in
traffic is why switching is replacing expensive routers and inefficient hubs as
the ultimate networking solution. Switching brought a whole new way of
thinking to networking.