Rosewill RC-406X User Manual

10/100M Fast Ethernet Switch 5/8 port

RC-405X/RC-406X

User Manual

10/100M Fast Ethernet Switch 5/8 port RC-405X/RC-406X User Manual

INTRODUCTION

Fast Ethernet Technology

The growing importance of LANs and the increasing complexity of desktop computing application are fueling the need for

high performance networks. A number of high-speed LAN technologies have been proposed to provide greater

bandwidth and improve client/server response times. Among them, Fast Ethernet, or l00Base-T provides a non-disruptive,

smooth evolution from the current l0Base-T technology. The non-disruptive and smooth evolution nature, and the

dominating potential market base, virtually guarantee cost effective and high performance Fast Ethernet solutions in the

years to come.

100Mbps Fast Ethernet is a new standard specified by the IEEE802.3 LAN committee. It is an extension of the 10Mbps

Ethernet standard with the ability to transmit and receive data at 100Mbps, while maintaining the CSMNCD Ethernet

protocol. Since the l00Mbps Fast Ethernet is compatible with all other l0Mbps Ethernet environments, it provides a

straightforward upgrade and takes advantage of the company's existing investment in hardware, software, and personnel

training.

Switching Technology

Another approach to pushing beyond the limits of Ethernet technology is the development 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. The switch automatically forwards

traffic that needs to go from one segment to another, 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.

For Fast Ethernet networks, a switch is an effective way of eliminating problems of chaining hubs beyond the

"two-repeater" limit. A switch can be used to split parts of the network into different collision domains, making it possible

to expand your Fast Ethernet network beyond the 205 meters network diameter limit for 100BASE-TX networks. Switches

supporting both traditional 10Mbps Ethernet and l00Mbps Fast Ethernet are also ideal for bridging between existing

l0Mbps networks and new l00Mbps networks.

Switching LAN technology is a marked improvement over the previous generation of network bridges, which were

characterized by higher latencies.

Features

y Simple plug & play installation and use
y Easy to use with built-in error detection and correction
y Suitable for desktop use and ideal for Small Office, Home Office
y 5/8-port N-way(auto-negotiation) 10/100Mbps fast Ethernet switching hub

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