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The 100BASE-X networks offer at least
a tenfold increase in network bandwidth over shared legacy Ethernet
systems. In a full-duplex network, the bandwidth increases
twentyfold. Is all this bandwidth really needed? After all, many
desktop systems cannot generate anywhere near 100 Mbps of traffic.
Most network systems are best served by a hybrid of network
technologies. Some users are content on a shared 10-Mbps system.
These users normally do little more than e-mail, Telnet, and simple
Web browsing. The interactive applications they use demand little
network bandwidth, so the user rarely notices delays in usage. Of
the applications mentioned for this user, Web browsing is most
susceptible to delay because many pages incorporate graphic images
that can take some time to download if the available network
bandwidth is low.
If the user does experience delays
that affect work, you can increase the user's bandwidth by doing the
following:
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Upgrade the user to 10BASE-T full
duplex and immediately double the bandwidth.
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Upgrade the user to 100BASE-X half
duplex.
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Upgrade the user to 100BASE-X full
duplex.
The choice of option depends upon the
user's application needs and the workstation capability. If the
user's applications are mostly interactive, either of the first two
options will likely suffice.
However, if the user transfers large
files, as in the case of a physician retrieving medical images, or
if the user frequently needs to access a file server, 100BASE-X full
duplex might be most appropriate.
Another appropriate use of Fast
Ethernet is for backbone segments. A corporate network often has an
invisible hierarchy where distribution networks to the users are
lower-speed systems, whereas the networks interconnecting the
distribution systems operate at higher rates. The
decision to deploy Fast Ethernet as part of the infrastructure is
driven by corporate network needs, as opposed to individual user
needs, as previously considered.
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