What Is Fast Ethernet?

^[1] Fast Ethernet is a new type of local area network. The "fast" in its name means that the data rate can reach 100Mbps, which is ten times the data rate of standard Ethernet.

^[1] Fast Ethernet is a new type of local area network. The "fast" in its name means that the data rate can reach 100Mbps, which is ten times the data rate of standard Ethernet.

Chinese name

Fast Ethernet

Foreign name

Fast Ethernet

Explanation

A new type of local area network

include

100BASE-T and 100VG-AnyLAN

"fast"

Means the data rate can reach 100Mbps

Features

Ten times the data rate of standard Ethernet

Introduction to Fast Ethernet

Fast Ethernet is a local area network (LAN) transmission standard that provides a data transfer rate of 100 megabits per second (100BASE-T). Workstations with 10 Mbps (10BASE-T) Ethernet cards can connect to Fast Ethernet. (100 megabits per second is a shared data transfer rate; input to each workstation is limited by a 10Mbps card.) ^[2]

History of Fast Ethernet

With the development of the network, the traditional standard Ethernet technology has been unable to meet the increasing demand for network data traffic speed. Prior to October 1993, for LAN applications requiring more than 10 Mbps of data traffic, only Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) was available, but it was a very expensive LAN based on 100Mpbs fiber optic cables.

In October 1993, Grand Junction introduced the world's first Fast Ethernet hub FastSwitch 10/100 and network interface card FastNIC100. Fast Ethernet technology was officially applied. Subsequently, Intel, SynOptics, 3COM, BayNetworks and other companies have also launched their own Fast Ethernet devices. At the same time, the IEEE802 engineering group has also studied various standards of 100Mbps Ethernet, such as 100BASE-TX, 100BASE-T4, MII, repeater, full duplex and other standards.

In March 1995, IEEE announced the IEEE802.3u 100BASE-T Fast Ethernet (Fast Ethernet; FE), and thus began the era of Fast Ethernet.

Compared with the original FDDI operating at 100 Mbps bandwidth, Fast Ethernet has many advantages. The most important aspect is that Fast Ethernet technology can effectively protect users' investment in the implementation of wiring foundation. It supports dual-type 3, 4, and 5. The connection of twisted wires and optical fibers can effectively use the existing facilities.

The shortcomings of Fast Ethernet are actually the shortcomings of Ethernet technology. That is, Fast Ethernet is still based on carrier sense multiple access and collision detection (CSMA / CD) technology. When the network load is heavy, it will cause a decrease in efficiency. Of course, this can be compensated using switching technology.

Fast Ethernet related standards

The 100Mbps Fast Ethernet standard is divided into: 100BASE-T4, 100BASE-TX, 100BASE-FX, and three sub-categories.

1. 100BASE-T4 is a fast Ethernet technology that can use category 3, 4, and 5 unshielded twisted pair or shielded twisted pair. It uses 4 twisted pairs, 3 pairs for transmitting data, and 1 pair for detecting collision signals. The 8B / 6T coding method is used in the transmission, and the signal frequency is 25MHz, which conforms to the EIA586 structured wiring standard. It uses the same RJ-45 connector as 10BASE-T, with a maximum segment length of 100 meters.

2. 100BASE-TX is a fast Ethernet technology using Category 5 data-level unshielded twisted pair or shielded twisted pair. It uses two twisted pairs, one for sending and one for receiving data. The 4B / 5B coding method is used in transmission, and the signal frequency is 125MHz. Meets EIA586 Category 5 cabling standards and IBM's SPT Category 1 cabling standards. 100BASE-TX uses the same RJ-45 connector as 10BASE-T. Its maximum network segment length is 100 meters and supports full-duplex data transmission.

3. 100BASE-FX is a fast Ethernet technology using fiber optic cables, which can use single-mode and multi-mode fibers (62.5 and 125um). The 4B / 5B coding method is used in transmission, and the signal frequency is 125MHz. It uses MIC / FDDI connector, ST connector or SC connector. The maximum network segment length is 150m, 412m, 2000m or longer to 10 kilometers. This depends on the type of fiber used and the working mode. It supports full duplex Data transmission. 100BASE-FX is especially suitable for environments with electrical interference, large distance connections, or high security environments.