Chapter 1. Ethernet Technologies

This chapter covers

  • 10 Mbps Ethernet

  • 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet

  • 1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet and topology variants

Wireless LANs (WLANs) are the latest access technology to take the industry by storm. WLANs, sometimes referred to as wireless Ethernet or Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), are popular because they parallel wired Ethernet so well. As such, it makes sense to review wired Ethernet before diving into wireless Ethernet. You have to know where you have been to understand where you are going!

In general, networks have hierarchies consisting of three logical units:

  • Access layer—. Provides end stations with connectivity to the network.

  • Distribution layer—. Segments the networks into distinct Layer 2 broadcast domains by using ...

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