Gigabit Ethernet: Technology and Applications for High-Speed LANs

Gigabit Ethernet promises to be the solution of choice for ultra-high-speed connections in many of today's LANs. A logical extension of the well-known Ethernet technology, it offers blazing speed capability with minimal disruption to existing network configurations and operations. Gigabit Ethernet provides the capacity required for bandwidth-hungry servers, campus backbone networks, and next-generation workstations. Furthermore, it provides a seamless upgrade path from existing 10 Mb/s and 100 Mbs/ Ethernet networks. All of the skills,tools, training, and experience gained from using lower-speed Ethernet LANs can be applied to the new technology, easing the pain of migration. Appropriate for anyone involved with LAN technologies-network planners, designers and administrators, equipment and applications developers, technical salespeople, students-this book provides a thorough explanation of Gigabit Ethernet and the principles on which it was built. Gigabit Ethernet explains the technology in clear terms, exploring the implications for its application and operation in real-world LANs. You will learn how to identify appropriate application environments for Gigabit Ethernet, as well as how to integrate it with other technologies, make intelligent choices about products and features, and set realistic expectations about performance.