Gigabit Ethernet Network example essay topic

ABSTRACT In this paper, we will conduct a comparison on Fast Ethernet Network Switches and Gigabit Ethernet Network Switches offered by 3 COM. We will review a few specific components, as well as compare features, pricing and preferred usage. DEFINITION In order to have a greater understanding of the terminology and descriptions offered in this paper, we must first understand what a network switch is. A brief definition of a network switch is a computer networking device that connects network segments. It uses the logic of a Network bridge, but allows a physical and logical star topology. It is often used to replace network hubs.

A switch is also often referred to as an intelligent hub. A switch can be used to make various connections. Ethernet, Token Ring, and various other types of packet switched network segments together to form a heterogeneous network operating at OSI Layer 2. Traditional Ethernets, in which all hosts compete for the same bandwidth, are called shared Ethernets. Switched Ethernets are becoming very popular because they are an effective and convenient way to extend the bandwidth of existing Ethernets. PRODUCTS 3 COM offers a wide variety of networking solutions.

From Switches to Hubs to Gateways, 3 COM is one of the front runners in the networking industry. In this comparison of Fast Ethernet Networks and Gigabit Ethernet Networks, before discussing the similarities with the various components and their respective operations, we must discuss the differences between the two. Fast Ethernet Network was developed as an upgrade to traditional Ethernet Networking. Fast Ethernet improved traditional Ethernet by increasing transfer rates 10 times, from 10 Megabit to 100 Megabit speed. Gigabit Ethernet Network is an upgrade on Fast Ethernet Network equivalent to Fast Ethernet Networks improvement over Fast Ethernet Network, offering speeds of 1000 Megabits (1 Gigabit). Gigabit Ethernet was first made to travel over optical and copper cabling, but the 1000 Base-T standard successfully supports it as well.

1000 Base-T uses Category 5 cabling similar to 100 Mbps Ethernet, although achieving gigabit speed requires the use of additional wire pairs. Also, Gigabit Ethernet Networks can process Traditional, Fast, and Gigabit Ethernet transfer rates, as opposed to Traditional - Traditional and Fast - Traditional / Fast. The products will be reviewed by cost as well as functionality, comparing components most closely related to one another. COMPONENTS 3 COM Office Connect Dual Speed 5 Port Switch This switch is a member of 3 COM's Office Connect family of products. It is used primarily for small business and small offices. The primary reason for this is this particular model offers the ability to share internet connections, at a minimal cost.

Another benefit of this particular model is the ease of installation. This model offers plug and play setup, with no additional configuration needed. This model offers the availability of 5-16 ports. The listed price for this model is $31.99. 3 Com Office Connect 5 Gigabit Switch This switch offers similar component specifications to the Fast Ethernet version. This model is primarily used by small offices which require high network performance, in order to exchange larger data files and images, and to have real-time access to information.

This model has a throughput of up to 3.2 Gps, which allows them to be the ideal choice for connections to high-speed services, high-speed data links into the core of a network, or for connecting multiple switches in small offices. Some additional specifications are: Port Quantity: 5, Switching Protocol: Ethernet, and MAC Address Table: 4 K entries. The listed price for this model is $77.99. 3 Com Super Stack 3 24-Port Switch This model is used because it offers exceptional switching performance for copper-wired Ethernet Networks without complex configurations and operation. Also, the performance is offered at a relatively low price. A few of the main features of this model: Twenty-four auto sensing 10/100 copper ports provide flexible desktop and work group attachments, while two auto sensing 10/100/1000 copper up link ports enable Gigabit Ethernet backbone and server connections.

Resiliency features such as Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol, link aggregation (for the 10/100/1000 ports), and a redundant power option help ensure up time. Built-in Gigabit ports can be used as up links or for stacking with a mix of other Super Stack 3 Switch 4228 G, Super Stack 3 Switch 4226 T, and Super Stack 3 Switch 4250 T units. The listed price for this model is $307.993 Com 24 Port Gigabit Baseline Switch This model is a very affordable, high performance model. This is an un managed switch, primarily used for creative small business environments.

The transfer speeds and switching capacity are designed to meet the performance requirements for high bandwidth applications. Another option this model offers is Class-of-Service (CoS) 802.1 p traffic prioritization which allows real-time applications, video and audio, to have top priority to assure effective application performance. This switch is designed to run in larger network environments. The listed price of this model is $562.993 Com Super Stack 3 48-Port Switch This model is one of the more high-end, multiple feature models offered by 3 COM.

It comes standard with a completely defined functionality set to satisfy the needs of the more extensive, sophisticated networks. Some of these features are: Traffic classification and prioritization, which make the switch ideal for mixed data and Voice over IP networks, Advanced 802.1 X Network Login support, RADIUS server security, and application filtering, to deliver comprehensive security, a choice of up link options, along with hot- stacking, link aggregation, and Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol support. The listed price for this model is $2243.993 Com Super Stack 3 48-Port Switch This model offers Enterprise Ethernet Networks scalability, stack ability and future-proof Gigabit switching. This model offers: Forty-eight auto-sensing 10/100/1000 copper ports provide flexible desktop and work group attachments, which can ease migration for environments with a mix of 10/100 and Gigabit-enabled desktops and servers. Four dual-purpose slots support S FPs that can connect to fiber cabling for flexible Gigabit Ethernet backbone and server connections. Resiliency features such as I 802.1 w Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol and I 802.3 ad link aggregation (LACK) across stacked units helps ensure up time and availability.

Enterprise-class security features include I 802.1 X network login, SSH / SSL encrypted device log-in, and access control lists. The listed price for this model is $4083.99 CONCLUSION There are many different variations of Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet Network solutions offered by 3 COM. For the purposes of this paper, six were evaluated, 2 low end, 2 medium, and 2 high end solutions. In comparing the different models, there a lot of similarities in the hardware design, as well as the functionality. This being said, the obvious difference is in performance, which also lends itself to the price increase when comparing comparable Fast Ethernet Switches with Gigabit Ethernet Switches. In most cases, the price difference is in the 20% to 40% increase range.