| Ethernet Communications
Originally, the IEEE 802 LAN standard
was based on a shared medium communication. Information
was broadcast to all stations on the network and any
individual station could receive the data.
This standard
has been revised to increase reliability and performance,
but continues to support the same
basic peer-to-peer communications for each terminal
on the network. The most popular form of LAN in use
today would be “10 Base T” which is wired
using twisted pair wiring similar to phone lines. 10
Base T is typically referred to as “Ethernet” and
supports communications speed of 10 megabits/second.
The same framework can support “Fast Ethernet” by
use of Fast Ethernet hardware over the same cables.
Fast Ethernet supports communications speeds of up
too 100 megabits/second.
Ethernet infrastructure is more
than just a way for computers to communicate with each
other. Ethernet
can also be used to communicate with devices such as
printers, using Ethernet print servers.
Pros
• Ethernet
Local Area Networks can have expansive coverage
areas
• Inexpensive cabling
• 10 Mbps data transfer
Cons
• All connected devices must be
hardwired to the server/switch
• Requires hardware support |
Star Printers Equipped
with 10 Base T Communications:
TSP600, TSP700, TSP800 and TUP900
|
