...operates on. Ethernet switches are usually Layer 2 (Data Link Layer) devices and sort traffic using physical (MAC) addresses. Routers are Layer 3 (Network Control Layer) devices and manage network traffic using network addresses. Media converters,...

Serial in the Industry • Serial in the industry • Serial protocols like RS232, RS422 and RS485 are still used in the industry. A lot of equipment purchased a long time ago is using these interfaces. Purchasing new equipment is not desirable or...

Token Ring • Token Ring • The use of token ring LANs was popularized by IBM in the mid 1980s when it released its IBM token ring architecture. Physically, a token ring network is wired as a star, with 'hubs' and arms out to each station and th...

...patch panels, hubs, switches, or routers), you need to direct the bundles overhead, vertically, and horizontally. • Ladder Rack • A popular choice for overhead cable routing is a ladder rack. Ladder racks come in many varieties. They can run alo...

SFP, SFP+, and XFP transceivers • SFP, SFP+, and XFP transceivers • SFP, SFP+, and XFP are all terms for a type of transceiver that plugs into a special port on a switch or other network device to convert the port to a copper or fiber interfac...

Remote Access • Remote Management • Remote access refers to a temporary link—usually a phone connection—and does not include permanent LAN-to-LAN connections. These temporary links can be made over a number of different kinds of media includin...

...found on most types of network equipment, including NICs, switches, routers, and media converters. Because these devices are totally backwards compatible with other Ethernet devices, all you need to do to reap energy savings is to swap out devices.