Specifications

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Chapter 1
Overview
Purpose of This Manual
Welcome to the Cabletron Systems Ethernet Technology Guide. This guide
discusses the aspect of an Ethernet network known as the physical and
datalink layer. Although there may be some mention of specific
networking products and software, the primary focus is on the
understanding, design and implementation of a generic Ethernet Local
Area Network (LAN).
Throughout this document, references are made to both Ethernet and
IEEE 802.3 (CSMA/CD). The differences between Ethernet Version 2 and
802.3 are relatively minor. Because of these minor differences you will find
the text often refers to 802.3 as Ethernet. Throughout the industry, the
most popular nomenclature for an IEEE 802.3 CSMA/CD network is
Ethernet. Where there is a major difference between Ethernet and 802.3, it
is noted. This manual provides a basic overview of Ethernet and IEEE
standard 802.3 technology and is not meant to be a complete guide. The
objective of this manual is to provide Cabletron Systems customers with
information to understand why networks should be designed in a
particular way and why the rules need to be followed.
Who Should Use This Manual
This manual is intended for users of Cabletron Systems Ethernet products
and should be used as a supplement to Cabletron Systems Ethernet
Product User’s Manuals.