subject: When Fast Isn't Fast Enough [print this page] Technology continues to improve in this day and age. The demand is for faster and faster data transfer speeds. Fast is no longer fast enough for the world.
Large networks using older Ethernet switches that are looking for faster speeds are now upgrading to the 10 gigabit model. This improves the performance of large data processing networks tremendously. These faster devices transfer data at an incredible 10 gigabits per second.
These devices have multicast support and 802.1X authentication. Security has improved as well, and they are protected against denial-of-service attacks. They have become a number one choice for many.
These faster switches are not only advantageous for large local area networks, but wide area networks and metropolitan area networks also benefit from their use as well. They are like other Ethernets in many ways. The main difference is of course their speed.
The telecommunication technology of the 10 gigabit switch allows it to speed up data transfer rates to over 10 billion bits per second in local area networks. They are the greatest improvement in recent Ethernet technology. Their introduction jumped the data transfer speed from 2-3 gigabits per second all the way to 10!
These faster devices are also very user friendly and efficient when compared to the older devices. They are the first choice for large local area networks worldwide. With their cost decreasing, their popularity increases even more since they provide everything needed for todays communication.
When they first came out in 2001, the installation cost was about $35-40,000 US dollars. Now they have become one of the most affordable networking products. They can now be found for under $10,000.
Although these fast switches are more than efficient for today's needs, improvements continue. Users and manufacturers have set a goal for increased power and speed. They soon hope to have Ethernet switches 8 to 10 times faster than today's 10 gigabit models.
