Franz Lobo

SUMMARY

High-speed data networking encompasses two general areas: the 100mbps field, where fast Ethernet tangles with 100VG-anyLan, and the faster-than-100Mbps segment, where ATM and Gigabit Ethernet are battling for market dominance. In the faster-than-100Mbps arena, ATM was predicted to be the dominant high-speed networking standard for both LANs and WANs because of ATM?s flexibility, reliability, management attributes and quality of service (which lets customers prioritize traffic down to the end user.) However, Gigabit Ethernet offers lower cost and the fact that people are more familiar with Ethernet. In the 100Mbps-networking arena, fast Ethernet is winning the battle against 100VG-anyLan. The latter allow time-sensitive applications, such as video, to be given priority network access. This access method requires smart hubs, adding an extra layer of complexity and expense. On the other hand, Fast Ethernet users can easily phase in higher-speed links as needed.

REACTION

Networking technologies affect not only the companies selling them, but also affects the companies using them. Today, one can see how companies collaborate to develop such technologies. On the other hand, Companies buying and investing in these technologies need to justify the expense by focusing on the advantages and disadvantages of each technology. The networking technologies that will be implemented by a company need to be both cost-effective and easy to implement. Furthermore, companies will have to do more research in order to select their right vendor and the right technology.

AGREEMENT OR DISAGREEMENT

I agree with the author in that cost-effectiveness and easy implementation should be the base for choosing the right technology, but so it?s the question "which one fits the company?s organization?s networking framework?" In both arenas, Ethernet is almost dominant mainly because people are more familiar with it and there is a much larger available pool of skilled Ethernet experts.

RELEVANCE

This article deals with networking technologies, more specifically the choices for high-speed data networking. Chapter ten in our book explains in greater detail about high-speed LANs. Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet involve the least risk and cost for managers because their compatibility with the existing large Ethernet installed base, and compatibility with existing network management and configuration software.

Edwards, John. (1999, September 1). Boosting Bits Across The Network. CIO Enterprise Magazine Online. Retrieved 9 September 1999 from http://www.cio.com/archive/090199_et.html