A professional reference that examines the gigabit per second computer networks that make it possible to share vast quantities of data among many computer systems. Key technologies, important protocols and applications, and the practical issues involved in implementing gigabit networks are all addressed, and where research is still incomplete, important unsolved issues are presented. Could also be used as a textbook for a graduate course on gigabit networking. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Gigabit Ethernet is a rapidly advancing technology that will increase network traffic speeds by a factor of ten. This title starts by giving an understanding of Gigabit's historical context and then moves to various applications examples of the Gigabit technology.

A logical extension of the well - known Ethernet technology, Gigabit Ethernet provides the capacity required for bandwidth - hungry servers, campus backbone networks, and next - generation workstations. The author explains the technology in clear and understandable terms, and explores the implications for its application and operation in real - world networks. You & ’ll find essential information on full duplex operation and its implications for network design, the automatic link configuration mechanism, modifications made to the Ethernet Medium Access Control (MAC) algorithms to support 1000 Mb/s operation, and the differences among Gigabit Ethernet hubs, including repeaters, switches, routers, and buffered distributors. Gigabit Ethernet contains a convenient summary of the IEEE 802.3z Gigabit Ethernet standard, and to give you a perspective on Gigabit Ethernet & ’s role relative to other high - performance LANs, Seifert compares Gigabit Ethernet to such alternative technologies as Fibre Channel, FDDI, HIPPI, and ATM.

Gigabit-capable passive optical networks (G-PON) have a large and increasing base of support among telecommunications operators around the world. Written by two of the experts in the field, this book explains G-PON in detail, both the original 2.5 Gb/s version and XG-PON, the 10 Gb/s second generation. The foundation established by this book is also invaluable in understanding NG2 (next-generation 2) G-PON, which is built upon a number of XG-PON systems on parallel wavelengths. As well as a history that clarifies the reasons for many of the existing features, the book looks at current and evolving technology and discusses some of the alternatives for future access networks.

This volume explains the technical details of the main Ethernet family members, starting with the familiar 10Base-T, through Fast Ethernet, to the latest Gigabit Ethernet and wireless variants. The applications that can now be supported on a uniform network technology are also explained.

For more than 20 years, Network World has been the premier provider of information, intelligence and insight for network and IT executives responsible for the digital nervous systems of large organizations. Readers are responsible for designing, implementing and managing the voice, data and video systems their companies use to support everything from business critical applications to employee collaboration and electronic commerce.