Ethernet networks
Ethernet is one type of local area network (LAN) topology that the i5/OS operating system supports. i5/OS Ethernet provides support for the Digital Equipment Corporation, Intel Corporation, and Xerox standard (Ethernet Version 2) and the IEEE 802.3 standard.
- Half-duplex Ethernet
- Generally, multiple stations in an Ethernet network show a single data path. Therefore, only one station may transmit data at a time. This is called half-duplex Ethernet. The station may transmit only or receive only, but not both simultaneously.
- Full-duplex Ethernet
- Full-duplex Ethernet enables stations to simultaneously send and receive
data on the network, eliminating collisions. This is accomplished through
the use of a full-duplex LAN switch. Ethernet switching splits a large Ethernet
into smaller segments. Full-duplex Ethernet requires the following:
- Twisted-pair cable transmission medium
- Ethernet network interface cards
- A full-duplex LAN switch
- Fast Ethernet
- Fast Ethernet standard (IEEE 802.3U) increases Ethernet by operating speeds from 10 Mbps to 100, half or full duplex. The iSeries Ethernet adapters support 100BASE-TX network devices that use category 5 shielded and unshielded twisted-pair (STP, UTP) cable.