D-Link DFE-570TX - Manual (Page 8)

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Introduction
Thank you for choosing the D-Link Server Card, the value leader
among Fast Ethernet adapters for PCI
−
Bus server computers. This
Introduction chapter will be useful if you are new to Fast Ethernet
and other new technology featured by the Server Card. Otherwise,
skip ahead to the Installation chapter.
About Fast Ethernet
Fast Ethernet is a network technology specified by IEEE Standard
802.3u. It extends the traditional 10Mbps Ethernet technology to
achieve 100Mbps transmission and reception, while retaining the
same CSMA/CD Ethernet protocol. Thus while Fast Ethernet
provides a tenfold increase in network capacity, it is wholly
compatible with traditional 10Mbps Ethernet network facilities
About Auto-negotiation
Auto-negotiation is a IEEE 802.3 procedure of negotiating the
highest data flow capability between the device (in this case, our
Adapter) and it’s link partner (some other device). The data flow
information, to be negotiated, consists of the data speed (10Mbps or
100Mbps) and data transfer (half-duplex or full-duplex
communication). The physical process of auto-negotiation requires