Gigabit Ethernet is a new generation Ethernet network for a new age of networking. As a continuation of the IEEE802.3 Ethernet standard, gigabit Ethernet is compatible with existing 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps fast Ethernet networks, but boosts the transmission speed up to 1000 Mbps. A gigabit network has many of the same traits as traditional Ethernet and fast Ethernet. It uses the same transmission medium used by fast Ethernet networks, and supports duplex modes, flow control, and auto-negotiation.

Do you get the feeling that the fast Ethernet network you're using keeps getting slower and slower? Network hogs, such as multimedia, video teleconferencing, and applications that transmit tons of data, have the tendency to gobble up bandwidth by the megabyte. One of the best ways available to escape from this predicament is to switch to gigabit. In fact, gigabit Ethernet is the right solution regardless of whether your network is a multipurpose network that adds new users daily, or you manage a more intense application that involves thousands of networked hosts. Gigabit Ethernet is truly an "add-on" solution since it can be used with any existing Ethernet equipment.

Gigabit Ethernet is ideal for networking environments that transmit large amounts of data, such as network backbones and server farms. Using gigabit switches can go a long way to improving the tradeoff between the computing performance of networked hosts, and the speed of the network.

Since gigabit Ethernet is based on traditional Ethernet technology, making the move to gigabit is extremely easy, and the cost is negligible. Many existing Ethernet and fast Ethernet devices are already compatible with Gigabit. In addition, IT personnel are familiar with Ethernet and fast Ethernet, which makes it much easier to implement. Gigabit Ethernet also supports QoS (Quality of Service) features, which can eliminate the jittery nature often seen in audio and video broadcasts.

ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems) is one application that can benefit greatly from using gigabit Ethernet. In general, "ITS" refers to advanced transportation systems that use information technologies to solve transportation problems.

A prime example of an ITS application is traffic jams. In this case, traffic officials use advanced surveillance systems to monitor traffic conditions at key intersections, and then control the stoplights at those intersections to keep traffic moving as smoothly as possible.

Another ITS application is ETC (Electronic Toll Collection). ETC systems operate by collecting tolls automatically as vehicles pass the tollgate. The vehicles do not need to stop, which helps keep freeway traffic from getting jammed near toll stations.

Because of the complexity involved in setting up an ITS system, an open, reliable network that can connect to and communicate with all sub-systems is required to ensure that management and operation is carried out in the most intelligent way. The network must be reliable since ITS systems are often located in remote locations. The network must be high speed so that information can be freely transmitted from one sub-system to another in real time.

Another factor that must be considered is reliability. Simply put, an ITS network cannot fail. For this reason, ITS networks usually employ redundant gigabit Ethernet networks so that if a route or node gets clogged, backup nodes or routes can be used to ensure that network traffic is delivered reliably, and the ITS network functions well.

EDS-518A is a standalone 18-port managed Ethernet switch that has 2 combo gigabit ports with built-in RJ45 or SFP ports for gigabit optic communication. The gigabit Ethernet Redundant Turbo Ring (recovery time < 20 ms) increases the reliability and speed of your network backbone. EDS-518A also supports intelligent network management functions, including QoS, IGMP Snooping/GMRP, VLAN, Port Trunking, SNMP V1/V2c/V3, IEEE 802.1X, and https/SSL.