Exponential Backoff - 51.2

Optimum for what situation? 51.2 us is the "slot time", i.e., the quantum of backoff, for 10 Mb/s Ethernet, based on the physical layer design of that system. It was (and is) codified into the IEEE standard for 10 Mb/s Ethernet. Higher-speed systems typically use a shorter slot time, and different physical layer limits.

Of course, all of this is moot these days, with the use of full-duplex links and switches instead of shared-media and repeaters. There are no collisions, and no backoff, with the use of full-duplex Ethernet.

-- Rich Seifert Networks and Communications Consulting 21885 Bear Creek Way (408) 395-5700 Los Gatos, CA 95033 (408) 228-0803 FAX

Send replies to: usenet at richseifert dot com