ength minimums and maximums and frame formats remain the same. Overall, 802.3z is very similar to its lower-speed predecessors. Because of raw speed and of cost reductions that companies have achieved by adopting ASIC-based models, Gigabit Ethernet is dominating the backbone using switch-to-switch, switch-to-router or switch-to-server connections. Conventional router manufacturers have struggled to adapt their software-based architectures to achieve the high speed of low price of ASIC-based architectures. In a switch-to-switch scenario 1,000 Mbps pipes could be used to connect 100/1000 switches. Most such switches would deliver, in turn, 100Base-T to the desktop. In another scenario, a video or other high-performance server might be equipped with a Gigabit Ethernet NIC that connects it at 1,000 Mbps to a switch and, through the switch, to desktop video applications supported by 100Base-T. In yet another scenario, a shared FDDI backbone might be connected via a FDDI hub or an Ethernet-to-FDDI router with Gigabit Ethernet switches. In any case, Gigabit Ethernet has relegated FDDI to being a legacy technology; while many must accommodate FDDI, few are installing it. The emerging specification will allow users or nodes to retain their existing NOS, NIC drivers and applications. Nodes will not be affected since Gigabit Ethernet is emerging primarily as a backbone technology for aggregating 10-Mbps and 100- Mbps endpoints at 1000 Mbps or for connecting fast switches or servers. On July 28, 1998, the Gigabit Ethernet Alliance announced that balloting for the Gigabit Ethernet over copper proposed standard (1000BASE-T) had formally begun, and that the IEEE 802.3ab Task Force (that developed the draft standard) had resolved all outstanding technical issues. The Task Force in conjunction with the IEEE 802.3 Working Group (which oversees Ethernet Standards) voted unanimously Video Communications: The Whole Picture to initiate a Working Group ballot for 1000BASE-T. The 1000BASE-T draft standard was intended to enable Gigabit 