Introduction
Switching Technology
An Ethernet switch is a device that can direct network traffic among several Ethernet and Fast Ethernet networks.
A switch increases network capacity and decreases network loading by making it possible for a LAN to be divided into different segments.
Switch acts as a bridge between network segments
A switch acts as a
Traffic that needs to go from one segment to another is automatically forwarded by a switch, without interfering with any other segments. This allows the total network capacity to be multiplied, while decreas- ing network loading.
To ensure network reliability, a switch monitors each of its ports for signal quality and automatically disconnects stations transmitting excessive noise, reconnecting them when the problem is resolved.
A switch automatically truncates data packets that exceed the maxi- mum length for IEEE 802.3u, preventing a device from blocking the network by transmitting continuous data streams or
Switch supports network expansion
For Fast Ethernet networks, a switch is an effective way of eliminating problems of chaining hubs beyond the
A switch can be used to split parts of the network into different colli- sion domains, making it possible to expand your Fast Ethernet net- work beyond the 205 meter network diameter limit for
Switches supporting both traditional 10Mbps Ethernet and 100Mbps Fast Ethernet are also ideal for bridging between existing 10Mbps net- works and new 100Mbps networks.
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