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The maximum length of the extension is equal to the quantity (slotTime - minFrameSize). The MAC continues to monitor the medium for collisions while it is transmitting extension bits, and it will treat any collision that occurs after the threshold (slotTime) as a late collision.

3-4. How does a switch work?

The switch is a layer 2 Ethernet Switch equipped with 16 Fast Ethernet ports and 2 optional modules which support Gigabit Ethernet or 100M Ethernet. Each port on it is an independent LAN segment and thus has 26 LAN segments and 26 collision domains, contrast to the traditional shared Ethernet HUB in which all ports share the same media and use the same collision domain and thus limit the bandwidth utilization. With switch’s separated collision domain, it can extend the LAN diameter farther than the shared HUB does and highly improve the efficiency of the traffic transmission.

Due to the architecture, the switch can provide full-duplex operation to double the bandwidth per port and many other features, such as VLAN, bandwidth aggregation and so on, not able to be supported in a shared hub.

Terminology

Separate Access Domains:

As per the description in the section of “What’s the Ethernet”, Ethernet utilizes CSMA/CD to arbitrate who can transmit data to the station(s) attached in the LAN. When more than one station transmits data within the same slot time, the signals will collide, referred to as collision. The arbitrator will arbitrate who should gain the media. The arbitrator is a distributed mechanism in which all stations contend to gain the media. Please refer to “What’s the Ethernet” for more details.

In Fig.3-5, assumed in half duplex, you will see some ports of the switch are linked to a shared HUB, which connects many hosts, and some ports just are individually linked to a single host. The hosts attached to a shared hub will be in the same collision domain, separated by the switch, and use CSMA/CD rule. For the host directly attached to the switch, because no other host(s) joins the traffic contention, hence it will not be affected by CSMA/CD. These LAN segments are separated in different access domains by the switch.

Micro-segmentation:

To have a port of the switch connected to a single host is referred to as micro-segmentation. It has the following interesting characteristics.

There is no need the access contention (e.g.Collision). They have their own access domain. But, collision still could happen between the host and the switch port.

When performing the full duplex, the collision vanishes. The host owns a dedicated bandwidth of the port.

The switch port can run at different speed, such as 10Mbps, 100Mbps or 1000Mbps. A shared hub cannot afford this.

Publication date: January, 2005

Revision A1

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Edimax Technology ES-516G+ user manual How does a switch work?
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ES-516G+ specifications

Edimax Technology has carved a niche for itself in the realm of networking devices, and one of its standout products is the Edimax ES-516G+. This 16-port Ethernet switch is designed to meet the demanding needs of small to medium-sized businesses and network enthusiasts.

At the core of the ES-516G+ is its capacity to support 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds across its 16 ports, enabling efficient data transmission and minimal latency for connected devices. This switch is a Layer 2 unmanaged switch, which simplifies the user experience by eliminating the need for complex configurations. Users can plug in their devices and start functioning immediately, making it an ideal option for those who may not have extensive networking knowledge.

One of the key features of the Edimax ES-516G+ is its support for Auto-MDI/MDI-X, which automatically detects the type of connection required for each port, whether it’s connecting to another switch or end devices like computers and printers. This eliminates the hassle of crossover cables and ensures seamless connectivity.

Moreover, the ES-516G+ incorporates advanced energy-saving technologies that are designed to minimize power consumption without compromising performance. This feature is particularly appealing for environmentally-conscious businesses looking to reduce their carbon footprint. It includes capabilities such as energy-efficient Ethernet (EEE), which adjusts power usage based on the link status and length of connected cables.

The switch features a compact metal housing, providing durability and a professional look suitable for any office environment. It also supports a fanless design for quiet operation, making it an excellent addition to workplaces where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum.

In terms of performance, the Edimax ES-516G+ employs store-and-forward switching technology, which helps to minimize errors by ensuring that only error-free packets are forwarded. This significantly enhances network performance and reliability.

Overall, the Edimax Technology ES-516G+ stands out as a robust, efficient, and user-friendly solution for enhancing network performance in small to medium-sized businesses. Its combination of speed, plug-and-play convenience, energy-saving features, and reliability makes it a compelling choice for users seeking to expand their network capabilities. Whether for a bustling office or a home network, the ES-516G+ is engineered to deliver a seamless, high-performance networking experience.
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