Here are some scenarios in which a switch can be applied:
· Speeding up a 10BaseT Network
On a 10BaseT network, you might connect users to one of the switch's 10/100 ports and the file server to the other, allowing the server to service more users faster because it enjoys its own switched pipeline into the net- work.
· Mixing 10BaseT with 100BaseTX
10BaseT and 100BaseTX hardware not readily compatible with each other. With a switch you can create 10Mbps network segments for servicing users that don't need tremendous speed, and 100Mbps segments for users who depend on graphics, video, multimedia, database, or other speedy applications.
· Adding 10Mbps Network Peripherals
In addition, since 100BaseTX is a relatively new standard, there aren't as many network peripherals available for it as there are for 10BaseT. Most network modems, print servers, sniffers, and other network peripherals are made to operate at a speed of 10Mbps, making them incompatible with 100Mbps networks unless you have a switch. A switch can add 10Mbps hardware to your network wherever you want it.
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