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4.2 | |
Introduction to LAN Switching | |
| 4.2.1 | |
LAN segmentation |
A network can be divided into smaller
units called segments. Figure
 shows
an example of a segmented Ethernet network. The entire network has
fifteen
computers. Of these fifteen computers, six are servers and nine
are workstations. Each segment uses the CSMA/CD access method and maintains
traffic between users on the segment. Each
segment is its own collision domain.
 Segmentation allows network congestion to be significantly reduced within each segment. When transmitting data within a segment, the devices within that segment share the total available bandwidth. Data passed between segments is transmitted over the backbone of the network using a bridge, router, or switch.
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