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4.2 | |
Introduction to LAN Switching | |
| 4.2.4 | |
LAN segmentation with switches |
LAN switching decreases bandwidth
shortages and network bottlenecks, such as those between several
workstations and a remote file server. Figure
shows a Cisco switch. A switch will segment a LAN into microsegments
which decreases the size of collision domains. However all hosts
connected to the switch are still in the same broadcast domain.
 In a pure
switched Ethernet LAN, the sending and receiving nodes function as if
they are the only nodes on the network. When these two nodes establish a link,
or virtual circuit, they have access to the maximum available bandwidth.
These links provide significantly more throughput than Ethernet LANs
connected by bridges or hubs.
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This virtual network circuit is
established within the switch and exists only when the nodes need to
communicate.