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LAN Switches
Technology Overviews
LAN Switches
Rush hour-all day, every day. These problems arise because in traditional LANs, only one network node transmits data at a time, while all other stations listen. This works in conventional, server-based LANs where multiple workstations share files or applications housed on a central server. But if a network has several servers, or if it supports high-bandwidth, peer- to-peer applications such as videoconferencing, the one-station-at-a-time model just won't work. These vehicles clear the lanes. From the perspective of an end-user work-station, a switched circuit would appear to be a dedicated connection-a direct, full-speed LAN link to an attached server or other remote LAN node. Although this technique is somewhat different than what a LAN bridge or router does, switching hubs are based on similar technologies. Which route will you choose? Layer-2 switches connect different parts of the same network, as determined by the network number contained with the data packet. Layer-3 switches connect LANs or LAN segments with different network numbers. If you're subdividing an existing LAN, obviously you're dealing with only one network and one network number, so you can install a Layer-2 switch wherever it will segment network traffic the best, and you don't have to reconfigure the LAN. However, if you use a Layer-3 switch, you'll have to reconfigure the segments to ensure that each has a different network number. Similarly, if you're connecting existing networks, you have to examine the currently configured network numbers before adding a switch. If the network numbers are the same, you need to use a Layer-2 switch. If they're different, you must use a Layer-3 switch. To talk to Tech Support, please call us at 055 451 70 71 or use our free of charge Callback Service. |