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Networking: Routers and Switches
As technology evolves, the world of networking does too. In fact, changes in this field often come about quickly, necessitating substitutions, transformations, or replacements in networking resources. As the world of technology takes on a new persona with the inclusion of mobile requirements, increased network traffic, and evolutionary changes designed for improved performance, so too must the field of networking transform itself to better meet these changes.
In some cases, traffic congestion is the culprit that creates a need for redesigning an existing network. A popular solution is to segment the network, creating a bunch of smaller networks to replace one, large, unwieldy one. This is known as network segmentation. This solution is often used whether the congestion was created by multicasting, excessive hosting, broadcast storms, too much IPX traffic, too little bandwidth, or too much ARP traffic. In all cases, divvying up a large network into smaller components typically resolves the congestion issue.
The router is used to connect all of these smaller networks together. When you connect several networks using IP addresses and a router, the set up is referred to as an internetwork.
The router is used to send relevant data throughout the small networks, eliminating the old process of broadcasting unnecessary data to those networks that don't need it. This process speeds up network response time and keeps the networks connected.
The router successfully handles internetwork communication, packet filtering, packet switching, and path selection. Basically, the router selects the path to transmit the data packet among the internetwork (the connected networks). It uses logical addressing to switch packets in conjunction with the access lists, which are used to filter packets.
Switches, on the other hand, increase bandwidth and improve LAN performance and overall functionality. The switch enables the ability to change frames between the different ports in the network. Switches are used to set up a single broadcast domain.
Since network configurations vary from one to the other, differences in LAN designs occur. You need to realize that each networking system is different, requiring a set up that meets the specific needs of the business. A background in Cisco networking topics enables you to more fully understand the use of routers and switches, allowing you to configure a LAN to meet the needs of any business.
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