Using Network Switches In LAN

The use of network switches in LANs, local area networks avert the collision of data packets and also maximizes transmission speed as well as bandwidth allocation. Using network switches in LAN provides good quality substitution to a network hub and also helps to sort of issues related with expanding networks.

LAN, as we know is a type of computer network which is supposed to cover a geographically limited area like home, office, small group of buildings like schools and airport etc., home, department, or building. However, in some special cases, though, a LAN can be used to connect networks in neighboring buildings. Technically speaking the network switches in LAN function at the second layer of the standard networking model.

There are multiple nodes available in LANs which are generally desktop computer systems and servers which are interconnected with the help of LAN cables or through a wireless router in order to communicate with each other and also to share common resources.

In general, the network switches in LAN looks quite similar to network hubs, however, the use of network switches in LAN is considered to be a better technology as compared to using hubs. This is because of the fact that unlike hubs, network switches in LAN are laced with an ability of inspecting data packets when they are received and also figuring out the source and destination device of each packet, and directing them to the appropriate destinations.

Thus, we see that using network switches in LAN helps in conserving the bandwidth and overall better performance as compared to a hub by ensuring that messages are delivered only to the intended connected device on the network.

The mainstream LAN switches support either 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) standards. There are various kinds of different models of network switches in LAN that can which hold up conflicting numbers of connected devices. An interesting fact to know about network switches in LAN is that majority of the consumer-grade network switches offer either four or eight connections for Ethernet devices.