just to make sure i got this clear, bridging and switchs

unwashed potato! · 27 Apr 2008 at 17:10

ok so for homework i have to replace an offices old network which previously used hubs with switches and then explain what they do, benefits, etc, seems basic i know but this course is for plonkers.

anyway now also have to explain bridging and lan segmentation but a little confused as to how i'd add bridging to a network using switch's as afaik bridging was a very similar alternative to switches and not something that could be added to them.

have i got it wrong? can someone explain this to me if so?

thanks

rick827 · 27 Apr 2008 at 17:25

Switches are essentially multi port bridges. They receive a frame, check the destination mac address and decide which direction to send it (which port to forward on). Same as a bridge but with lots of ports.

Back when switches were new you'd have a large network based of hubs, eventually it would become too large and collisions would get too frequent and impact performance. To solve the issue you'd buy a bridge to separate (segment) the hub'd networks, giving you 2 (small) collision segments. this would have a couple of ports, 1 for each segment. Now we have switches all over, every link is a separate collision domain

unwashed potato! · 27 Apr 2008 at 17:32

rick827 said:
Switches are essentially multi port bridges. They receive a frame, check the destination mac address and decide which direction to send it (which port to forward on). Same as a bridge but with lots of ports.

Back when switches were new you'd have a large network based of hubs, eventually it would become too large and collisions would get too frequent and impact performance. To solve the issue you'd buy a bridge to separate (segment) the hub'd networks, giving you 2 (small) collision segments. this would have a couple of ports, 1 for each segment. Now we have switches all over, every link is a separate collision domain

so a switch is basically a type of bridge?

very odd then as i have been asked to explain bridge and lan segmantation so i'm lost as to why.

thanks again

Laser402 · 27 Apr 2008 at 22:04

By explaining 'Bridging' and 'LAN segmentation' you are explaining what a switch does, I assume they are just seeing if you know how a switch works?