Switches have evolved as crucial components in the growth of LANs, addressing critical networking challenges. Let's take a closer look at why switches are so important in modern networks and their primary characteristics and functions.
Switches are implemented in LANs to separate networks into segments or collision domains. In the early days of LANs, devices shared the same media, resulting in frequent collisions and poor efficiency. Switches at the link layer transformed LANs by segmenting networks and eliminating collisions.'
They are fundamental to ensuring the smooth functioning of LANs and also essential for providing effective data transfer by allowing many devices to interact simultaneously while adapting to varied media rates.
Switches have become essential in modern networks due to their key features, such as high port density, large frame buffers, and fast internal switching. These qualities make switches vital in today's network infrastructure and responsible for seamless network communications.
For instance, switches ensure that each connected device receives data only when required, reducing network congestion and facilitating smooth communication between computers, printers, and other devices in a busy office environment.