*SNIP*
>
> Switches are better. They reduce the collision domain for a
> given network
> segment, which results in less broadcasts going to each node
> - which in
> turn results in overall more efficient use of network bandwidth.
*SNIP*
Just a slight clarification here. Generic switches reduce the size of the
collision domain, not the broadcast domain. A Layer 2 switch will forward
all broadcast/multicasts out of all ports. It also will flood out of all
ports frames to ethernet addresses it hadn't heard from (or learned). Once
it learns where an ethernet address resides it forwards the frame to the
correct port only. Hence an N port switch can support N/2 flat out
full-duplex conversations. An N port hub is limited to the speed of
effectively one port.
As far as low-end switches I don't think there is much between them. It is
only once you get interested in SNMP management, stackability, support for
restricting multicast via IGMP snooping, Virtual LANs that there is
differentiation. (The big end of town really don't play anymore in switches
less than about $100 a port)
Martin
Martin Visser
Technology Consultant - Compaq Global Services
Compaq Computer Australia
410 Concord Road
Rhodes, Sydney NSW 2138
Australia
Phone: +61-2-9022-5630
Mobile: +61-411-254-513
Fax:+61-2-9022-7001
Email:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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