Evaluating switching hub architectures

Switching hubs are the ideal vehicle for segmenting local area networks (LANs) to improve performance, functionality and flexibility of the LAN system. LAN Ethernets traditionally are segmented into smaller networks with bridges, which delay packet communications. Switching hubs enhance the speed of a LAN by switching packets among ports up to the ports' full bandwidth, thus reducing delays. Switching hubs also support switched connections between LAN segments and workstations.
LAN performance, flexibility and functionality are largely affected by traffic and hub architecture. Here's how to make some choices about the latter. LANs start growing almost from the moment they're [...]