Ethernet switches, also known as bridges, are basic building blocks of networks, and are so commonly used that you may not give them a second thought. It’s possible to build networks without knowing very much about how switches work. However, when you build larger network systems, it helps to understand both what goes on inside a switch and how the standards make it possible for switches to w…
This is a book about Ethernet, a local area network (LAN) technology that allows you to connect a variety of computers together with a low-cost and extremely flexible network system. Virtually every computer manufacturer today supports Ethernet, and this broad support, coupled with its low cost and high flexibility, are major reasons for Ethernet's popularity. This book provides a comprehensiv…