Data Communications Networking Devices - 4th Ed.pdf

602 ________________________________________________ LAN INTERNETWORKING DEVICESFigure 5.43The connection of Token-Ring MAUs forms a star±ring topologya total of 96 devices. The average slice of bandwidth available for each device istherefore 10 Mbps/96 or approximately 104 kbps. Note that although each devicetransits and receives data at the LAN operating rate of 10 Mbps, their average datatransfer capability is approximately 104 kbps since each device must compete with95 other devices to obtain access to the network. Similarly, a 96-node Token-Ringnetwork would result in each device attached to that network having an averagedata transfer capability of 4 Mbps or 16 Mbps divided by 96, depending upon theoperating rate of the network. This means that over a period of time the addition ofnetwork users, the introduction of one or more graphic-based applications, orgrowth in the use of current applications can result in a severely taxed network.When this type of situation occurs, you can consider a variety of techniques toenhance network performance, including network segmentation through the use ofa bridge or router, migrating your existing infrastructure to a different and higheroperating rate technology, or employing LAN switches.Switching operationsThe development of LAN switches has its foundation, like many other areas ofmodern communications, in telephone technology. Shortly after the telephone was